Where to find reusables
FINDING REUSABLES
Here’s a map of places where you can buy most reusables, including straws, cups, fabric bags, bottles and lunch-boxes. Please let me know if you have updates on what’s available and where.
Before buying reusables however, first see if you can’t refuse and reduce any single-use items you are offered. When you order a drink, ask for it without a straw: “choris kalamaki.” Also refuse plastic bags, and bring your own bottle and lunch-box for take-away food. And while reusable straws are great, first think if you really need one at all. You’ll find some more tips for refusing and reducing below.
Straws. If you decide you really do need a straw, try the real thing: there is straw all over Paros and it’s free.
Bottles. At restaurants that sell drinks in glass bottles, ask if they will give you one rather than throwing it in their recycling bin. I asked at Cuore Rosso in Paroika and they were happy to do it. At AB or any kitchen shop, you can get a cheap glass bottle that you can reuse time and time again.
Bags. Start by trying to find second-hand bags or make them yourself from any pieces of old fabric you have lying around And if you don’t like to sew, you can always buy them from Verna at Upcycled Antiparos. Even better, all the profits go to help refugees in Lesbos.
Cups. Why buy a reusable cup at all when a simple glass jar is probably enough?
If you have already bought reusable items, then what’s important is that you go on reusing them. But if you haven’t bought any reusables yet, natural materials are always better than synthetics.
Do Buy
Stainless steel is a great investment because it lasts forever, can be recycled over and over, and doesn’t leach chemicals into your food or drink.
Glass is also good because it’s a material that can be recycled forever and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals.
Ceramic can be used until they break, but probably aren’t recyclable. Buy locally-made items where possible.
Avoid
Plastics. A lot of brands don’t use harmful BPA anymore, but for now we’re really not sure about whether any of the replacements are really a healthier choice. Also plastic can only be recycled once or twice, if at all, so eventually it will end up as landfill.
Bamboo Bamboo is not always as sustainable as it looks. Most bamboo coffee cups also contain melamine, which is a plastic, are only partially biodegradable or compostable, if at all, and contain potentially harmful dyes. Click here to see the latest studies on “biodegradable” and greenwashing.
Lids Most supposedly reusable takeaway cups still contain some plastic or silicone because they need a sealable lid and something to guard against burns, and in general silicone isn’t recyclable.
