Plastics. Don’t we all love them.
Well, not really. They certainly make our lives a lot easier, but plastics are taking over the world. Plastics are everywhere, and it is a big problem for the environment. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. But the good news is that there are manny easy ways to cut down on your plastic use, and every little bit helps. Spread the plastic-free wave and cut down on your plastics with these simple tips.
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your plastic footprint.
Bring Your Own Bags: One of the easiest ways to cut down on plastic is to bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store. This also includes produce bags, which can easily be replaced with mesh or cloth bags. By keeping a few reusable bags in your car, purse or near the front door, you always have a reusable bag when going to the store.
Say No to Straws and plastic cutlery: Plastic straws and cutlery are one of the most commonly found items on beaches and in the ocean. You can opt for reusable metal, wooden, bamboo or glass straws and cutlery.
Use a Reusable Water Bottle: Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, invest in a reusable water bottle. There are plenty of options available that are lightweight and durable, including stainless steel, glass and BPA-free plastic.
Choose Products with Less Packaging: When shopping, choose products with minimal packaging. Or go for bulk products, which use less packaging in general. Lastly, look for products with recyclable packaging if it’s an option.
Bring Your Own Containers: Many stores now have bulk sections where you can bring your own jars or containers. There are also many grocery stores dat only sell products that are not packaged and bringing your own container or preserving jar is mandatory.
Swap Plastic Wrap for reusable containers or Beeswax Wraps: Instead of using plastic wrap to cover your food, try beeswax wraps. These are reusable, washable, and biodegradable. And they have a nice print on them that reminds you of summer nights.
Choose Plastic-Free Personal Care Products: A lot of our personal care products come in plastics. These products can stack up really easy, making you ending up with mountains of waste and plastic shampoo bottles. Look for personal care products that come in plastic-free packaging, such as shampoo bars, soap bars, and toothpaste tablets.
Avoid Disposable Razors: Instead of using disposable razors, opt for a safety razor, an electric razor and make sure you choose a more durable product and can last for years. This will reduce the amount of plastic waste you produce.
Use Cloth Napkins: Alright, maybe nog directly a tip to cut down on plastic but cut down on waste. Instead of using paper napkins, switch to cloth napkins. They’re reusable, easy to clean, and even add a touch of elegance to your table.
Use bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles. Bar soap often has less packaging and can be just as effective as liquid soap.
Recycle Properly: Finally, make sure you’re recycling properly. Check with your local recycling facility to find out what materials they accept and make sure you’re following their guidelines.
Bring your own containers when ordering takeout food. Ask the restaurant to put your food directly into your own container instead of using the single-use plastic containers and bags.
Make your own cleaning products. A lot of the cleaning products come in plastic packaging (surprise). By making your own cleaning products, you can reduce plastic waste and avoid using harmful chemicals.
Use a menstrual cup or menstrual slip. These are reusable, cost-effective and can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated from menstrual products.
Use reusable diapers instead of disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are reusable and can save money while reducing the amount of waste by disposable diapers.
Buy secondhand items instead of new items. With apps like Vinted and Marktplaats, it is now super easy to buy secondhand items instead of new ones. This can help reduce the demand for new products and helps a more circular economy.
Use a refillable water filter instead of buying bottles water. Refillable water filtersprovide clean and purified water without the need for single-use plastic water bottles. We offer water filters/dispensers for companies.
Use your own reusable coffee cup instead of disposable cups. Many coffee shops offer discount to customers who bring their own reusable cups. And let’s be honest, coffee from your own favorite cup does taste better.
Use a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic toothbrush. Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and can be composted at the end of their life, unlike plastic toothbrushes (which can take hundreds of years to break down).
- Choose products made from sustainable materials like bamboo, glass or cotton and have a longer lifespan. This way, you minimize your (plastic) footprint.
- Use a refillable fountain pen instead of disposable plastic pens. Are you writing a lot? Think about how many pens you’ve bought in your life already. Using a refillable fountain pen can last for years and help reduce the amount of plastic waste.
By following these simple steps, you can reduce your plastic footprint and help protect te environment. Remember, every little bit helps! Do you have another tip for cutting down on plastic use? Let us know in the comments and we will add in in this blog.
List of 21 tips to cut down on your plastic usage
- Bring your own reusable bag.
- Avoid plastic straws & cutlery.
- Refill, not recycle: use a reusable water bottle.
- Choose wisely: opt for bulk products and items with less packaging.
- Bring your own containers and shop as stores that avoid plastic packaging.
- Wrap your food in non-plastic materials.
- Look for plastic-free personal care products.
- Avoid disposable razors.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
- Use toothpaste that’s not sold in plastics.
- Use a soap bar instead of liquid soaps in plastic bottles.
- Recycle properly by using different bins.
- Make your own cleaning products.
- Use a menstrual cup or menstrual slip.
- Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
- Opt for second hand instead of firsthand.
- Use a refillable water filter instead of buying bottled water.
- Use your own reusable coffee cup.
- Use a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic toothbrush.
- Choose products made from sustainable materials.
- Use a refillable fountain pen instead of disposable plastic pens.
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