One of the most significant transformations we have undertaken in our own residence over the last several years is being more mindful of our total waste and methods to lessen plastic consumption.

Even if you’re not prepared to become a zero-waste household, you can create a substantial effect by decreasing plastic consumption and overall waste in your home with some essential tips.

19 Strategies to Decrease Plastic Consumption in Your Home:

#1 – Bring a reusable bag

Say goodbye to plastic bags! This should be a simple adjustment. I adore these fabric bags and always keep one hidden in my purse for whenever I go shopping. This is a straightforward approach to swiftly lower plastic usage in your residence.

#2 – Utilize reusable produce bags

Consider those plastic bags used at the grocery store for your produce. If you grab 5 or 6 each visit, weekly, for 52 weeks a year, during your lifetime… umm, that’s a LOT of bags. By opting for some reusable mesh bags like these, you can utilize them for every grocery outing. Simply unload your produce into your fridge once home, give them a quick rinse, and that’s all! We’ve had ours for more than a year now, and haven’t needed to replace them.

#3 – Say no to takeout containers

Picking up food or beverages while on the move is one of the leading sources of terrible plastic (and paper) products that get discarded immediately. Store a reusable coffee cup, utensils, and a bowl in your vehicle so you always have some available while out.

#4 – Purchase in bulk

We discovered that a significant portion of our waste originated from food packaging. We transitioned to buying in bulk (from places like Bulk Barn) and brought our own fabric bags with us. We re-use the same fabric bags for every trip (I even keep the little tag on them with the item number and name — for instance, “almonds” with the SKU). Once home, I transfer everything into glass containers in our pantry. Then, as we run low on items, I simply grab the fabric bags specifically for those products when heading to the store. It’s like an integrated grocery list!

#5 – Choose boxes for packaging

If it’s necessary to purchase specific foods pre-packaged, try opting for those that come in boxes rather than plastic. Cardboard is more readily recyclable. Consider: pasta, milk, etc.

#6 – Change to stainless steel straws

We consume a lot of smoothies in our home, and they’re delightful to enjoy with a straw. Instead of plastic, we invested in a set of stainless steel straws. They feel wonderful, can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and result in zero waste.

#7 – Create your own hygiene + cleaning products

One activity I truly enjoy is crafting our own soaps, hair care products, face serum, and cleaning supplies. This means I don’t have to constantly purchase new items in new containers – simply…
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Replenish the glass containers I’m currently utilizing. Moreover, everything I create is chemical-free, beneficial for my family’s use, and more economical.

I have gathered a variety of my recipes here.

#8 – Transition to shampoo bars

One alternative with shampoo and conditioner is to visit a shop that provides refillable choices, but if you prefer a different approach, then shampoo bars are a fantastic choice as well. No plastic containers involved, and they cleanse your hair just as effectively!

#9 – Purchase matches instead of lighters

Are you aware of those disposable plastic lighters? Consider how many of those are languishing in our landfills. Traditional matches are far more sustainable for the environment.

#10 – No more disposable razors

Cease purchasing disposable razors and opt for a razor with interchangeable blades.

#11 – Switch to Bamboo Toothbrushes

Have you ever reflected on all those plastic toothbrushes you discard every few months? By opting for bamboo options, you are choosing a biodegradable material rather than plastic (which never decomposes!).

#12 – Compost your food scraps

Strive to prevent your food waste from ending up in the landfill. Consider all that decomposed food just resting in large plastic garbage bags buried in our landfills, when it could easily return to the earth through a composting process.

#13 – Utilize natural cleaning cloths + scrubbers

Stop purchasing plastic scrubbers and artificial sponges that you must discard after one use. Instead, natural fiber brushes are excellent for cleaning and are biodegradable. Skoy cloths are crafted from cotton and cellulose, functioning like a cloth, soaking up like a sponge, and replacing paper towels. Once again, they are entirely biodegradable.

#14 – Eliminate the plastic wrap

Eliminating plastic wrap was among the initial steps I undertook to achieve a more plastic-free lifestyle. I began using beeswax wraps and have never looked back. They last approximately a year (and are biodegradable) while keeping your food significantly fresher. I’m often surprised at how long an avocado remains fresh and vibrant when encapsulated in one of these. Use them to cover any food you’ve sliced, cheese, leftovers, etc. Simply wash with warm soapy water and reuse.

#15 – Eco-friendly floss

Have you considered all of those tiny plastic containers for floss that you discard? There are companies now providing eco-friendly floss where the packaging has been chosen with care, and the floss itself is biodegradable.

#16 – Forfeit gum

Were you aware that almost…

Is all chewing gum composed of plastic? Absolutely… when you’re chewing gum, you’re essentially chewing on plastic. Gum is not compostable, not digestible, and ultimately contributes to a significant environmental challenge. Following cigarette butts, gum is reportedly the second most littered item globally.

#17 – Waste-free lunches

We prepare lunches every day for our children. But how can you put together a lunch that generates no waste? I completely understand how tempting it is to grab the pre-packaged snacks for lunches, but it truly doesn’t take much longer to utilize reusable containers for everything in your children’s lunches. Opt for something like a planetbox, which simplifies packing a diverse lunch and allows you to toss the entire thing in the dishwasher each night!

#18 – Purchase bread in paper bags

Whenever possible, buy fresh bread in paper bags instead of the plastic bags they typically come in. Fresh bread is generally much tastier, anyway!

#19 – Obtain a refillable water bottle

This one is the most straightforward. I believe bottled water should be prohibited. Did you know that a significant amount of bottled water is merely packaged municipal water? Get yourself an adorable water bottle. I particularly like the stainless steel ones from Swell.

What can you begin doing TODAY to decrease plastic consumption in your household? Start monitoring your waste and you’ll be surprised by the difference you can create!

Additional Methods to Lower Plastic Usage

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