Going plastic-free and finding plastic alternatives is a great way to be eco-friendly and create less waste. But, it isn’t an easy thing to do because plastic is EVERYWHERE. However, you can make some changes to lower your use of plastic in your daily life. By all means, take on the plastic-free challenge and have fun with it but if you aren’t ready to go completely plastic-free, I will help you cut down on plastic waste. Every little bit helps. Keep reading to learn easy tips to start living a plastic-free life with plastic alternatives.
Here are six ways you can cut down on plastic:
1. Plastic Straws Alternatives
Straws. Ugh. They are everywhere! It seems you can’t go anywhere without a straw appearing in your glass. Straws are a necessity for people with limited mobility, but if you don’t need to use a straw, simply don’t use one or carry one of your own. Or you can kindly ask for no plastic straw when you are ordering your drink. Use stainless steel, bamboo, or any other sustainable material.
2. Plastic Bag Alternatives
As more places ban plastic bags, finding plastic alternatives for grocery shopping is becoming easier. Always strive to bring your own bag while shopping. Keep a tote in your car, your purse or backpack so you won’t have to use plastic bags whenever you shop. Look for canvas, string, or other natural materials.
3. Plastic Alternatives for Food Storage
Ditch the use of plastic for storing food. Whether it is for to-go lunches, holding snacks, leftovers, and buying in bulk. Glass, Pyrex, stainless steel, and reusable baggies all make good options for food storage.
4. Alternatives to Plastic Sandwich Bags
Speaking of food storage, I have a thing for baggies. I use them a lot. To help cut down on plastic waste, I have found a solution with reusable baggies. You can use these for sandwiches, freezer bags, and storing snacks. Look for reusable silicone bags.
5. Plastic Cups Alternatives
Going to a party? Getting carry out? Getting coffee to go? Instead of using disposable plastic cups, bring your own reusable cup. All to-go cups have plastic lids even if they are made from paper. But, you should also be cutting down on your use of paper as well. To-go cups, lids, and straws are a major contributor to plastic pollution. So cut down on this unnecessary waste by using reusable cups, mugs, and tumbler.
6. Alternatives To Plastic Water Bottles
I recently read somewhere that water bottle distributors aren’t producing water, they are producing and selling plastic. Think about that. If you live in the United States, you probably have access to clean, drinkable water. And you can get it without using plastic.
If drinking tap water isn’t your thing, install a water filter on your faucet. Want to take water on the go? Use a reusable water bottle rather than drinking water out of disposable plastic bottles. There really isn’t any excuse for buying plastic water bottles. If you are on the go and don’t have a reusable water bottle grab water from a glass water bottle.
For more about plastic alternatives and ways to use less plastic head to Plastic Alternatives: How To Easily Go Plastic-Free
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