Reduce plastic waste

We all know that plastic is a problem. Despite it having many positive qualities – cheap, easy to make, flexible and accessible – it’s becoming increasingly clear that plastic waste is out of control and causing huge damage to the environment.

It’s time for things to change. Luckily, we can implement strategies in our homes to reduce unnecessary waste.

Follow our tips on how you can personally reduce the amount of plastic waste you create.

1. Recycle when possible

Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.

Don’t put food or liquids in your recycling.

No loose plastic bags or recycled goods should be placed in plastic bags.

2. Wean yourself off single-use plastics

Half of all plastic produced is for throwaway items that are used once and then chucked: grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, coffee-cup lids. Take note of how often you rely on single use plastic and replace them with reusable versions. It only takes a few times of bringing your own totes to the store, garment bag to the dry cleaner, silverware to the office, or travel mug to the coffee shop before it becomes habit.

3. Do a trash audit

A trash audit is basically where you take a look at your rubbish and track what you’re throwing away frequently. Often, we throw things away without a second thought, so this is a great way of understanding exactly how much waste we create. A trash audit also allows us to find substitutes for our most regularly discarded items.

4. Stop buying bottled water

Each year, close to 20 billion plastic bottles are tossed in the trash. Carry a reusable bottle in your bag, and you’ll save money and plastic—you may also be making the safer choice by sticking with tap water.

 5.Grow your own food

As we all know, lots of vegetables and fruits are covered in plastics at the supermarket. To avoid this problem entirely whilst also learning to be more self-sufficient, why not try growing your own food? Great solution and so much fun.

6. Purchase items second-hand

The shine of new toys, trinkets, and electronic gadgets wears off fast. Search the shelves of thrift stores, neighbourhood garage sales, or online postings for items (plastic and otherwise) that are just as good when previously used. For things you rarely need, consider borrowing before you decide to buy new. Not only will you consume less plastic but also save money.

7. Store food in old jars 

Switching to old glass jars instead of plastic storage containers is a great way to reduce plastic and keep food safe. 

8. Shop in bulk

Shopping in bulk is where you do one very big shop and pick up all the essentials you need, rather than buying smaller amounts of ingredients on a regular basis. Not only can you save money by choosing to shop this way, but you also use a lot less packaging and single-use plastics.

9. Cook more

Cooking is healthy and making your own meals doesn’t involve takeout containers or doggy bags. For those times when you do order in or eat out, tell the establishment you don’t need any plastic cutlery or plastic carry-out bags. For some serious extra credit, bring your own food-storage containers to restaurants for leftovers. 

10. Buy natural products 

Nine out of ten cosmetic products reportedly contain microplastics. Plastic polymers found in your bathroom products can be harmful to the skin and also negatively impact the environment when washed down the drain. 

By switching to natural products, you can instantly reduce the amount of plastic you’re putting into the environment. Look for a logo on products that says, ‘Zero Plastic Inside’ and avoid anything that contains glitter

11. Support eco-friendly brands 

One of the best ways to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom is by buying from eco-friendly brands. Choose brands that champion recycled plastic or alternative packaging materials. 

12. Ditch single-use plastic bags

When it comes to cutting back on waste, one of the most important things we can do is stop using single-use plastic bags.

It’s been estimated that around 100,000 marine animals will die each year because of plastic waste, with many of them mistaking plastic bags for prey.

Plastic bags are very hard to recycle and incredibly harmful to the environment and wildlife, so it’s best to stop using them altogether. 

13. Use a lunch box 

Swap plastic sandwich bags for a durable lunchbox to make your lunch prep better for the environment.

14. Switch up your laundry routine

There are plenty of ways you can make your laundry routine more eco-friendly and plastic-free. First of all, detergent often comes in plastic bottles or plastic sachets, so try to go for a zero-waste detergent. You could even try a laundry egg – recyclable and durable eggs that contain plastic-free pellets that both clean and soften your clothes.

15. Upcycle old plastic things

Have you ever heard of upcycling? If not, take note. Upcycling is when you revamp old items to make them more appealing or useful. This can be a great way to breathe new life into old plastic items or clothing garments so that they’re not wasted, and you don’t buy new things.