10-05-2021
Here are some tips for removing plastic from your life and, if you wish, from planet Earth. Follow one, follow two, follow ten, follow none, do what you feel, just the fact that you are reading this article is a big step forward.
- Carry reusable shopping bags
- Give up bottled water
- Cut out sodas, juices, and other plastic-bottled beverages
- Let go of frozen convenience foods
- Carry your own containers for take-outs and leftovers
- Carry a stainless steel travel mug
- Carry reusable utensils and glass drinking straws
- When ordering pizza, say no to the little plastic “table” in the middle of the pizza box 🙁
- Say no to plastic produce bags
- Return containers to the farmers market to be reused
- Buy fresh bread that comes either in paper bags or no bags
- Choose milk in returnable glass bottles
- Buy large wheels of unwrapped cheese
- Choose wine bottled in glass with natural cork stoppers
- Learn to love the bulk bins
- Choose plastic-free chewing gums
- Baking soda is a fantastic scouring powder
- Baking soda is also the best deodorant EVER
- Use powdered dishwasher detergent in cardboard box
- Hand wash dishes with plastic-free dish soap
- Use natural cleaning cloths and scrubbers
- Use natural rubber gloves
- Switch to bar soap instead of liquid soap
- Give up shampoo in plastic bottles
- Check labels of personal care products!
- Wash clothes with homemade laundry soap and stain removers
- Try hair salves and pomades in metal tins or glass jar
- Color hair with henna purchased without plastic packaging
- Try solid shave soap instead of canned shave cream
- Choose lotions and lip balms in plastic-free containers
- Switch from a plastic razor to a second-hand safety razor
- Reconsider how you clean your teeth
- Choose toilet paper that’s not wrapped in plastic
- Use plastic-free feminine hygiene products
- Look into plastic-free sunscreen options
- Explore plastic-free hair accessories and tools
- Keep your own reusable foodware & cutlery at the office
- Try natural beeswax coated cloth wraps instead of plastic cling film
- Choose stainless steel ice cube trays and Popsicle molds
- Don’t buy water filter cartridges unless necessary
- Make your own homemade yogurt without a yogurt maker
- Make your own soy or nut milk
- Make your own seasonings
- Make your own snacks and energy bars
- Acquire necessary plastic items used instead of new
- Repair things when they break
- Make your own glue
- Avoid disposable plastic pens, use pencils
- Compost food waste to avoid plastic garbage bags
- Choose natural cat litter
- Choose pet toys and furniture made from natural materials
- Buy second-hand pet supplies instead of new ones
- Learn to make homemade pet food without plastic
- When traveling, bring your own snacks on the plane
- Bring your own headphones too
- Refuse the mini bar (sorry)
- Choose plastic-free camping equipment
- Find Do-It-Yourself alternatives for over-the-counter remedies
- Use a handkerchief instead of paper tissue
- Avoid buying new plastic clothing
- Shop thrift stores
- Make your own clothes
- Look for plastic-free shoes
- Alter and modify old clothes into new
- Re-think your Christmas tree
- Find ways to wrap gifts without plastic tape
- Request zero plastic packaging when ordering online
- Look for second-hand electronics, games, and toys first
- Take care of what you already have
