Four Easy Ways to Limit Your Plastic Waste
Plastic is literally everywhere
I just read a story on the news that plastic and microplastic are absolutely everywhere, including inside people’s bodies. We have to start paying attention to plastic. Obviously we can’t stop using plastic altogether, but if each of the 333 million people in the US made the choice to avoid using plastic just once a day, or even once a week, think of how many pieces of plastic would be kept out of the waste stream. Here are four really easy ways to do your part.
Replace bottled products with solid or powdered products. This is where shampoo and conditioner bars come in! If you can get a product (like StarBars shampoo and conditioner bars) that are better than what comes in a bottle, then why wouldn’t you? One bar lasts about as long as two bottles, and your hair will be stronger, shinier and healthier. Besides being plastic free, StarBars are also free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates and silicon.
Bring reusable bags to the grocery store. This is such an obvious one but I still see people getting a plastic bag at the store. Reusable bags are everywhere - and some of them fold up so tiny you can put them in your pocket. (These are cute - https://www.amazon.com/Kaxich-Reusable-Shopping-Foldable-Eco-friendly/dp/B07DHKW83T)
Bring a to-go container with you to a restaurant. If you think you are going to have leftovers, it’s nicer to put them in your own container instead of getting a plastic container. Those black plastic to-go containers that look like cheap tupperware may be made from recycled plastic but they are not recyclable. Don’t kid yourself. The same goes for plastic cups.
Stop using plastic water bottles. I know tap water doesn’t taste that great in some parts of the country. But instead of buying those ubiquitous disposable plastic bottles (which are now all over the ground and in the ocean), just get a water filter pitcher or Berkey filter. If you don’t have a filter, chill the tap water. It tastes better cold. Also, keep a refillable bottle of water in your car in case you get thirsty. There are so many options besides those awful little disposable bottles.
Anything you do to save one piece of plastic, even a straw, makes a difference. Multiply that one thing by 333 million and think about if everyone skipped using just one piece of plastic too. You can make a difference! #noplasticplease
