I think at this point, we all know that single-use plastics are slowly killing our planet. Thankfully, we have more alternative options now than ever! Here are 10 ways you can reduce plastic use in your home and workplace!
When ordering take out, make sure to specify that you don’t need plastic utensils or extra sauce packets
Reduce: If you’re just taking a meal to-go and eating at home, there’s no need to use plastic utensils because the cutlery you have at home is much nicer and more sustainable! I hate getting home and realizing there are plastic forks in my to-go order bag knowing full-well that they will end up in a landfill eventually.
Reuse: If you forget to specify that you don’t need plastic utensils with your order, or they put them in anyway, don’t immediately throw them away when you get home! Save them and use them in times when you do need disposable utensils. You could pack them in your work lunch or put them out when you have guests over & might not have enough traditional cutlery for everyone. This prevents you from buying plastic utensils when you do need them!
Be conscious of the packaging your grocery store meals come in
Generally, single-serving meals found in the freezer section come in an excessive amount of plastic packaging. Ditch the packaging and try meal prepping in reusable containers instead.
Shop local if you can!
Find your local farmer’s market. Vendors typically use less packaging to wrap items than your typical grocery store would.
Keep portable reusable utensils at work or in your bag
I know, it’s so convenient to grab a plastic fork in the office kitchen to eat your lunch. But you could save SO much plastic just by having reusable utensils handy. I purchased this set from Amazon and keep it in my bag so I have them handy anytime I need to eat while I’m on the go. Take them home and wash them, or wash them in your office’s kitchen when you’re finished. Congrats, you’ve just reduced your plastic use!!!
Speaking of reusable utensils, give reusable straws a try….or no straws
I hate to admit it, but I dislike paper straws. And if you live anywhere other than the west coast, plastic straws are still very prevalent. Next time you go through the drive-thru, say NO to plastic straws and bring your own! I purchased these from Amazon. I like that they come with cleaning brushes and they are clear so you can see if there is anything stuck inside of them.
Ditch the single-use coffee pods
You can purchase a reusable coffee pod for your Keurig. Just fill it with your favorite coffee grounds and insert it in your Keurig just like any disposable pod! Much more sustainable!
Consider alternatives to Ziplock bags
There will almost always be a more sustainable alternative to using ziplock bags. Pack your lunch or snacks in a glass container. Marinate your chicken in a shallow, reusable container. Pretty much anything you’d need a Ziplock for, you could substitute glassware.
Bring reusable produce bags to the grocery store
Reduce: At this point, everyone knows they should be using reusable shopping bags. But we often forget to bring reusable produce bags to put our produce in when we don’t want it touching the cart. I like these ones because they are mesh, good quality, and lightweight.
Reuse: If you do forget your reusable produce bags and end up needing to use plastic, don’t throw them away when you get home! Keep them and reuse them as trash bags for your small bathroom trash bins. Or if you have a dog, you can reuse them as doggy waste bags!
Commit to not buying bottled water, or any beverage in a plastic bottle for that matter
There are SO many better options! Don’t like tap water? Keep a Brita filter pitcher in your fridge for filtered water anytime. Going on a road trip? Fill up 2 of your largest reusable water bottles and take them with you so you’re not tempted to buy bottled water on the way. Plus, there are so many cute options when it comes to reusable water bottles and tumblers! I personally love this marble one from Simple Modern.
Learn how to recycle correctly
Take the time to educate yourself and your family on proper recycling. My husband was SHOCKED when I told him that you have to remove all the food off your plastic before recycling. I guess that’s not common knowledge! Especially in America, it seems like we are told to recycle but never taught best practices. This website is a great resource: https://www.recycleacrossamerica.org/tips-to-recycle-right
I hope these 10 ways to reduce plastic use will help you out! If you have any suggestions to reduce plastic waste, comment below!
