50 Ways to Reduce Plastic Use

The other day I heard someone say that every single plastic toothbrush you’ve ever owned is
still sitting in a landfill and will likely still be there when your grandchildren’s grandchildren have
grandchildren. Gross, y’all. There has to be a better way than this. According to one study, Americans consume enough microplastics per week to make up an actual credit card. We are all so full of microplastics and no one even knows what it’s doing to our bodies or our ecosystems. Studies can’t even be conducted on it because there isn’t a living creature on earth that isn’t full of microplastics that can be used as a control subject. Babies are born full of microplastics. It’s in
our soil and water sources. We may not be able to change the world, but I myself can make a
commitment to do better as an individual. Making an effort to reduce your plastic consumption would make a great resolution for your family in the new year. Today I’m sharing 50 easy ideas to reduce plastic use, and I hope you’ll join me in putting some of these to good use.

Reduce Plastic Use in the Kitchen

1. Make your own bread to reduce plastic bread bags. My husband bought me
   reusable bread bags similar to these as a gift and I love them!
2. Purchase glass or stainless food storage containers instead of plastic. I love storing
   leftovers in my glass mason jars!
3. Switch to reusable water bottles.
4. Never use disposable plastic straws. Use paper instead or carry your own reusable stainless steel instead.
5. Make nut milk at home to offset plastic waste. This is the machine I use. I prepare my cashew milk for the week each Sunday and store it in glass mason jars in the refrigerator.
6. Avoid single use plastic silverware. Use wooden disposable instead or carry your own
   reusable.
7. Grow your own herbs rather than purchasing herbs from the grocery store in plastic
   containers.
8. Make your own yogurt and reduce the waste of individual plastic yogurt cups.
9. Use cloth towels and napkins. Even though paper towels and napkins are
   biodegradable, their plastic packaging is not.
10. Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap or plastic food storage bags.
11. Prepare homemade snacks in reusable containers.
12. Buy milk in glass bottles.
13. Avoid single serve products. Buy in bulk instead.
14. Buy loose-leaf teas and use a tea infuser. Many tea bags contain microplastics that
    don’t break down.
15. Compost food waste in order to reduce reliance on plastic trash bags. You can find my basics on composting here.
16. Use a French press or pour over to replace individual coffee pods.
17. Buy eggs in cardboard cartons, or purchase from a local egg farmer and return your
    cartons when finished with them.
18. Prepare homemade ice cream to avoid plastic tubs.
19. Prepare your own salad dressing and store in a glass bottle.

In the Bathroom

1. Choose bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner in paper or cardboard packaging instead of
   liquid that comes in plastic packaging.
2. Purchase hairbrushes and combs made from natural products.
3. Use a safety razor instead of a disposable razor or a razor with refillable heads.
4. Switch to wooden or bamboo toothbrushes with natural bristles. These are my favorite, and they’re even more cost-effective than their plastic counterparts.
5. Use fabric instead of plastic shower curtain. Opting for one made with natural fibers
   makes washing easy.
6. Use toothpaste with plastic-free containers. This is my favorite brand, and they use glass containers. They even have fluoride-free options!

When Shopping and Dining Out

1. Shop at your local farmers markets and bring your own reusable cloth bags. Most
   farmers don’t package using plastic.
2. When eating at a restaurant, bring your own containers for leftovers.
3. Carry a reusable mug for takeaway drinks.
4. Use reusable produce bags instead of plastic ones. Some produce items don’t even
   need a bag.
5. Bring reusable bags at the grocery store or ask for paper.

Tips for Making Plastic-Free Cleaning Choices

1. Make your own cleaning products and store them in reusable containers to reduce
   plastic waste.
2. Choose cloth over sponges. Cloths can be washed for multiple uses and aren’t normally
   packaged with plastic.
3. Choose cleaning brushes made with natural fibers rather than plastic.
4. Use a wooden or metal drying rack instead of using a dryer with plastic parts.
5. Use concentrated laundry detergent instead of detergent that comes in a plastic tub.
   This is my favorite and it comes in recyclable aluminum packaging. It’s super concentrated and lasts forever! I pour about a tablespoon into the tiny silicone cup that comes in their starter kit, then toss the cup into the detergent dispenser. The machine cleans every bit out. I buy refills as needed. This company also makes a fantastic powdered dishwasher detergent that comes in paper packaging with a wooden spoon. You can find it here.

Reduce Plastic Use Around the House

1. Use rechargeable batteries.
2. Choose wooden or metal hangers.
3. Use cloth diapers for your baby.
4. Choose refillable pens instead of disposable ones.
5. Choose paper instead of plastic tape.
6. Repair instead of replacing. Fix broken items instead of buying new items with plastic
   parts.
7. Thrift Christmas décor instead of buying new. Or try some handmade decorations!
8. Switch to digital subscriptions of magazines and newspapers to reduce plastic
   packaging.
9. Purchase or grow real pumpkins instead of using plastic pumpkins for fall decorations.
10. Opt for items packaged in cardboard over plastic.
11. Switch to a refillable lighter instead of disposable ones.
12. Use an e-reader rather than purchasing books that are filled with microplastics and
    delivered using plastic packaging. As a bonus, an entire library of books fits in the palm
    of your hand, contributing to minimalism!
13. Choose natural fiber clothing rather than synthetics, which are made of spun plastics. I
    always opt for 100% cotton, linen, wool or leather whenever possible.
14. Choose wooden toys instead of plastic ones for children. Or even better, gift an
    experience instead of clutter!
15. Be mindful of which companies use paper packaging only and reward their eco-
    consciousness with being a loyal customer. Plastic tape can take decades to
    decompose in landfill. If your favorite company uses plastic packaging, give them
    feedback on why you prefer paper instead.

Since I’ve been phasing out plastic items (and clothing!), my home feels so much more high end and sustainable. I love finding ways to reuse glass jars and containers. What other ways are you reducing plastic use in your home?

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