With plastic pollution at an all-time high, you may want to start doing your part by transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle. Of course, this feels impossible when practically everything is made of plastic these days!
Our advice for going plastic-free? Start slow, and take it one step at a time. A plastic-free lifestyle requires a lot of conscious decision-making, and you’ll need time to adjust. Here are some easy ways to get started.
Stop Buying Single-Use Plastic Products
Single-use plastics, like water bottles and plastic cutlery, are designed to be thrown away after one use. These items are terrible for the environment, and you should avoid purchasing them at all costs.
Always Be Prepared
Being plastic-free isn’t easy in a world that prioritizes convenience, but having some supplies on hand can help you stick to your commitment. For example, you can bring a reusable water bottle with you when you go out, along with staples like reusable bags, cutlery, and containers.
Find Sustainable Retailers
Make a list of places you shop for necessities and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives. This might take a bit of research, but it’s worth it in the long run. Look for stores that use plastic-free and recyclable packaging and sustainable shipping methods.
Recycle and Upcycle
In instances when you can’t avoid using plastic, you can recycle or upcycle it. For example, a plastic coffee canister can be repurposed into a flower pot or a place to hold loose change.
Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
The first step of going plastic-free is replacing your old products with eco-friendly alternatives.
Reusable Bags & Storage Containers
Ditch your plastic sandwich bags for silicone containers, and get a few reusable totes for grocery shopping. You can find produce bags made of mesh or similar materials to cut plastic entirely.
Our Pick: Stasher Starter Kit 4-Pack ($58.99, shop here)
Stasher’s food-grade starter kit has everything you need to leave single-use plastic bags behind.
Reusable Water Bottles
Finding a glass or stainless-steel water bottle you can reuse for years is a much better alternative to plastic and an easy lifestyle change to lessen your environmental impact.
Our Pick: Hydro Flask 24 oz Standard Mouth ($39.95, shop here)
Hydro Flask bottles are insulated to keep water cold for hours. They come in plenty of colors for a personal touch.
Reusable Utensils
Replacing some things you use every day, like straws and cutlery, with reusable alternatives can do wonders for the environment. For example, stainless-steel straws are easy to clean, while bamboo utensils can be packed in your lunch bag when you’re on the go.
Our Pick: Conscious Cutlery Travel Set ($19.99, shop here)
This cutlery set comes with a convenient hemp pouch for meals on the go. It also holds up well over time in the dishwasher.
Biodegradable Trash Bags
Instead of plastic trash bags, try plant-based alternatives that break down naturally over time so they won’t be left in landfills.