Look around you and count how many things in front of you that are made out of plastic. At this very moment, there are 14 things on my desk that contain plastic. My speakers, pens, electrical cords, notebooks, and even this laptop that I’m typing on has plastic parts in it. I know that a majority of these things will probably end up in the trash by the end of this year…. heck… two of these things are going to be thrown away in the trash within the next hour or two. Plastic pollution is a really big threat to the longevity of our planet because it takes hundreds of years for plastic to decompose and our planet is literally choking on it.
Pieces of microplastic can be found in our rivers, oceans, and even in our drinking water. There are more pieces of plastic than fish in our oceans, and there’s currently a large group of plastic particles floating in the Pacific called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that’s more than twice the size of Texas!!!
How do we stop this and take preemptive measures against plastic pollution when the use of plastic is so finely ingrained in our daily lives? It’s clear that a wake-up call is needed, and it’s time to consider the effect we humans have on our planet.
It’s nearly impossible to break up with plastic altogether, but there are some small changes that you can make today that can make a big difference in reducing the amount of disposable plastic in your life.
A little message from me 🙂
I’ve been a little MIA lately, and to be perfectly honest with you, it’s because I’ve been a little overwhelmed. A couple of posts went viral on Pinterest and now the monthly readership of this blog is a little over 150,000 people (What? yea I’m still in shock too..)
So naturally, I fell into an existential crisis as to what kind of content that I want to put out into the world, and whether or not I should share content that influences people to buy shit that they don’t really need solely for the sake of affiliate income or for sponsorships. I realized that I’m no longer the ‘Joe shmoe’ little ‘blogger’ anymore and that somehow, over the past year I have created a huge platform where I can share my thoughts and opinions with the world.
Also, this year I turn 30… So I’ve been spending more time learning about gut health, nutrition, and living a healthy lifestyle has become a huge priority in my life. I plan on making 2020 the year that I make drastic changes to my health & I want to get into the best physical shape of my life. I plan on taking you along with me on my journey and I hope to inspire you to make positive changes in your own life.
We’re going to be doing 30-day challenges, exploring diets, adopting positive/happier mindsets, and living our best lives 🙂 🙂 So make sure to come back here for more health-related content and make sure to follow me on Pinterest, I’ve created a community of 100,000 strong there and would love for you to be a part of it.
For More Practical Self-Improvement Tips
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5 Empowering Books for Female Entrepreneurs
9 Habits to Add to Your Morning Routine For A Great Day
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15 Habits Successful Women Practice Daily
20 Ways To Practice Self-Care
But for now, let’s tackle the issue of single-use plastics… here are some easy ways to reduce plastic pollution:
Bring Your Own Shopping Bag
Did you know that somewhere between five billion and one trillion plastic bags are used each year around the world? These bags do not decompose naturally and have been found at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. GROSS! Several major cities like San Francisco & Washington, DC have recently banned the use of disposable shopping bags, and many more cities are planning to follow suit.
One small way to minimize your plastic ‘impact’ is by investing in a few reusable tote bags to take with you next time you go grocery shopping.
Here are some cheap alternatives to plastic bags:
Carry A Reusable Water Bottle
You don’t really need to be buying bottled water. Unless you’re living in Flint, Michigan then I’m pretty sure that your tap water is drinkable. Get a water filter for your faucet or a filter pitcher. It’s really important for me to stay hydrated so I always have a sports bottle handy. Here are some examples of bottles I have laying around the house and my car.
Bring Your Own Cup/Thermos
If you like to purchase to-go coffee or hot drinks, make sure to bring your own thermos to the coffee shop. Disposable coffee cups might look like paper but they’re usually lined with polyethylene, a type of plastic resin. Polyethylene can live on for over 100 years!!
In theory, these materials can be recycled, but most places lack the infrastructure to do so. Then there are lids, stirrers, and coffee vendors that still use polystyrene foam cups—which can all be avoided with your own mug.
Eco To Go Reusable Cold Drink Tumbler (20oz)
Pack Your Lunch In Reusable Containers
Re-evaluate your use of plastic baggies, plastic wrap, and plastic storage containers. Instead of sandwich baggies, why not pack a bento box or a cute tiffin for lunch? Instead of throwing away plastic zipper bags or wrapping things in saran wrap, why not use jars or glass containers in the fridge? When it comes to carry-out, these types of containers be used instead of disposable ones, and I’m sure that restaurants will happily oblige.
Here are some of my favorites:
Say No To Single-Use Plastic Items Like Straws
Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw. These metal straws are really easy to carry around in my purse. I usually wash them post-use in the restaurant’s bathroom. Just make sure not to forget it in cups because I’ve had a couple of waiters take them by accident.
Set of 8 Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws
(comes with 4 Straight straws, 4 Bent straws + 2 cleaning brushes)
Skip the Plastic Produce Bags
The little plastic sandwich bags you get from the grocery store can be used more than once. Wash them. I read somewhere that a single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. You can also package your leftovers in Corningware. Below are examples of bags that you can use for many years before throwing away.
Avoid buying frozen foods
Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus if you ditch the frozen isle, you’ll be eating fewer processed foods!
Skip the disposable razor and toothbrushes
Instead of tossing a plastic razor in the trash every month, consider switching to a razor that lets your replace just the blade or even a straight razor.
I recently replaced my Colgate toothbrush with this bamboo one, and I haven’t noticed any difference in performance.
Biodegradable Reusable Bamboo Toothbrushes
Shop in bulk
For many households, the majority of plastic waste is generated in the kitchen. So one of the best ways to reduce the packaging waste madness is to bring your own bags and containers and stock up on bulk foods. Shopping with jars is a great option, and keep your eye out for brands with refilling stations, like Ariston oils and Common Good cleaners.
Invest in a water filter
If you’re someone who purchases water in plastic containers regularly, an easy way to reduce plastic is to invest in a water filter.
Clean with baking soda and vinegar
Using baking soda or vinegar can clean your dishes too. Use these instead of cleaners packaged in plastic. Or use bar soap to wash your dishes. Dr. Bronner’s is perfect.
Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Biodegradable Soap
Small transformations equal big change
Cutting back on plastic is difficult, but taking any of these steps is a big leap forward, especially if everyone makes a small effort.
It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing something.
How are you cutting back on your plastic consumption? Is there anything that you’re finding too hard to give up? I love looking for eco-friendly solutions to single-use plastic, let me know in the comments if you need any help.
Totally agree with the buying in bulk point. Besides, if you go to Costco on the weekends, they have free samples!
In regards to teh water bottles, travelers beware of TSA. I’ve had my nice metal water bottle taken before – $30 down the drain. My $.02 is to bring a regular plastic water bottle, crush it, and then reuse it for the duration of your trip. It’ll pass TSA and that’s free compared to paying another $2-$3 for one from a vending machine.
I live for free samples at Costco :):) Thanks for the tip, I’ll definitely keep that in mind for the next time I travel. Metal flasks/bottles are far cheaper anywhere outside the US so perhaps purchasing one when you land at your destination may be a better option than keeping it in a luggage/carryon and risk having it taken away.
Thanks for this!
Best regards,
Balle Griffin
Thanks for visiting!
Wonderful article and I really appreciate your hard work.
Best regards,
Demir Zacho
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for this. My email is Jasongongul@gmail.com. Will like to know how this knowledge can be applicable in helping the African continent safeguard their environment, applying this practical ways as shared. Many thanks. Jason Ternenge Gongul
That’s awesome Jason! Happy I can help in any way possible xx