6 Easy Ways to Ditch Plastic For a Greener Lifestyle
Once you become learn how bad single-use plastic items are for the environment, you will become hyper-aware of ALL the plastic you use. And if you’re like me, you become a little anxious about all the waste you’re creating.
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of plastics that can be recycled. So if you want to help reduce plastic waste, you’ll need to start finding more sustainable replacements for things like:
Grocery bags
Ziploc bags
Plastic coffee cups
Plastic wrap
Plasticware
Straws
Luckily, going plastic-free doesn’t require big lifestyle changes AND I’ve done the research for you! (You’re welcome!)
1. Use Reusable Grocery Bags
Those flimsy plastic grocery bags are annoying. They break easily and they stack up so fast that before you know it, you have to get a big bag just to hold all those grocery bags. Sure, some grocery stores have a recycling program for those bags. But it would be so much better for the environment if we didn’t use them in the first place.
Reusable grocery bags are SO easy to get. You can find them at any grocery store. Plus, most stores will give you a discount for using them so they will easily pay for themselves with the money you save.
2. Use Glass Or Steel Storage Containers
Plastic food containers are cheap. But they also break easily and are not so great for Mother Nature. Instead, try glass or stainless-steel containers. Both are sustainable, non-toxic, and recyclable. They might be more expensive, but you won’t have to replace them as often and you can also use them in the freezer.
3. Don’t Use Plastic Straws
This might be the most obvious on the list. Everyone knows plastic straws are bad for the environment. Lots of restaurants have already started using paper straws. I’ve even seen straws made out of seaweed. But plastic straws are still everywhere.
Try using stainless steel or silicone straws. These straws are easy to clean, reusable, and recyclable. Keep one in your car or your purse if you carry one and use it whenever you come across a place that still uses plastic straws.
4. No More Plastic Ziploc Bags
Sandwich and snack bags are two big offenders of single plastic use items. People use them all the time without even realizing their impact on the environment. There are several options for reusable sandwich and snack bags you can choose from by just doing a quick search on Amazon. Many are dishwasher safe and recyclable.
5. Get A Reusable Coffee Cup And Water Bottle
Going to a coffee shop and ordering an iced coffee is something many people do on a daily basis. But those plastic cups are a killer. Instead, bring your own reusable coffee cup. Some even offer a discount for using your own cup!
Plastic water bottles are just as bad. I know it’s easy to pick up a pack of water bottles. But take a little extra time and refill a stainless steel or glass water bottle. They are non-toxic and recyclable.
6. Say No To Plasticware
Plasticware is convenient when you’re having a big party. But the little bit of time you save doing dishes is NOT worth the impact plasticware has on the environment. Use your good silverware and help keep the planet safe!
Reducing plastic waste is a big way we can be more eco-friendly. It might seem a little overwhelming thinking of all the plastic items that would need to be replaced.. But the good news is that it’s easy to find alternatives.