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Since 2019, I’ve been on a path to reduce plastic use in my daily life. Living in New Jersey, I’ve discovered lots of cool ways to be more eco-friendly at home.
I still remember watching a documentary from 2019; it really opened my eyes. Seeing sea turtles stuck in plastic bags and marine life-consuming plastic debris was just heart-wrenching. Plus, the harm to our soil and environment was also highlighted.
That was my turning point—I decided to make a change.
Do you know that here in the US, we toss out about 42 million metric tons of plastic waste every year? That’s around 287 pounds for every person! And out of this, only about 9% of that plastic actually gets recycled.
The rest? It ends up in landfills, oceans, or even our food chain. Yup, we’re actually eating and drinking tiny bits of plastic!
So, how can we reduce plastic use?
To make a difference, first, we need to figure out where plastic pops up in our day-to-day lives. Take a little time and make your plastic usage check by looking at your household stuff, grocery buys, and everyday habits.
Spot those common sources of plastic waste like single-use bags, bottles, & packaging. After finding these sources, set realistic goals for cutting back.
Well, since I’ve been on this journey for a while now, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks!
Kitchen Makeover, Ditch Plastic Food Storage
Remember those nights when you’d wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or toss them into throwaway containers? Yeah, not anymore! Here’s what I do now:
- Glass containers are my new best friends. They can go in the microwave & dishwasher and don’t hold onto food stains or smells!
- I also use Beeswax wraps. They keep food fresh and you can reuse them. Plus, they come in really cute designs!
- For snacks and lunches, silicone bags are the best! They don’t leak and are great for everything from sandwiches to sliced veggies.
Related:->
Zero Waste Kitchen: Tips for Reducing Food Waste
Smart Shopping, Reduce Plastic Before It Hits Your Home
Grocery shopping used to be my nemesis when it came to plastic. But guess what? With just a few changes, eco-friendly adventure
- Reusable shopping bags are a must-have! I always keep some in my car—you never know when you’ll need them.
- Buying in bulk was an eye-opener! Less packaging means more savings!
- I’ve totally fallen for our local farmers’ market—fresh produce with minimal waste and I’m helping out local farmers.
Related:->
Zero Waste Grocery Shopping: Tips and Tricks
Goodbye Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are an easy target for reduction,
- My reusable water bottle accompanies me everywhere I go. This avoids buying unnecessary plastic bottles.
- Also shifting to Bamboo toothbrushes and plastic-free dental floss have completely changed my bathroom routine.
- I use Shampoo & conditioner bars instead of plastic bottles. These bars can be used for a long time without producing any waste..
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supply Alternatives
Cleaning supplies used to be my weak spot… but not anymore:
- I make my own multi-purpose cleaner just by using vinegar, water, and essential oils. This mix works wonders and will leave your house smelling nice!
- Switching from plastic scrub brushes to natural bristle ones was super easy.
- A lot of stores now have refill stations for cleaning products—it’s like a soda fountain but for soap!
Also Read:-> Homemade Natural DIY Cleaning Products: Zero Waste Cleaning
Eating Out Without All the Plastic
Even when I’m out & about, I’ve managed to keep my plastic footprint small:
- My reusable coffee cup goes everywhere with me! A lot of coffee shops even give discounts if you bring your own cup!
- I always keep a set of bamboo cutlery and a metal straw handy. No more using plastic forks or straws here!
- When ordering takeout, I ask for no plastic cutlery or extra packaging—every little bit helps!
Be the Change You Want to See
Cutting down on plastic isn’t just about what one person does; it’s about sparking a movement! I’ve started talking with friends & family about reducing plastics.
You’d be amazed at how many folks care but don’t know where to begin! Participating in local beach cleanups has opened my eyes too; it’s wild how much trash washes up on our shores.
Sharing my journey online has built a great community of like-minded buddies.
I know cutting back on plastics can feel tough at first. But trust me; it gets easier over time. Remember folks—we’re going for progress over perfection!
Since I began reducing my plastic use back in 2019, I’ve seen way less trash piling up. My recycling bin is way less full now; my house feels cleaner.
It feels pretty awesome knowing I’m making a difference! So hey, are you ready to hop on board this revolution? Remember, every piece of plastic you skip is one less piece hurting our planet!
