Single-use plastic is everywhere. Literally most of the things we use and come in contact with in our daily lives are some form of single-use plastic.
And with the damage and pollution that single-use plastics cause, it’s well past time to find alternatives to the single-use items we use every day.
Especially with the war on single-use plastics that is happening right now. Provinces and states and countries are banning these plastics left and right and it’s about time honestly. If where you live hasn’t banned them yet, I’m hopeful they will.
So in the meantime, it’s a good idea to get ahead and start using reusable items.
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Single-use plastic alternatives:
1. Water bottle
Plastic water bottles are an unnecessary product for most. (Some places don’t have access to clean drinking water so bottled water is a must.) But for the most part, it’s a waste of money and just adds to the pollution problem.
Skip getting one at the gas station or a pack at the grocery store and invest in a reusable water bottle to carry around with you and fill up whenever you can. It’ll save money in the long run, trust me.
2. Straws
We all know how terrible straws are. Not only do they add to the obvious plastic pollution but straws, in particular, are dangerous to animals/sea life. Just skip the hassle and save some animals and start using reusable straws.
There are endless options too, glass straws, silicone straws, bamboo straws, and the classic metal straws.
3. Toothbrush
3.5 BILLION plastic toothbrushes are thrown out each year. And they usually end up in our landfills or out in nature where they’ll never breakdown, just sit and pollute the earth.
Bamboo toothbrushes are the best alternative. They’re natural, wooden and break down in compost so they won’t pollute the planet. So next time your dentist offers a free plastic toothbrush simply say “no thanks”.
4. Grocery bags
Along with straws, plastic grocery bags are also incredibly dangerous to animals. They can easily get caught in them, get suffocated by them and for turtles and sea animals they can be mistaken for jellyfish and be eaten. Which is not good at all.
Plus most grocery stores charge for each bag. So by investing a few reusable bags and using them each time you shop, you’re not only saving wildlife, but also money!
5. Ziplock bags
For those of us who bring lunches to school or work, ziplock bags are probably a staple in your lunch bag. You use them once to bring your food and when you’re done eating they go straight into the trash. Another waste of money. Another huge polluter.
These stasher bags are amazing and the only ziplock bag alternative you’ll ever need. They’re sturdy, made of silicone and dishwasher safe so you can use them over and over…and over!
6. Coffee cup
A lot of to-go coffee cups are mistakenly thrown into the recycling bin because they’re usually made of paper. But, they have a plastic coating inside which makes them not recyclable.
In fact, 25 billion coffee cups get thrown out each year. So if you’re grabbing a coffee on your way to work each day that’s 5-7 coffee cups a week. Invest in and bring your own coffee mug each time to cut some SERIOUS waste down. Plus a lot of coffee shops offer discounts to those who bring their own cup.
7. Produce bags
I don’t think produce bags are really a necessity at all seeing as you should be washing your fruits and veggies before eating them anyway, but if you like to use them at the grocery store them I encourage you to bring your own!
Skip the thin, cheap, plastic baggies that the store provides and use some mesh reusable ones! These can easily be thrown in the laundry as well to clean between uses!
8. Plastic wrap
A staple in everyone’s kitchen. Seriously, who didn’t grow up with their lunch or leftovers being wrapped in plastic wrap?
But plastic wrap is such a waste and a terrible addition to the plastic problem. Beeswax wrap is an amazing, reusable option!
It’s made from natural elements and can be wiped clean, moulded to fit different items and used again and again!
I never leave home without my reusable straw and bamboo utensil set. You never know where you’ll be or when you’ll need to grab something to eat and it’s best to cut out on the single-use plastic cutlery that’s given out at restaurants.
These are easily cleaned, made from natural bamboo and the best alternative!
2 billion plastic razors are thrown out each year in the U.S. alone!! I don’t even want to know how many that is globally. Safety razors are the best solution!
They’re gender-neutral, made from metal and both the handle and blades are recyclable when they’re no longer usable!
They’re also the best precision razors out there to get you the closest, cleanest shave possible!
Those styrofoam containers that restaurants give for your leftovers can’t be recycled and most of them can’t be used again.
If you’re like me and often leave with leftovers, start being prepared and bring in your own empty container to put your leftovers in!
While there is so much more single-use plastic in the world than there is on this list, I think that this is a really good start for anyone wanting to cut back on single-use plastics.
All of the items on this list are from earthhero.com! While I am an affiliate for them, this post is not sponsored. I just love to support eco-friendly brands. I like knowing that my money and my support is going to a company that truly values its employees and cares for the planet.
So thank you for reading and supporting this little ole blog. Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste and ethical fashion inspiration!
Other posts you might enjoy:
Why the zero waste movement isn’t sustainable
Every day changes you can make to produce less waste
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