12 Simple Ways to Live with Less Plastic

Plastic currently offers unmatched properties including versatility, durability and low cost, making it the preferred material of the modern economy. Sadly, one of its best qualities – its durability – is responsible for numerous environmental woes that currently persist. Some plastic material can take up to 600 years to break down. Thus, once produced, it BASICALLY lasts forever! Consequently, plastic is a huge contributor to waste piles in landfills, clogged drains, and ocean pollution. Several of these environmental issues can be avoided but depend on the choices we make. Here are some ideas on how you can reduce your plastic use.  

1. Walk with your reusable bottle.

Treat it like your purse and take it everywhere with you. Whether you’re going to the office, church, or simply running errands, it’s a good practice to bring your reusable bottle (and better if filled). This eliminates the need for bottled water and is one of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic consumption.

2. Refuse single-use plastic.

Avoid single-serving plastic packaging by refusing items such as plastic straws, utensils, bags, and other disposable packaging from stores and restaurants.

3. Carry your own cutlery.

Reduce the need for plastic disposable utensils by walking with your own reusable cutlery. Take your cutlery to work, takeout restaurants, or just about anywhere you’re going to eat.

4. Walk with reusable shopping bags (everywhere and for everything).

Take reusable shopping bags everywhere you shop – supermarket, pharmacy, beauty shop, bookstore – once you can name it, take it!

5. Buy loose produce. 

Forgoing pre-packaged produce for loose ones also creates an opportunity to reduce plastic packaging. Stop reaching for those disposable plastic produce bags provided for you at the supermarket! Walk with reusable produce bags to collect loose items. 

6. Cook more.

Preparing more of your meals can be beneficial on several fronts. By reducing takeout, plastic packaging and waste are reduced, it saves money, and facilitates healthier food choices as you determine the contents of your meals.

7. Replace bathroom bottles with bars.

Eliminate the need for unnecessary disposable plastic bottles by switching to bar soap for showers, shampoos (yes, shampoo bars are a thing), and handwashing.

8. Swap out plastic wrap for beeswax food wrap.

Beeswax food wraps are a more eco-friendly and economical alternative to plastic food wraps (there are several options on Amazon, haven’t yet seen it sold locally). They are washable, reusable, and biodegradable. Further, beeswax wraps keep foods like cheese and produce fresher for longer, thereby reducing spoilage.

9. Use reusable food storage bags.

There are several reusable alternatives to regular plastic resealable bags on the market. One such is a silicone food storage bag which is more durable and eco-friendly. Silicone bags can be washed and reused hundreds of times and thereby reduce plastic consumption, and will save you so many dollars over time.

10. DIY your household cleaner.

Several natural ingredients can be used to clean your homes including vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils. Make your own homemade cleaner and store it in a refillable spray bottle.

11. Buy in bulk.

Where possible and according to your needs, buy products in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging and plastic waste you accumulate. Grains, pasta, and other dried foods (such as beans and peas) are often sold in bulk and can be a great way to minimize packaging. This can also be a more economical way to shop. 

12. Invest in safety razors.

Ditch disposable plastic razors for a more durable safety razor where only the blades need replacing. Safety razors last longer, reduce waste, and saves you a few extra dollars every month.

These seemingly small moves add up and can make a huge and positive impact on the environment. Let me know what plastic-free moves you’re making today!