Have you ever noticed how much of our food is wrapped in or touches plastic? Did you know that the majority of that plastic waste often ends up in the trash and some of it isn’t even recyclable?
I was recently inspired by my friend Sam over at Little Green Lives to move towards less plastic waste in my life. Have you read this article about how a lot of Canada’s recycling ends up as garabge due to contamination and how people are recycling wrong?
Pictures of the Pacific Ocean littered with plastic waste just makes me shudder and it’s killing wildlife. I decided to finally do something about it. I know I’ll likely never get rid of all plastic in my life, but consuming and discarding less plastic everyday and creating less waste still makes a difference.
Here are 11 easy ways to reduce your everyday plastic use at home, work or school:
1) REUSABLE PRODUCE BAGS
I recently ordered these Natural Cotton Mesh Produce Bags from Amazon and they are awesome. I don’t love those single-use plastic produce bags that get thrown out after a single-use. So I bought a set of these 10 bags (they are biodegradable after they are worn out) in different sizes for about $35.
I pretty much just throw them in with my laundry when they get dirty and I tuck 5-6 clean ones in my reusable shopping tote so I remember to bring them with me to the grocery store.
The tare weight is also stitched onto a colorful label on the side of the bag – just make sure to let your cashier know to subtract the weight from your overall produce weight. This is such a small change with a small investment upfront to make – but think of all the plastic produce bags you are not using!
photo via @TheHomeEdit
2) GLASS JARS FOR YOUR PANTRY
I’ve switched a lot of things in my pantry to glass jars and I bring those jars to the bulk store and fill them with the exact amount I need. Which means I’m not buying these things in single-use plastic bags and reducing waste at the same time.
Ikea has a great selection of inexpensive pantry jars in multiple sizes that I use for brown rice, flour, pasta etc. I went to The Container Store for these refillable glass spice jars ($1.50 each) that I washed in the dishwasher and brought to the bulk store to have filled. Mason jars like these ones are also great for smaller quantity items like chia seeds, hemp seeds, dried fruit etc. I then use a white sharpie oil paint marker to write the labels on the front of the jar.
Before you get filling, ask the cashier to weigh all your containers and put the weight into your notes section of your phone. Then have them deduct the weight of jar upon checkout.
If you’re looking for some home inspo – check out @TheHomeEdit on Insta for ideas on how-to organize your pantry using beautiful glass jars. I now look at everything I buy and I think, “Can I buy this in a reusable glass jar at the bulk store?” BTW – Fresh ground almond butter from the bulk store will change your life!!!
3) GLASS LUNCH + STORAGE CONTAINERS
I’ve replaced almost all of my meal prep and storage containers to this Pyrex glass snapware food storage set. Yes the top is still plastic, but I like that my food is just hanging out in a BPA-free glass container. I like that the lid clicks on so you’re not worried about anything leaking in your bag.
Costco sells a pretty affordable set with different sizes. Ikea also came out with some new glass storage containers that have a bamboo top.
4) BEE’S WRAP
Break up with plastic wrap and get a set of Bee’s Wrap – made from beeswax! This is great for wrapping up leftover cheese, lemons, tomatoes or avocadoes. There’s definitely some sort of antibacterial property in the wrap that ends up keeping your cheese fresher and your avocadoes from not turning brown right away.
5) HIT THE FARMERS MARKET
Another great way to reduce plastic around your food is to hit your local farmers’ market. Many of the things are not pre-cut and packaged up in a plastic clamshell. Just pick and choose all that fresh produce and slip it into one of your reusable produce bags.
6) STAINLESS STEEL STRAWS
If you use a lot of straws at home for your iced tea or smoothies at home, consider purchasing an inexpensive set of stainless steel straws along with a special little cleaning tool to keep them fresh.
via AGLCityLiving on etsy
7) REUSABLE CANVAS GROCERY BAG
This one is a no-brainer and most people are already doing this (hooray!) – but if you don’t have one, get yourself a couple cute canvas tote bags for your groceries. I like canvas because I find it easier to throw into the wash and to dry to keep them clean. I also like how sturdy they are for carrying heavy loads.
Check etsy for a design you don’t mind toting around or maybe something that represents your neighborhood or city. Whatever inspires you to use it more!
8) GLASS TEA CARAFE / CERAMIC COFFEE MUG
If you’re using a disposable coffee cup everyday, consider getting a pretty glass tea carafe that you can bring to work or have filled for you at the coffee shop. I love these ones with a stainless steel lid and infuser basket at World Market.
If coffee is more your speed, order a ceramic or reusable stainless steel coffee mug for your morning cup. I have yet to come across one where the lid is not made of plastic – so let me know if you find one!
via Remiusables on etsy
9) REUSABLE PAPER TOWELS + NAPKINS
This isn’t a plastic thing, but hear me out! Reusable paper towels are awesome and they are SO easy to use and clean. I bought a set similar to this ‘roll’ on etsy and I use them to wipe up water or spills and just throw them in the wash when I’m done. You can do the same with these reusable cloth napkins as well.
I still keep paper towels in my house for big, messy spills – but I buy them way less often because I have my reusable set to compliment them.
10) GET A WATER FILTER PITCHER
If you’re still buying bottled water to drink at home – reduce your use and get yourself a water filter pitcher you can put in your fridge. I like this one from Brita because it’s slim and holds a lot of water. Mind you, it is made of plastic – but you are reducing your use from single-serve bottles.
11) SWITCH TO A GLASS WATER BOTTLE
I bought myself this glass water bottle with a fruit infusion compartment where I can infuse my water overnight with leftover fresh or frozen fruit. It’s such a little thing, but I look forward to it every morning.
What do you use to reduce your waste and use of plastic in your home? Any other products I need to check out?
The post 11 Easy Ways To Reduce Your Plastic Use appeared first on This Beautiful Day.
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