What if there were an alternative to plastic in our everyday lives? Believe it or not, there is! In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to replace everyday items in your home with sustainable versions. So, let’s make a difference together!
Table of Contents
10 Solid Steps to Live a Plastic-free Life
1. Giving Up Bottled Water as an Alternative to Plastic
If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your plastic usage, giving up bottled water is a great place to start. An estimated 50 billion water bottles are used yearly in the United States, and much of that plastic ends up in landfills or oceans.
Not only is bottled water bad for the environment, but it’s also often not healthier than tap water. A study by the Environmental Working Group found that nearly half of all bottled water contains contaminants that exceed state health guidelines.
So, next time you’re thirsty, reach for a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one. You’ll not regret it.
2. Use Reusable Shopping Bag
Most people are aware of plastic’s negative impact on the environment. Every year, tons of plastic pollution end up in our oceans, harming marine life and polluting the water.
Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, so the pollution it causes is ongoing and long-lasting. Reusable shopping bags, rather than disposable plastic bags, are one way to reduce plastic pollution.
Reusable bags are made from durable materials like cloth or canvas and can be used repeatedly. They’re also usually sturdier than plastic bags, so they can hold more items without tearing.
3. Use Reusable Containers for Take-outs and Leftovers as an Alternative to Plastic
One way to reduce our reliance on plastic is to use reusable containers for take-outs and leftovers. Instead of using a disposable container that will end up in a landfill, opt for a reusable one that can be used repeatedly.
Not only will this help to reduce plastic pollution, but it will also save you money in the long run.
4. Eat Ice Cream in a Cone Instead of Ice Cream in a Container
Another way to reduce plastic usage is to eat ice cream cones instead of ice cream in a container.
Sure, it’s a little messier, but it’s worth it when you consider how many plastic containers you’ll save from the landfill.
5. Use Stainless Steel Bottles and Cups for Water or Coffee as You Move Around
To reduce your reliance on plastic, invest in a reusable water bottle or travel mug. This will help you avoid buying disposable water bottles, which are typically made from plastic.
Stainless steel bottles and cups are a great option, as they are durable and easy to clean. However, you can also find reusable bottles and cups made from other materials, such as glass or bamboo.
6. Cut on Plastic Bottled Beverages and find an Alternative to Plastic
One way to minimize your reliance on plastic is to reduce your consumption of plastic bottled beverages.
It’s estimated that Americans use 500 million plastic drinking straws daily, and many of those end up in the ocean, threatening marine life.
If you opt for tap water instead of bottled water, you can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and waterways.
7. Buy Milk in a Reusable Glass Bottle as an Alternative to Plastic
One way to reduce your reliance on plastic is to buy milk in a reusable glass bottle. Glass is a sustainable material that can be easily recycled and doesn’t leach chemicals into your food like some types of plastic.
Plus, milk tastes better in a glass bottle!
8. Carry Cutlery and Straws That Are Non-plastic
We can help reduce our reliance on plastic by carrying non-plastic straws and cutlery. This way, we can avoid using disposables when we’re out and about.
Different options are available, from bamboo to metal straws and reusable cutlery sets that fold into a handy pouch.
9. Shop in Bulk to Minimize Packaging as an Alternative to Plastic.
Shopping in bulk can be a great way to reduce your reliance on plastic. Bulk stores sell large quantities of flour, shampoo, and detergent, often without any packaging.
You can bring your containers to fill up or buy reusable containers from the store. Buying in bulk reduces packaging waste and saves you money in the long run.
10. Get Rid of Plastic Trash Bags
Ditching plastic trash bags is one way to reduce your reliance on plastics. Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid using them altogether, but plenty of alternatives can replace them.
Reusable cloth or canvas bags are an excellent option for carrying groceries and can be used to line trash cans.
If you need a disposable bag, choose one made from paper or biodegradable materials.
