Disclosure: collaborative post
Every day, people fill the Earth’s landfills and oceans with plastic. It takes hundreds of years to actually break down, which means we are stuck with what we dump for several lifetimes. It makes our beautiful landscapes ugly and harms the animals and plants that call the Earth home.
A large majority of the plastics that get thrown away are single use. People have adjusted to the convenience of single use products. As a result, the planet is suffering. However, you can reduce and even eliminate your use of plastics by integrating minor changes.
There are so many ways to cut down on your use of plastic, but we’ve gathered 6 tips to help you get started.
1. Beeswax Wrap
When you’re at home, cut down on plastic wrap and baggies by using beeswax wraps instead. Beeswax wraps from SuperBee.me is an affordable solution that is easy to apply. It is fabric that gets coated in beeswax and other natural substances. In addition, these types of wraps are reusable. They can be lightly cleaned with warm water and soap and hung to dry. They come in different sizes and can be adjusted for whatever container you wish to cover.
2. Switch to Bar Soap
If you are still using disposable soap containers, it’s time to ditch that habit. One of the best ways to do this is to switch to bar soap. You should use bar soap for all your soap related needs. Bar soap for your hands or body will last for a long time. You can even buy bar soap for dishwashing. Pair your dishwashing soap with a scrubber or cloth made from natural materials.
3. Bring Reusable Bags
When you are out grocery shopping, or any type of shopping, bring your reusable bags with you. Almost every grocery store sells them. Or, you can find your own that you like. Once you buy them, you can use them again and again. Try to keep them in an easy to spot place in your home. Keep a few in your car as well. When shopping for produce, avoid wasteful produce bags and opt for natural options. Even better, throw items in the cart as is.
4. Carry Reusable Utensils and Straws
If you are someone who likes to get food to go, get in the habit of bringing reusable utensils and straws with you. This will cut down on your consumption of single-use plastic. This trend has become quite popular. Many companies even make travel kits that are small and easy to keep in your purse, backpack, or car.
5. Meal Prep and Bring Food from Home
If you or your spouse has a classic 9-5 job, chances are you are eating lunch at the office. To save money and cut down on unneeded take out waste, get into the habit of bringing food from home. This can be done by meal prepping for the week and packing it. This is also a good idea when it comes to making lunches for your children.
6. Cut Out Plastic Bottle Beverages
Although plastic bottles are recyclable, it is still better for the environment to reduce your use. If you love soda, invest in a home soda maker. If you like bottled juice, consider creating your own, healthier version with a juicer at home. There are many simple alternatives for all of your favourite drinks.
Conclusion
These are just a handful of helpful habits for a truly plastic-free life. If everyone integrated a few of these changes, it would make a huge impact!
