In the modern world, plastic is so ubiquitous that it’s almost hard to imagine living without it. But leading a plastic-free life is still an admirable and worthy goal, and it’s getting easier every year as more people refuse to contribute to the horrifying amount of plastic waste that ends up in our planet’s landfills and demand alternatives to plastic. Here are some ideas for lowering the amount of plastic in your home.
Top Tips for Living with Less Plastic
Stay away of non-essential plastic
Eliminate non-essential plastics whenever you can. Single-use plastic items like polythene, disposable plates, glasses, and cutlery add to the global issue of plastic waste. If there are long-term, eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, do so and use alternative materials regularly over an extended period of time.
Choose Reusable, Non-Plastic Containers
Everywhere you go, bring a travel cup and a reusable water bottle. Pack a lunch in a wooden Bento box, stack metal tiffins, canvas sandwich bags, stainless steel, glass (Mason jars are incredibly adaptable), etc. When you go shopping, bring reusable bags to the farmers’ market, supermarket, or other location, and have them measured before you fill them.
Shop in Bulk
You’ll save more on packaging the more products you can purchase in bulk. Although this way of thinking has long been the standard at specialty bulk food stores, it is thankfully spreading to supermarkets. You’ll save money on food as well as gasoline for further store runs if you drive. Look for products like big cheese wheels that aren’t packaged in plastic, and try to stock up on them.
Use Natural Cleaning Tools
Go for copper rather than plastic if you require something with strong cleaning capabilities. Instead of using a plastic scrub brush on dishes, use a cotton dishcloth or a coconut coir brush. Use facecloths made of cotton rather than single-use wipes.
Avoid Frozen Convenience Foods
One of the worst producers of excessive packaging waste is convenience food. Foods that are frozen are packaged on cardboard that is frequently lined with polyethylene and wrapped in plastic. There’s no avoiding it; if you’re serious about giving up plastic, you’ll need to break this purchasing habit.
Food Waste Composting
Composting food waste reduces the number of plastic bags collected by waste management on a weekly basis. Composting food waste scraps produces a product that can be used to improve soils, grow the next crop generation, and improve water quality.
Participate in Clean-Up Programmes
Participate in local cleanup efforts or organise your own. Clean-ups make a difference in preventing the plastic pollution that is clogging rivers, eroding beautiful seashores, and killing marine mammals and other animals in the natural world. The more we analyse, the more we realise how important it is to be cautious and aware of our surroundings.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 8 simple steps to living with less plastic that will take the stress out of it. Take it one step at a time; the planet requires your help to thrive, and every small action you take is a move in the right direction.
