Our oceans — and our bodies! — are filling up with plastics. It’s estimated that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Plastics leach toxic chemicals into our bloodstream and also contain endocrine disruptors, which can lead to several health issues, infertility not the least of them.
Single-use plastic is a huge problem and while it seems overwhelming at first to try to tackle it, it can be done. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Ditch plastic shopping (and produce!) bags.
Don’t we all have a million promotional reusable shopping bags lying around the house? Consolidate your promotional reusable shopping bags into one for your car trunk. For produce bags, Trader Joe’s works well. ALSO: don’t put your grocery bags in your municipal/curbside recycling bin. Instead, bring them back to a major grocery store or retailer, which often has recycling bins right in front.
Ditch the plastic water bottles.
I don’t know about you but it’s been easier than ever to ditch single-use water bottles with the surge in popularity of reusable drinking vessels (looking at you, Stanley Cup!) Get one for each member of your family and refill with abandon.
Ditch the ziploc bags.
Invest in Stasher bags despite the cost—they’re worth it. Off-brands usually disappoint. Look for discounts at HomeGoods or Tuesday Morning, or watch Stasher’s site. You don’t have to buy them all at once; gradually reducing plastic waste is impactful.
Ditch plastic cutlery.
Opt out of the single-use plastic cutlery that comes with restaurant and take-out options. Instead, keep a set of reusable cutlery in your car or cooler and you’ll always be ready. When it comes to gatherings, either use the plastic you already have or use your regular silverware. Try this bamboo set.
Ditch the plastic straws.
Plastic straw waste was pretty buzzy a few years ago and for good reason — they are not biodegradable, they have the potential to harm wildlife, and they contribute to microplastic pollution. It’s easier than ever to buy a set of reusable straws for the whole family like this silicon set or these stainless steel ones. I like the silicone ones because they fit through any drinking vessel.
Ditch plastic food storage.
Did you know that when you put plastic in the microwave, toxins are leached into the food it’s heating? Not only that but toxins can be released into your food simply from storage. Try using glass containers (I like these from IKEA) or stainless steel containers. While you’re at it, you can ditch the saran wrap, too. Use silicone food huggers, aforementioned Stasher bags, or beeswax food wraps.
Ditch your plastic razor.
Several years ago, I came across safety razors. Our grandparents are probably very familiar with the product but the disposable alternative clearly reigns supreme. I quickly purchased a gorgeous rose gold razor with a dozen blades, and I will tell you something that no influencer hawking the newest it-razor can argue: it gives the best shave EVER. Options abound but I love mine from EcoRoots.
Ditch your plastic toothbrush.
Bamboo is the way to go, and if you compost, it can be tossed right in. And while you’re at it, refuse the dentist’s goodie bag at your next appointment. Oh, and while you’re at it, consider swapping your dental floss with a bamboo version like this.
Ditch plastic breast milk storage bags.
Yes, it can be done! Admittedly, this may not work for someone exclusively pumping but if you’re only pumping once or twice a day, consider using 4-ounce and 8-ounce Mason jars to store your breast milk. You can even buy bottle nipples (and other accessories) to fit right on the jar, eliminating the need for plastic bottles.
Utilize refillable cleaning products and/or plastic-free cleaning products.
I’m still working to reduce (and eliminate) plastic cleaning products. In the meantime, I’ve opted to purchase a big refill of the few remaining products instead of a new spray bottle each time. There are more and more plastic-free cleaning products popping up all the time, including Branch Basics and Meliora.
Utilize plastic-free bathing products.
About a year ago, I made the switch to shampoo and conditioner bars, and I will never go back. My hair tends to get greasy pretty quickly and I worried that bar shampoo simply would not work for me. I was happily wrong about this assumption and have tried several different types of shampoos/conditioners so far (ONE, TWO, THREE). Added bonus: when going through airport security, bar soaps don’t count as liquids.
Utilize reusable period products.
OK, here me out: reusable period products are really not as bad as you think. I’ve been using a period cup for the better part of a decade and any time I have to use a tampon (for whatever reason), I hate it compared to the cup. There are so many options on the market, including different sizes based on age and child birthing status (if you know, you know). And rather than using a pad or pantyliner, consider period undies. You can easily grab a pair on your next Target run but a quick online search proves the options are endless.
RECYCLE.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention recycling, not just our food containers and cans. So many recycling programs are popping up for particular things: cosmetics, coffee pods, athletic shoes, wine corks, etc. A quick Google search of “how to recycle (fill in the blank)” may surprise you with an easy solution.
Again, it’s important not to get so overwhelmed by the options that we do nothing.
Choose one or two things to focus on and incorporate into your daily life, and then once it’s second nature, choose another.
The world is drowning in plastic waste and while one person’s refusal to use will not a planet save, it does make a difference if we all pitch in together.
