10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Use in Everyday Life

Plastic is a real problem; from microplastics to single-use straws, and even large plastics like soda can rings and grocery bags. Plastic takes far too long and far too specific conditions to break down and biodegrade. Far too long! As in, 200 years or more. If you’ve been considering removing plastic from your life to help leave a greener footprint, we’ve got 10 fairly simple ways for you to get started.

1. Buy A Reusable Water Bottle

Get a really nice reusable water bottle so that you are drawn to using it. This will help you stop buying bottled water and reduce the amount of plastic waste that comes with every 20 ounces you drink.

2. Bring Your Own Shopping Bag

Stock your car with reusable shopping bags so that you never forget to bring them to the grocery store. You can reduce your plastic waste by avoiding plastic bags and packing groceries in your own fabric bags.

3. Change Your Storage System

Store food in a new way! Stop going to Ziploc bags for all your storage needs; try stainless steel containers, glass jars, or mason jars for storing leftover foods and snacks.

4. Say No To Single-Use Straws

Find a plastic straw alternative for when you visit restaurants, bars, and get take out. Companies now make eco-friendly straws that work just as well. EQUO’s straws hold up for hours in liquid and can even be used for hot drinks, smoothies, and boba!

5. Bring Reusable Coffee Mugs & Soda Cups

Instead of getting those plastic soda cups and styrofoam coffee cups with plastic lids, bring your own reusable coffee mug or soda cup in and get refills anywhere you go. Oftentimes, stores even provide you with a discount for choosing a reusable cup instead of a disposable one.

6. Check Your Soaps & Scrubs

Many people don’t even realize that the soaps and scrubs they use in the shower have small pieces of plastic in them that trickle down the drown. Check your soap and if you see anything called polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, or polylactic acid, it’s time to switch.

7. Choose Plastic-Free Sunscreen

Much like our soaps and scrubs, some sunscreens contain microplastics. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that is “ocean safe” or “plastic-free” to avoid adding even more microplastics to the ocean.

8. Choose Paper Packaging When Possible

When paper packaging is available, make it your first choice! Many grocery stores have tortilla chips packaged in paper bags, and bulk bins full of cereals that you can store in your own paper packaging.

9. Switch To A Stainless Steel Sippy

For a sippy cup that is sure to last, switch to stainless steel. They are reusable, tough, and plastic-free.

10. Try Reusable Cloth Diapers

If you are really feeling the plastic-free lifestyle, perhaps it is time to try reusable cloth diapers and ditching disposable plastic diapers. Many moms that have switched promise it is not as bad as it sounds!