Going Plastic-Free in Your Home

By RethinkingPlastic.org

Photo by Stijn Dijkstra from Pexels

We have all heard about the ubiquitous presence of plastic in our world and the trouble it has become in more ways that can be counted on one hand – big ways. Used in practically all industries, its usefulness and benefits abound. But when is enough, enough? One could say ‘When it is created only for convenience, at the expense of others’.

While refusing to use single-use plastics (usually found in the food industry) is one important and easy way to minimize your foot print, looking to our homes and to each room inside our homes, is a challenging and fun approach to tackling the problem at an even higher level. Of course there are higher levels still in this fight but for now, let’s look at our homes and how we can find ways to steer clear of this fossil fuel material that are made into items that aren’t totally necessary.

Every day new products are created to help us run our households more conveniently, more expeditiously, more, more, more. Some are quality products, built to last. Some – not so much. The proliferation of these items - cleaners, cleaning instruments, cooking utensils, service-ware, gadgets, party décor and favors, and more – has increased thousand-fold in the last decade, and is set to continue and rise. Using our buying power and being an example to the young ones who learn from us and who will inherit our mess, speaks volumes. Not to mention the pride when you realize that step by step, it can be done.

Take each room – look around. Where could you lessen the amount of plastic waste?

In the Kitchen

Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

• Storing Leftovers:
  • Ditch the plastic wrap – Cover food with bees wax covers
  • Use reusable plastic containers instead of plastic bags   
• Marinating Food:
  • Use reusable plastic containers or bowls instead of plastic bag
• Hand Soap:
  • Don’t buy the plastic pump, use a bar in a pretty dish
• Dish Soap
  • Use the bar dish soap with a brush or cloth
  • Reusable togo cups, Sporks, straws & take out containers
  • Have them accessible in a cabinet or drawer, where the whole family can access and        take with them for the day.                                        
     

In the Bathroom

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

• Try to switch to these items
  • Wooden Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste Tablets
  • Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
  • Toilet Paper wrapped in paper instead of plastic
  • Hand Soap: Don’t buy the plastic pump, use a bar in a pretty dish
     

Cleaning Supplies   

• Purchase you dishwasher and laundry detergent in cardboard or use the detergent strips 
• Use a stain stick that’s packaged in a paper sleeve
• You’d be amazed what vinegar, lemon and baking soda can accomplish - Ecosia it!

More Home Tips

• Take those old towels and sheets to the animal shelter. Call first but they usually love them.
• When decorating for a party, try not to use throw-away items.

Get Vocal with Companies!

Call, Tweet, Insta, text or email the companies whose product you like but think that they can do a better job on their packaging. Tell them you won’t be purchasing their product until they address it.

Take Small Steps to Start Making a Big Difference. Here’s How…

If you seem overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Don’t let it consume you. Do what you can – one step at a time. EVERY small change you make, makes a difference. Don’t throw out your hand soap pump yet! Use it up, repurpose or recycle the parts you can, and then replace it with something that doesn’t follow that cycle again. Something that can be fully used in its entirety and/or used for a very long time.

There are so many ways to cut your plastic use and only a few substitutes/ideas are mentioned above. No doubt there are many more that we do not even know about yet but I bet they’re online!

One step at a time!

Check out RethiningPlastic.org for more ideas and how to get involved in the plastic-free movement

Main Photo by Lisa from Pexels

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