Living a plastic-free life in this day and age is not impossible, but it’s not easy either. If you have decided to make an effort to reduce plastic consumption this year, keep in mind that baby steps are everything. You are not going to go from living a life filled with plastic products to not using a bit of plastic in a day. The important thing is to be mindful of your contribution and help educate yourself and others on the environmental dangers of this harmful substance.
Note: It is critical to use what you have first before going out and buying something new to help increase your “sustainability.” Even if you are buying a trendy metal straw or a cute grocery bag to ditch single-use plastic products, these things still required energy to be made. Not using a straw at all and using an old tote bag that you already have would be just as effective. The important thing is finding the balance, reusing things, and making slow, sustainable, lasting change in your life.
Invest in reusable containersSingle-use plastic products such as coffee shop cups, zip lock bags, grocery bags, and water bottles are some of the worse contributors to the growing plastic problem. Repurpose glass containers or use mason jars to pack your lunch instead of baggies. Carry fabric shopping bags to the grocery store to cut down on your waste and prevent contributing hundreds of bags to the landfills every year.
Water bottlesWhile you may think that bottled water is safer than tap water, the truth is, many bottled water companies simply source their water from the very taps you are so afraid to drink out of, with minimal to no extra filtering. Investing in a reusable water bottle and refilling it, instead of relying on plastic water bottles, is clearly a better choice for the environment and your wallet. While it may not seem like plastic water bottles are a huge issue, over 60 million end up in landfills every day. Every day. Do your part and stay hydrated responsibly.
Avoid strawsYou’ll be surprised at how easy it is to avoid straws. When you hit up your local coffee shop with your refillable thermos for your weekly iced coffee, simply whip out the metal or silicone straw that you keep in your car and politely ask the barista not to include one in your drink. Many restaurants are now asking if you want a straw, so simply say no and go without. It is a small step, but a monumental one.
CosmeticsAlong with the kitchen, one of the biggest culprits of plastic is the bathroom. Between lotion, shampoo bottles, and toothpaste tubes, you may not even realize how much of your plastic use comes from the bathroom. Consider making your own toothpaste, buying lotion in glass jars that can be reused, and using shampoo bars instead of liquids. This change has the added benefit of helping improve your health and limits your exposure to toxic chemicals.
Smart shoppingAs mentioned above, switching to reusable grocery bags is one of the first steps towards a more sustainable, plastic-free lifestyle. But what about all of those little produce bags or the endless plastic condiment containers and wrappers that seem to fill up your cart? The truth is, going completely plastic-free, especially when it comes to groceries is incredibly challenging, and it will take some time and practice. Learn where you can buy in bulk and bring your own recycled containers that you can weigh beforehand. Purchase reusable produce bags to keep your fruits and veggies protected and shop locally whenever possible.
Switch up the cleanersLike most of the tips on this list, switching your cleaners to a more natural solution has a dual purpose. Decreasing your plastic footprint and limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals. Vinegar (which you can buy in glass bottles) is a natural disinfectant and antibacterial agent, while baking soda (comes in a cardboard box) provides all of the gentle scouring you could ever need. Mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oils, and you’re good to go.
Ditch frozen microwave mealsWhile the laundry list of toxic chemicals in prepackaged frozen meals is impressively horrifying, even more concerning is the amount of plastic that goes into creating these preserved convenience foods. Think about it; the cardboard box is lined in plastic, the tray, and the film. All plastic. Stop buying these meals and focus on healthy home-cooking and meal prep instead.
Laundry detergentDepending on the size of your family and how often you do laundry, you may be going through a large jug of laundry detergent every few weeks. This is usually an incredibly thick, plastic container that will take hundreds of years to decompose. Switch to soap nuts, or make your own laundry powder for an equally effective, less harmful option.
Food storageWhether you ask for a takeout container in a restaurant or wrap your leftovers in plastic wrap, you are still using unnecessary plastic that could be avoided. Choose instead to bring your own glass Tupperware to a restaurant if you suspect you won’t be able to finish your meal and use beeswax wraps or containers to store leftovers at home.
