As someone who is passionate about the environment, my impact and influence on it is super important to me and something I think about every day. Did you know that the average American produces about 4.4 pounds of trash (the global average is 2.6 pounds) every day?!

Ever since watching this video on how little trash this woman Lauren Singer produced in two years, I’ve been inspired to do the same. Yet, it’s easier said than done, though I’m making the effort. I carry around my own reusable utensils, and I’m one of the few students who uses an Eco-Tray at Santa Clara University, let alone knows what an Eco-Tray actually is.

(Basically, Eco-Trays are reusable to-go containers that you can buy for 5 dining points. After you’re done eating your food, you return the tray to the cashier, and they’ll give you a keychain, that you then exchange for a tray the next time you want food to-go! They’re an easy, sustainable way to minimize your waste at SCU and you don’t have to pay 25 cents for a to-go container every time you get food to-go.)

I’m lucky enough to go to a school that values sustainability, and we have compost and recycling bins placed throughout campus. Nonetheless, being mindful about waste is still a challenge I face every day. I decided to compile a list of all the things I used and threw out from Friday and Saturday (an average school day + an average day on the weekend) with the hope that I can be more sustainable and mindful of my waste. I hope this inspires you to do the same. (Note: I had no intention of writing this blog beforehand, so there’s no bias in me being more sustainable than average.)

Day 1:

1. Contact lens packaging — Landfill + Recycle
2. Sandwich paper wrapper + toothpick — Landfill
3. 5 paper napkins — Compost
4. Paper plate — Compost
5. Old flyers and school notes — Recycle
6. The Cheesecake Factory container — Recycle
7. Hair — Landfill
8. 2 wipes — Landfill
9. Contact lens — Landfill (They’re single-use contacts, so, unfortunately, I throw out a pair of lenses into the landfill every day.)

Day 2:

1. Contact lens packet — Landfill + Recycle
2. 3 paper napkins — Compost
3. 15 sheets of paper towels — Landfill
4. Dryer lint — Landfill
5. 1 tissue — Landfill
6. Hair — Landfill
7. 3 wipes — Landfill
8. Contact lens — Landfill

Things I did right for the earth:

• I used reusable dishes and plates for almost all of my meals this weekend (The exception was a BBQ I went to where they only had paper plates available. HOWEVER, I did have my reusable fork that I carry around.)
• I wiped down my area at the gym with a towel instead of compostable single-use paper towels.
• I ate all my food or saved leftovers, so none of it was wasted.
• I brought a reusable bag to Target so I didn’t have to use a paper or plastic bag.

Improvements I can make for the future:

• Instead of using 3 plastic bags provided at Sprout’s Market for holding my dried fruit and nut snacks, I can bring my own mason jars (and they’re also more aesthetically pleasing so I should really invest in these) to hold the snacks.
• I can ask the dining staff to put my sandwich in an Eco-Tray instead of them wrapping the food in paper and holding it secure with a toothpick.
• I should be mindful of how much food I order at The Cheesecake Factory, so I don’t have to ask for a plastic to-go container and a plastic bag to hold leftovers.
• I should rent a free personal compost pail for my room, so I can compost more items (like paper towels), instead of throwing them out in the landfill bin.

Sure, it’s great that I’m making strides to minimize my trash. But this environmental movement is not just about me. This is a collective movement that requires the participation of EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. OF US. YES, YOU THERE! I think creating a trash blog and writing down every single thing you threw out, composted, or recycled is a great way to reflect on how much we consume everyday. Really, the power to save the earth is in our hands. I’m doing my part, now what about you?