There are many ways to reduce plastic use at home! Often times we use plastic, but don’t realize it. I actually took out a sheet of paper and made a little mark every time I used plastic throughout the day. Although it wasn’t horrible, it was still too much. The most common offender was plastic wrap & wrap tupperware type containers. Thankfully these are easy fixes!
Here are a few ideas to get you started, with some eco-friendly products available
In the Kitchen:
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Ditch disposable water bottles: Invest in a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. This will save you money and plastic waste. Consider a stainless steel bottle like the Hydro Flask 21 oz Standard Mouth Water Bottle they are durable and will keep your water cold for hours.
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Store food in reusable containers: Instead of using plastic wrap or baggies, use glass or stainless steel containers for leftovers and storing dry goods. Glass jars like these Pyrex Simply Store 16-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set are versatile and easy to clean.
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Wrap food with beeswax wraps: Beeswax wraps are a natural and reusable alternative to plastic wrap. They come in various sizes and can be used to wrap cheese, fruit, vegetables, and more. Bee’s Wrap Assorted Variety Pack is a popular option. We really like these for there style as well.
- Reusable snack bags by Tiny Twinkle 5 Pack Reusable Snack Bags – Machine Washable, PFAS, PVC, BPA, Phthalate-Free Reusable Baby and Toddler Food Safe Snack Bags
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Buy in bulk whenever possible: This can help reduce the amount of packaging you use. Just be sure to store food in airtight containers to prevent spoilage. Like these BPA, and plastic free bags.
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Produce bags: Instead of using plastic produce bags at the grocery store, bring your own reusable mesh produce bags. These are lightweight and easy to wash.
In the Bathroom:
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Switch to bar soap: Bar soap is a great way to reduce plastic waste from soap dispensers. Look for castile soap which is versatile and can be used for handwashing, showering, and even shaving. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is a popular brand that comes in many scents.
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Shampoo bars: Shampoo bars are another great way to reduce plastic waste. They can last just as long as a bottle of shampoo and don’t require any plastic packaging. Ethique Heigh Ho! Conditioning Shampoo Bar () is a highly-rated option.
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Safety razor: Safety razors are a more sustainable option than disposable razors. They use replaceable blades, which can be recycled, and the razor itself can last for many years. Merkur 34C HD Heavy Duty Double Edge Safety Razor is a popular safety razor.
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Menstrual cup: Menstrual cups are a reusable alternative to tampons and pads. They are made of silicone and can last for many years. Lena Menstrual Cup is a widely used menstrual cup.
Other areas:
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Use reusable shopping bags: This is a simple way to reduce plastic bag use. Look for bags made from recycled materials or natural fibers like cotton or hemp.
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Coffee filters: Instead of using disposable coffee filters, consider a reusable coffee filter. There are many types available, including metal filters and pour-over filters.
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Food storage covers: Instead of using plastic wrap to cover bowls of food, use reusable silicone covers. These come in various sizes and can be stretched to fit most containers.
By making small changes in your everyday habits, you can significantly reduce your plastic use at home.