These days, it seems like everything is made or packaged with plastic. That might be OK, if said plastics were designed for over-and-over-and-over again use. But, with rare exception, they’re purposefully designed to be used once and then pitched: disposable utensils and cups, single-use wraps and containers, pre-portioned snacks and supplies.

A Science Advances study offers a mind-boggling look at the scope of the problem:

• Over the past 60 years we’ve produced 8.3 billion tons of plastic. 

• All but 2 billion metric tons of that has become plastic waste. 

• We’ve only recycled 9% of it. The rest of it winds up in our landfills and oceans.

We’ve all seen the devastating images of plastic soda can rings getting stuck around a turtle, but that’s just the beginning. According to the UN Environment Programme, discarded plastics pose an even bigger threat to those of us on land than they do our oceans. 

When you throw away something made of plastic (a water bottle, for example) it can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. And even after it decomposes, it’s not really “gone.” Instead, it breaks down into teeny tiny pieces called “microplastics” that go back into our soil and water, contaminating our food supply.

So yes, we are eating our fleece jackets. And while scientists aren’t sure yet of all the ways consuming microplastics affects our health, let’s assume there’s a good reason the “plastic diet” hasn’t become a trend.

OK, so that’s the bad news. The good news is there are lots of ways you can start decreasing your plastic consumption today. And those little efforts add up to making a big difference.

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31 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Use

While some of the ideas on this list will take extra effort and planning, many of them are super simple! To avoid getting overwhelmed and quitting before you even get started, choose a couple of things to start now, and then add a couple more when you’re ready. Every little change counts.

Note: This list contains lots of links to brands and products. We’re not affiliated with any of them; we just want to make it as easy as possible for you to find plastic alternatives.

In the Kitchen

1. Look for compostable trash can bags. They’re still plastic, but they’re designed to be eco-friendly and to break down faster.

2. Get a set of reusable straws. There are a lot of options out there, from metal to bamboo to paper and more.

3. Opt for foil or beeswax wraps to cover foods instead of plastic wrap. Or buy containers with lids.

School Lunches

1. Instead of individual, pre-packaged portions of foods (yogurt or fruit cups, for example) buy a larger container and portion it out yourself into reusable jars.

2. Package items in reusable storage bags instead of plastic bags.

3. Opt for a reusable metal lunchbox or paper bags instead of a plastic box they’ll want to throw out next year, anyway.

4. Check what type of cutlery is used in your school cafeteria. If they use plastic, send your child with a more sustainable option. (Better yet, talk to the school board about getting rid of plastic utensils in the lunchroom.)

Out and About

1. When you go out for ice cream, opt for a cone instead of a plastic cup and spoon. (We suggest a waffle cone for maximum yum, but the choice is up to you.)

2. Get a reusable water bottle and bring it along wherever you go.

3. Carry your own cutlery set and use it for meals on the fly instead of plastic. Be sure to let the person at the drive through know to skip the plasticware.

4. Bring your own reusable cup to your favorite coffee joint. 

5. Refuse plastic cocktail straws and opt for wooden stirrers instead.

6. Bring your own containers to restaurants to package up leftovers.

Groceries

1. Buy items in bulk instead of individually wrapped.

2. Bring your own mesh bags to the grocery store for produce.

3. Use a reusable grocery bag. Forgot it in your car? Go back out and get it, or request paper bags when you check out.

4. Try to find a milk delivery service, or buy milk in a glass jug from your grocery store. 

5. Buy eggs in paper cartons.

6. Ask the deli if they can wrap your meat and cheese in paper instead of plastic.

7. Look for items available in glass containers instead of plastic, like maple syrup or peanut butter.

In the Bathroom

1. Buy cotton swabs with paper sticks instead of plastic ones.

2. Choose bar soap over liquid soap in a plastic jug.

3. Consider toothpaste alternatives (powders or tablets) that don’t come in plastic tubes. 

4. Some face wipes take over 100 years to break down! Look for a brand that’s biodegradable. Or better yet, opt for a reusable washcloth.

5. Consider reusable feminie hygiene products such as a cup. Not ready for that? Choose tampons with cardboard applicators.

6. Trade in your disposable razor for a metal one. (You’ll get a smoother shave!)

For Your Kiddos

1. Consider buying used toys or trading with friends so they won’t be wrapped in plastic.

2. Encourage snacks and fruits that don’t require any packaging, like apples and bananas.

3. Look for wooden toys or those made with recycled plastics. Ok, it’s still plastic, but why not support a company that’s doing their part to use it responsibly?

4. New baby on the way? Consider using cloth diapers.

5. Pay your kids to sort and rinse plastics to take to your local recycling center. 

Once you start making mental notes of the plastic you use on a daily basis, you’ll start noticing it everywhere. And many of the things we use plastic for are really easy to replace with other items! 

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Giveaway Alert

Interested in diving a little deeper? We want to help you help our environment, so we’d love to send you the book No. More. Plastic.: What you can do to make a difference. It’s our gift to you, because we think it’s important. Just drop us a note letting us know who you are and where to send it. Together, we can make a huge difference.