Have you ever heard of Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is an train — a time to acknowledge simply how a lot plastic waste we’re creating, and do one thing about it. In honor of the motion, and to be a part of the answer to plastic air pollution, I’ve put collectively some straightforward methods we are able to all cut back single-use plastic waste at house.
Whereas the modifications might sound small, they make a distinction.
Patterns are straightforward to fall into, and oftentimes will be even tougher to interrupt. It’s my objective that can assist you determine straightforward methods to lower the quantity of plastic you utilize. I perceive that typically sustainability practices can appear overwhelming — Wright here do you start? Are you doing sufficient? Can you actually make a distinction?
The reality is that YES, you may make a distinction.
Every single-use plastic you don’t use or throw away is one much less piece of plastic not getting discarded into the landfills or the oceans. And small modifications daily add as much as huge modifications.
Whilst you don’t must create an enormous composting pile in your yard (except you need to)—there are different issues you are able to do to scale back your environmental impression and be environmentally aware at house.
As soon as you start to implement little modifications, they change into recurring, and shortly sufficient you’re a part of the change. Suppose you will get on board with that?
So, the place do you begin? Consider your groceries, home goods, magnificence merchandise, meals objects (takeout containers, espresso cups, issues wrapped in plastic). When you determine the place you’re utilizing plastic, it’s a lot simpler to seek out options.
Listed below are straightforward methods to modify to plastic-free options!
At the Grocery Retailer
You may truly ditch the plastic produce luggage they supply on the market, and easily current your fruits and veggies sans baggie (be sure that to present them an excellent wash when you get house!).
Alternatively, should you like having your objects all grouped collectively in luggage, go for reusable ones. I really like these reusable mesh produce bags as a result of they’re sturdy, you possibly can throw them within the wash, they usually’re sheer sufficient so the register can learn the product labels simply by way of the bag.
All the time, at all times, at all times deliver your personal reusable bags to bundle up your items to take house!
Net String Bags
I really like selecting up canvas luggage from numerous locations as a memento and utilizing these after I’m on the market. Alternatively, these internet string procuring luggage are enjoyable!
Glass Containers with Tare Weight
Reduce out the plastic bag with regards to bulk objects. Getting granola, chocolate lined almonds, or different dry items?
Reusable Mesh Bags
In case you wish to bundle up your items on the market, these reusable mesh produce luggage scan by way of simply and will be washed in your laundry.
Store Native as A lot as Attainable
Take into account heading to your native farmers’ market extra usually, too! Whenever you store regionally, most objects will not be wrapped in plastic to start with!
Seek for your local CSA—brief for Neighborhood Help Agriculture—so you possibly can assist small, native farms. They may even supply a weekly produce field.
Make What You Can at Residence
Some merchandise that you just purchase on the retailer (and include a ton of packaging) can fairly simply be made at house and saved in your personal glass containers. Just a few of my faves to make at house are:
How I Make Plant-Based mostly Milk at Residence
(for Solely $0.50!)
I choose to go for different milk over dairy for a number of causes: much less waste, fewer chemical substances, and general higher digestion, as well.
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Magnificence + Grooming
Dental Hygiene
This little factor that you just do daily can usually be ignored with regards to implementing a change — but it surely’s a fairly straightforward one at that! Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and even the single-use flossing picks can all be switched out for extra sustainable and virtually plastic-free variations.
I like utilizing Davids Toothpaste — it is available in a metallic tube, and whereas the cap is plastic, it’s quite a bit much less plastic than most manufacturers. Options to this are toothpaste tablets or toothpaste in glass jars.
Skincare
Many firms package deal skincare and like merchandise in plastic containers. In case you can consciously make the choice to not assist these firms or purchase these merchandise —that’s an enchancment!
Go for glass containers or ones made with recyclable supplies for a extra sustainable choice.
Some firms have made the transition to glass containers and nonetheless use plastic lids, and whereas it’s not 100%, it’s nonetheless an enchancment. Listed below are a number of merchandise that are available in recyclable packaging (some are even fully zero-waste!).
