cut plastic out of your life

10 Best Ways to Cut Plastic Out of Your Life

Cut plastic out of your life

Image by Space_Cat via iStock by Getty Images

We use plastic every day, so beginning to cut it out of your life can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are many options for reducing your single-use plastic consumption. Once you get started, it will become easier and easier to see where else you can make the switch from plastic waste to reusable products. 

Below are ten easy ways to cut plastic out of your life. Not only is this great for the environment, your bank account will also thank you. 

1. Reusable Water Bottle

Getting reusable water bottles keeps plastic out of landfills and saves you money. As an individual, you can keep an average of 156 plastic bottles from being wasted each year. Humans buy a shocking 1 million plastic bottles every minute, so using one bottle repeatedly instead of always buying a new one will help you stop contributing to this waste.

2. Take Your Own Reusable Containers

Restaurants often serve large portions, and if you enjoy a few appetizers as well, it can be difficult to finish your entire meal at once. If you want to take your food home, restaurants generally give you disposable containers to put it in. 

By bringing your own reusable containers, you can take your leftovers with you, wash it up, and do it over again next time. If you have trouble remembering, keep a small kit in your car so you never have to bring Styrofoam home again.

3. Reusable Straws

Straws are a great way to cut down on plastic use. There are so many options for reusable straws made from all kinds of materials, including metal, glass, bamboo and cardboard. If you’re at a restaurant and didn’t bring reusable straws with you, tell your waiter you don’t need one. 

4. Bring Your Own Mug

If you need a daily dose of caffeine, or just enjoy a fun drink from Starbucks now and then, many coffee shops and restaurants will fill your mug for you instead of using a single-use cup. Some establishments will even offer discounts for using a reusable mug. 

5. Use Cloth or Mesh Grocery Bags

Many states are beginning to ban plastic grocery bags, so getting into the habit of bringing your own helps the environment and you. Keep a bag full of cloth and/or mesh grocery bags in your car in case you make a last-minute stop at the store. Of course, you’ll want to be sure to keep your bags clean in between grocery runs.

6. Pack Your Own Lunch

Getting take out from a restaurant down the street may sound appealing, and it could save time now and again, but in the end, it will come in a plastic container and cost more than packing your own. Think of meals and snacks you can bring that you will look forward to and be sure to pack in reusable containers. 

7. Go for Silver

We all hate doing the dishes, but overusing plastic cutlery can seriously add to waste. When you’re out, carry around reusable utensils just in case the only options are single-use. 

8. Try Natural, DIY Beauty Remedies

Beauty products like face masks and exfoliators often come in packaging made of plastic. There are plenty of brands committed to using environmentally friendly packaging However, there are also many at-home remedies for skin issues, and you can probably find most of the ingredients in your kitchen. 

9. Shop Second-Hand

New clothing tends to come in plastic packaging, especially when you order online. By shopping secondhand, you’re skipping this plastic-filled step in the process. You could even try vegan fashion so as to have less of an impact on the environment. 

10. Use a Bamboo Toothbrush

We go through a lot of toothbrushes in our lifetime, and given the fact you should be changing yours regularly, opting for a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush will immensely cut down on your plastic waste. 

In summary, while there are many ways to cut plastic out of your life, and you should continue to search for more eco-friendly alternatives, these 10 ways should help get you started. If you have any other suggestions for eliminating plastic from your life, we’d love to hear them.

Jennifer Bell

Author Bio: Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She writes for All American Plumbing in New Jersey.

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