I’ve been on a quest to reduce my use of single use plastic but to be honest I haven’t been doing the best job. Last week I read this article and it was alarming – I knew that drinking water out of plastic was far from ideal (especially if you are like me and have any hormonal concerns), but I had no idea that 90% of bottled water contains microplastics. Ugh. I read this article as I was eating crackers out of their plastic bag and dipping them in hummus (in a plastic container). This was the reminder I needed to become aware of how much plastic I’m really using every day. And I want to change that for my own health, and also for the health of our environment.

 

We all know the astounding statistics of how much plastic exists in the environment. A very quick google search reveals some pretty scary ones – that in the LA area alone, 10 metric tons of plastic are carried into the ocean every single day. Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four time. Plastic now makes up about 40% of the world’s oceans surfaces (the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is twice the size of Texas!). If that wasn’t enough, some compounds in plastic have been found to affect hormones and have other potentially negative effects on health.

 

That being said, I am not writing this as a scare tactic (although all these astonishing facts are quite motivating to me)! I see reducing plastic as a major win-win -I already feel more minimalistic, more organized, and like a more conscious consumer. I’m not saying I am going to be absolutely zero plastic but I know that greatly reducing my plastic use will have wide benefits. Many of these tips may seem obvious but they are worth repeating because it does involve some initial planning to incorporate them. I’m linking to some of my favorite items that are making it easy for me to reduce my use of plastic. Here’s where I’m starting:

 

I’m bringing a water bottle with me wherever I go.

Ok actually, I’m extremely forgetful so for me it’s more like leave a water bottle wherever I go. Aka leave one at the office, one in the bag I bring to Pilates, one in my purse. I have a few different size water bottles. I’m about to get this one for on-the-go, and I love my Hydroflask (they come in all different sizes) and are amazing for hot drinks too. I make most of my matchas/teas a home but I’m thinking of also getting a 12 ounce container for when I order drinks at cafes.

 

Say no to lids + straws + plastic utensils.

When I do order a drink at a cafe, I like to enjoy it there so there is no need for a lid. Even if I’m walking a few blocks I’ll usually take it without the lid. There are definitely some drinks where a straw enhances the experience (smoothies + boba tea!) so glass straws or these thick stainless straws can also be a good option. Also opt out of plastic utensils when you are ordering takeout that you will be enjoying at home.

 

Pack a cotton / canvas tote in your purse or backpack.

I have accumulated so many reusable bags that I literally have no excuse not to have one with me all the time! Like the water bottle situation, I keep them wherever I go because otherwise I will forget. Some at the office and when I’m in LA some in the back of the car. I like to tuck one in my backpack (like this one that doesn’t take up too much room). I can fish it out if I’m picking up a few groceries or items at the store rather than accumulating another plastic or paper bag (and being charged for it).  

 

Shop with reusable produce bags and cloth bags at bulk bins.

I recently ordered a couple sets of these bags for produce and these bags for use at the bulk bins, which eliminates the need for all those thin green plastic bags. If I don’t have them on me, I’ll usually just put the produce directly in the cart and make sure to give it an extra good wash after bringing it home (fruit with a thick skin doesn’t need a bag anyway).

 

Choose items in alternate packaging.

Virtually every piece of plastic ever made still exists. Glass, paper, or aluminum can be better alternatives because they can be easier to recycle and reuse. When you can, choose things like almond butters in glass jars and reuse the jars for food storage or flower vases or DIY body scrubs. Or better yet, make your own nut butters and hummus and store in your reused glass jars.

 

And lastly this goes without saying, properly recycle plastic.

Most of us will still be using some level of plastic and it’s important to dispose of it properly – wash it out so there is no food residue and place it in the right bin. This is honestly the least we can do when we are using plastic but quite often overlooked!

 

This is where I’m starting on my mission to reduce single use plastics. It’s not perfect but it’s a step in the right direction. It also has some nice perks on the wallet: purchasing at the bulk bins is always way less expensive and no more charges for plastic bottles and bags. Also no more overpriced bottles of water at the airport.

 

Let me know if you have any other tips that have helped you reduce your plastic use!

 

Check out Trash is for Tossers if you are looking to dive in deeper and reduce your waste further.

 

Facts sourced from Ecowatch.