Shaving
Whereas it can price extra upfront than disposable razors, you possibly can go for one thing with longevity like this metal razor.
Useful Tip:
Interval Merchandise
Menstrual cups are a game-changer! These cool little cups will be reused for years and also you simply want one to be lined on your total interval.
In case you’ve by no means used one, you’ll be pleasantly stunned at how straightforward and clear they’re.
Simply insert it then empty as wanted. You may put on it for as much as 12 hours at a time. They’re straightforward to scrub and prepare for fast reuse.
Luna Cup, OrganiCup, and Saalt are a few of the hottest manufacturers. Nonetheless, there’s a vary of choices on the market and also you would possibly discover that one sort is best than one other for you!
Interval panties are one other must-try! Thinx is a extremely cool idea that may change tampons or liners. Every pair of panties can maintain as much as 4 tampons’ price. And don’t fear—it doesn’t really feel such as you’re carrying a diaper.
They’re tremendous straightforward to make use of, zero waste, and essentially the most comfy choice should you’re not a fan of conventional menstrual merchandise.
Trash Luggage
Trash luggage are one of many best switches to make!
Compostable Trash Bags
These trash luggage are biodegradable, constructed from plant supplies, and are licensed compostable within the US & Europe. There are a selection of sizes, too!
Water Bottles + Espresso Cups
Do you may have a reusable water bottle? If not, have you ever thought-about what number of plastic bottles you undergo in a day…per week? Is the backseat of your automotive a graveyard of half-empty bottles?
Reusable water bottles are the place it’s at!
Hydro Flask
I really like how Hydro Flasks maintain the contents of the bottle chilly (or sizzling!).
Reusable Espresso Cup
On the observe of reusable bottles, getting a reusable espresso cup is a superb change, too!
Whereas some locations/cafés may not enable this for security and well being causes, different locations extremely encourage it. On the very least, you possibly can retailer your espresso or tea within the reusable mug with espresso from house whenever you’re on the go!
Straws + Utensils
Plastic-free straws are having a moment and I am here for it! Plastic straws really are no good and there are so many alternatives: stainless steel straws, colorful silicone straws, bamboo straws.
Having a set of plastic-free straws at house, and a stashed-in-your-bag straw is a brilliant straightforward answer. Alongside along with your “bag straw,” you may as well have a set of on-the-go utensils, too.
Leftovers + Meals Storage
I switched to Stasher Bags instead of Ziploc baggies and use them daily. Whereas they’re costlier upfront than a field of Ziploc baggies, you find yourself saving within the long-run by not shopping for time and again. Plus they’re higher for the setting.
Do you are inclined to cowl leftovers with plastic wrap earlier than placing them within the fridge? You may change to reusable beeswax paper which works in simply as nicely but it surely’s sustainable!
For different meals storage: glass jars (like Mason Jars), or airtight stainless steel containers are implausible.
Stainless Steel Containers
Chrome steel can maintain chilly meals chilly and heat meals heat for longer. Plus, these containers nest for compact storage and are dishwasher secure.
Reusable Beeswax Paper
Sustainable, pure meals storage—this plastic-free and eco-friendly meals wrap holds its form when it colds, making a seal. So no want for single-use plastic! You may wash with cool water and delicate cleaning soap, then reuse time and time once more.
Stasher Bags
Neglect the single-use plastic baggies, these silicone ones are made for use time and time once more. They’re dishwasher, freezer, and microwave secure and are available in quite a lot of colours and sizes.
Closing Ideas
Package Free Shop is a superb useful resource with tons of plastic-free and package-free goodies so that you can make the change to!
Considered one of my favourite quotes is by Anne Marie Bonneau. She mentioned, “The world doesn’t want just a few individuals doing zero-waste completely. The world wants thousands and thousands of individuals doing it imperfectly.”
So, keep in mind this whenever you really feel such as you’re not doing *sufficient* or single-use plastic and air pollution looks as if an awesome downside which you could’t do something about. Each little bit helps and making these straightforward switches is an effective way to start out.
Do you may have any suggestions or recommendations with regards to ditching plastic? Know of higher options? I’d love to listen to within the feedback under!
