In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastic, many of us are seeking ways to reduce our plastic usage at home. Thankfully, making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are five simple swaps you can make today to help lessen your plastic footprint:
1.) Reusable Water Bottles: One of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make is to switch from single-use plastic water bottles to a reusable option. Stainless steel or glass water bottles are durable, non-toxic, and can be used again and again. Plus, they come in a variety of stylish designs to suit your taste. The combination of a reusable water bottle and a at-home water filter system will not only be the greatest impact a single person can make on cutting back on plastic, but it will save you money in the long run.
I’ve personally been using Stanley stainless steel insulated water bottle since I was in college. They last forever, in fact I still have the same one from my college days. The size and color options they have now are endless. Now if you are not a fan of stainless steel or looking for another option, then glass water bottle is it. I’ve tried a few options over the past 8-9 years but most don’t have the durability to hold up to the Stanley options. But if your going in this direction then I would suggest purchasing a Lifefactory glass bottle. From my experience this was the best bang for your buck and will last you a long time if you take care of it. I used mine for 6 years straight while commuting to my office in Manhattan and back. I still have it to this day.
2.) Beeswax Wraps: Say goodbye to plastic cling wrap and sandwich bags by opting for beeswax wraps instead. I used to be a heavy user of cling wrap but decided to make the switch a few years ago and finally found an affordable but still a very reliable product in Bee’s Wrap.
These wraps are made from organic cotton infused with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil, creating a natural and reusable alternative for storing food. They can be easily cleaned with cold water and soap, making them perfect for wrapping sandwiches, covering bowls, or keeping produce fresh. Bee’s Wrap is the #1 company in making sustainable beeswax based wraps at a commercial level and still be affordable for the consumer. I recommend purchasing the variety pack, as you will be surprised the use you will get out of these and you will feel much better knowing its not plastic.
3.) Bamboo Toothbrushes: Traditional toothbrushes are awful for the environment and not very hygienic. Most people see a plastic toothbrush and don’t think about recycling it. The idea of taking that extra step to properly dispose of it is just “yuck”. However; on average, our harmless-looking plastic toothbrush takes over 400 years to decompose.
Switching from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo one is another easy and effective way to lower our plastic consumption. In comparison, bamboo toothbrushes made from organically-grown bamboo are recyclable, bio-degradable, and boast natural anti-bacterial properties.
My personal favorite are the Sea Turtle bamboo brushes which has more to do with the brand itself then the actual brushes. I really like the direction that they have gone and they have a variety of plant based, eco-friendly products such as Cotton Swabs, Dental Floss Picks, and kid-friendly toothbrushes that my kids really like.
An alternative to the Sea Turtle brushes are the bamboo brushes from The Humble Co. These are affordable that I find more in stock compared to the one’s by Sea Turtle. The brushes by Humble Co. are in my opinion more firm and will last longer before they need to be disposed.
4.) Reusable Shopping Bags and Produce Bags: Despite being banned in most places in the U.S. plastic bags are still a major contributor to pollution in the world. Even produce bags provided by supermarkets in the U.S. are still made of plastic and unfortunately when people are shopping, they are often grabbing 4 or 5 of these plastic produce bags each trip. You can reduce your impact by bringing your own reusable shopping bags and produce bags to the store. Whether you prefer sturdy canvas totes or lightweight nylon bags, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and most supermarkets now offer some type of branded reusable bag that you can purchase at a discounted rate. Keep a few reusable bags in your car or by the door so you never forget them when you head out to shop.
My favorite are the jute tote bags from the Muji stores in Manhattan but their are some great alternatives that you can order online. I continuously see new, more innovative options be available. The Creative Green Life Box Shape Tote Grocery Bags are by far the most durable and well constructed bags I’ve yet to see and use. I keep a few of these in the car for my weekend grocery shopping needs. When I’m traveling in NYC, commuting, or picking up groceries in my local neighborhood
I prefer a jute tote bag like the ones you can get from Muji; however, an alternative would be these stylish and durable reusable bags from BeeGreen. They are a sustainable, eco-friendly reusable bag that is very durable. They can easily hold several heavy items such as a box of laundry detergent and a bottle of fabric softener.
5.)Reusable Straws: Plastic straws are a common item that often ends up in landfills or oceans, harming wildlife and polluting the environment. I’m surprised at the amount of plastic straws I come across while running errands or walking the streets in Manhattan.
Switching to reusable straws made from materials like stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone is an easy way to reduce plastic waste. My preference are the stainless steel variety like the one’s made by Klean Kanteen. However, if you don’t like the feeling or taste of steel, then I would suggest the silicone based reusable option like these Nightingale straws from Amazon. These are kid friendly with more pleasant color options.
By making these simple swaps, you can significantly reduce your reliance on plastic and help protect the planet for future generations. Every small change makes a difference, so why not start today?
