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It’s no secret our world is drowning in plastic waste. Each year, about 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally, but only a fraction is recycled. Half of that 300 million tons goes into single-use plastic.
It’s almost impossible to escape plastic completely, but we can make changes in our daily habits to reduce our plastic waste. Read on for some easy-to-adopt strategies for using less plastic in your daily life.
1. Bring Your Own Bags
Every year, we use about one trillion single-use plastic bags globally. The average lifespan of a plastic shopping bag is a mere 12 seconds, but it can take up to 1,000 years for that plastic bag to decompose in a landfill.
By bringing your own reusable bags for grocery shopping and other errands, you can significantly cut down on this waste. Reusable bags are not only eco-friendly but also sturdier and can hold more items.
Keep in mind, too, that you don’t have to wrap loose fruits and vegetables in additional plastic bags. You can bring cloth bags for these items or simply don’t wrap them up at all.
2. Carry a Refillable Water Bottle
Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles every year, contributing massively to plastic waste. Using a refillable water bottle will help reduce this number. Plus, it will save you money in the long run.
Stainless steel or glass bottles are durable and free from harmful chemicals often found in plastic bottles. Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle with you when you go out and about.
You might also use a home water filter to remove PFAS and purify your water before you drink it.
3. Say No to Plastic Straws
Americans use 390 million straws or more every single day. Plastic straws are among the top items found during beach cleanups. Switching to a reusable straw made of stainless steel, bamboo, or glass can drastically reduce this waste. Or if you don’t need a straw, simply refuse one when offered.
4. Use Glass or Metal Food Containers
Plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals like BPA into your food. They’re also not as durable as their glass or metal counterparts. Using glass or metal food storage containers is safer for your health and better for the environment. Plus, these containers often keep your food fresher for longer.
5. Buy in Bulk
Buying items in bulk can reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste. For example, if you buy a large bag of rice instead of several small ones, you’re using fewer plastic wrappers. Many stores offer bulk bins where you can fill your own reusable containers, making it easier to buy only what you need and reduce waste.
6. Opt for Bulk Toiletries
Just like with food, buying toiletries in bulk can significantly reduce plastic packaging. Look for stores that offer bulk purchases for items like soap, lotion, and toothpaste. Bring your own containers to fill up, and you’ll cut down on a lot of unnecessary packaging.
7. Choose a Bamboo Toothbrush
A whopping one billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded annually in the U.S. Bamboo toothbrushes are a better alternative. They’re biodegradable and function just as well as their plastic counterparts. They’re prettier, too!
That’s not to say that you should trash your plastic toothbrush if it’s still functional. But when the time comes to replace it, consider switching to bamboo.
8. Avoid Microbeads
Microbeads, commonly found in personal care products like face wash, are tiny plastic particles that end up polluting water bodies and harming marine life. Look for products that use natural exfoliants and avoid any that contain polyethylene or polypropylene, which indicate the presence of plastic microbeads. This small change can have a big impact on the health of our oceans.
9. Shop Second-hand
Purchasing second-hand saves old clothes from landfills while reducing the need for new products and all their plastic packaging. Thrift shopping can be fun and rewarding, giving you the chance to find unique items while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. Remember to bring your cloth tote bag to carry any purchases!
10. Embrace Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags
Ditch the disposable plastic sandwich bags and opt for reusable ones instead. Reusable snack bags, made of materials like silicone or fabric, are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. They come in various sizes and designs, making them perfect for school lunches or office snacks.
Beeswax wraps also make a great alternative to cling film or plastic wrap. Beeswax wraps are reusable, washable, and biodegradable. They can be used to wrap sandwiches, cover bowls, or wrap leftover fruits and vegetables. They mold to food or containers with the warmth of your hands, creating a seal that keeps food fresh.
11. Switch to Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent
Traditional laundry detergents often come in big plastic jugs that can’t be recycled. Fortunately, there are plastic-free laundry detergent options in the form of detergent strips, pods, powder in cardboard boxes, and laundry sheets.
These alternatives are just as effective and often more concentrated, meaning you use less per wash. Plus, they’re usually made with fewer chemicals, making them better for the environment and your health.
If you use dryer sheets, consider biodegradable options or reusable alternatives, such as wool dryer balls.
12. Use a Plastic-Free Coffee Maker or Tea Kettle
For many of us, coffee is a must-have for starting the day. Plastic coffee makers and pods can be a source of unnecessary plastic waste, so consider using plastic-free coffee makers like French presses, ceramic drip cones, or percolators. Pair these with a reusable coffee filter or biodegradable paper filters to make your morning wake-up ritual more sustainable.
For heating up water for your morning brew or making a cup of tea, consider a plastic-free tea kettle.
13. Pick Eco-Friendly Personal Care Products
Many personal care products, like shampoos and conditioners, come in plastic bottles. Consider switching to bar versions of these products or refillable options. Bar soaps, shampoos, and conditioners are often packaged in paper or are package-free. You can also look for companies that offer refill stations or returnable containers to minimize plastic use.
14. Choose Wooden, Metal, or Silicone Cooking Utensils
When you need new cooking utensils, opt for wooden, metal, or silicone ones over plastic utensils. Unlike their plastic counterparts, these materials won’t leach chemicals into your food at high temperatures. Plus, they last longer, so they’re less likely to end up in landfills. There are also a lot of great plastic-free non-toxic dinnerware sets for toddlers and kids.
15. Use Cloth Diapers and Wipes
For those with young children, consider using cloth diapers and wipes instead of disposable ones. You can wash and reuse cloth diapers, greatly reducing the amount of plastic waste generated over time.
16. Select Wooden or Bamboo Children’s Toys
Instead of plastic toys, opt for toys made from sustainable materials like wood or bamboo. These materials are better for the environment, more durable, and have a timeless appeal.
17. Wear Natural Fiber Clothing
Many clothes and accessories are made from synthetic fibers, which are essentially plastics. Next time you need to go clothes shopping, considering opting for natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp. These materials are biodegradable and generally more sustainable than their synthetic counterparts.
18. Opt for a Plastic-Free Phone Case
Consider buying a phone case made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, or biodegradable plastics. This small change can help reduce your plastic footprint while keeping your phone protected.
19. Consider Using Period Underwear or Menstrual Cups
The products you use during your period are a personal choice. If it works for you, though, you can reduce plastic waste by opting for reusable options like period underwear or menstrual cups. If you prefer tampons, consider organic ones with cardboard applicators instead of plastic ones.
20. Avoid Single-Use Plastic Cutlery
Just say no to single-use plastic forks and knives that immediately get thrown out after you use them one time. If you’re heading to a picnic or other situation where this might be an issue, carry a reusable cutlery set made of bamboo or metal in your bag for eating on the go.
21. Choose Plastic-Free Greeting Cards and Wrapping Paper
Many greeting cards and wrapping papers contain plastic that gets thrown out immediately after the recipient opens their gift. Look for options made from recycled paper or materials like fabric for wrapping gifts, and send digital e-cards or make your own cards from recycled materials.
Small Steps, Big Impact
There you have it – 21 straightforward ways to reduce your plastic waste. Remember, it’s all about taking small steps and making changes that fit into your lifestyle. Every plastic bottle you don’t buy, every bag you reuse, and every plastic straw you turn down adds up to a bigger difference than you might think.
Keep it simple, do what you can, and enjoy the journey towards a cleaner, greener world.
