Cover photo used with permission from Jules Davis.
Plastic. It’s EVERYWHERE. I’m not kidding. Just peep into your local grocery store, order something online or get a coffee at Starbucks and you will find plastic on everything. We bottle our water in it, wrap our food in it, and package our Amazon orders with it.
Up until this year, I wasn’t aware of my plastic consumption. Don’t get me wrong, I knew that recycling was important but that didn’t mean that I always took the time to do it. Especially in a college town where recycling facilities are few and far between. So besides occasionally recycling a water bottle, I hadn’t been exposed to how harmful single-use plastic is. Or rather, I hadn’t taken the time to understand how some of my daily routine’s have an impact on the environment. It was actually Lee from America and my friend India that began to educate me about how much we depend on plastic and how wasteful we truly can be.
Please note that this post is NOT about being perfect. I don’t live a completely plastic-free life nor do I want to. Rather, this post is about becoming more aware of our plastic consumption and how we can take small steps to limit our plastic usage.
If you’re interested in educating yourself more about plastic pollution I suggest you watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix or read NatGeo’s PLANET or PLASTIC? Trust me it’s worth your time to look at.
Where to Begin?
Lee says it best. “This is not just an environmental problem. It is a class, race, and social justice issue. Many people don’t have the luxury of worrying about their plastic use. But I recognize my privilege, and the next step for me is to reduce my own consumption of plastic.”
The Big Four: One of the easiest ways to start reducing your plastic usage is by focusing on the big four.
1. Say no to single-use plastic straws: At home use Glass Straws, or Stainless Steel Straws and tell the waiter “no straw please” at restaurants.
2. Bring your reusable bags to the grocery store. Don’t forget the produce bags too! (Most produce doesn’t even need a bag. Leave it naked.) According to National Geographic, a trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year. That’s scary. And sad. Bring your own reusable bags on your shopping trips instead of adding to that massive number. I got mine from my Grandmother (don’t Grandma’s always give the best gifts?) but some of my favorites are Market Bags, Canvas Totes, and String Produce Bag.
3. Bring a full (nonplastic) water bottle with you before you leave your house. Phone, wallet, WATER, keys – good to go. I use a 32oz HydroFlask. Having it by me at all times not only reduces my plastic usage but also helps me remember to stay hydrated.
4. Say no to take away coffee cups by bringing your own. Although it seems like coffee cups would be recyclable or compostable because they are made of paper, it’s the plastic coating inside that makes them trash. Not to mention the toxins that get released into your steaming hot coffee from that plastic lining. Check these S’well Bottles.
Those are four simple ways to start making a big impact. If you’re curious about some more plastic-free alternatives for daily use. Check out the ones below!
Grocery Shopping & Kitchen
Instead of plastic ziplock bags, use reusable snack bags
Instead of plastic cling wrap, use Beeswrap
This is something that’s on my list and I plan on purchasing it soon. Invest in some Beeswrap which is reusable and can go in your compost after it’s worn out.
Instead of plastic produce bags, use reusable produce bags
On The Go
Instead of plastic eating utensils, use bamboo wear
Personal Care
Instead of plastic wrapped tampons use period cups
When it comes to feminine products, menstrual cups are solid options, as there’s zero waste beyond their initial packaging. If a cup doesn’t work for you, tampons without applicators are a mindful alternative.
Instead of plastic shampoo bottles use shampoo bars
Shampoo and conditioner bars, such as the ones from Lush are great alternatives to plastic bottles. They’re also easy to travel with which is a plus!
Instead of plastic bottles of body wash use unpackaged natural bar soap
Most of all, remember that you don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes we forget to bring reusable things that we may need especially if we aren’t in the habit of doing it yet. It’s a learning process but eventually, it will become second nature as long as we stick to it.
Start small. Make one change today such as bringing your bags into the grocery store. Educate others. YOU can make a difference!
The Comments
Amélie M. (@thehappy.adventurer)
Thank you for sharing your tips! I was already doing a lot of changes and I learned a little more with your article! I was about to try these lush shampoo bars, just can’t wait!
Your blog is really great , keep going girl !
xx
sienaneal
Amélie M. (@thehappy.adventurer)You’re the sweetest! Thank you for being such a supportive follower and taking the time to read and comment. Excited for you to try some Lush products, let me know if you find a favorite!
Hobert Diano
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sienaneal
Hobert DianoThanks Hobert, glad you enjoyed the read!
Krysta Leffingwell
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sienaneal
Krysta LeffingwellGlad you liked the post!