As I'm sure you've heard, single-use plastics are an environmental disaster and are having a huge impact on our planet's health. We can all do our part to make a difference and I'm here to discuss how. My goal is to provide a list of 10 things you can do to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics, and to inspire and motivate you to make these important changes. But first, what are single-use plastics?

Single-use plastics are plastic products that are only used once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include items such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, cutlery, and packaging materials. They are an increasingly prevalent part of our lives, and unfortunately, a major environmental issue due to their non-biodegradable nature. While single use plastics are convenient, their environmental impact is immense. Plastic waste is a major contributor to global warming, and the production of single-use plastics is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Plastics take centuries to decompose, and when they do break down, they release harmful chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the environment. These chemicals can have a detrimental effect on wildlife, aquatic life, and human health. In addition, plastic waste often ends up in the ocean, where it can contaminate drinking water, disrupt the food chain, and cause flooding. The waste discard also destroys reefs and the natural habitat for many animals Yikes!

How to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

So, what can we do? As the world becomes ever more aware of the devastating effects of single-use plastics on our environment, it's important to take steps to reduce our own personal use. From plastic bags to plastic straws, there are several things we can do right now (today!) to make a positive impact on our environment. Here are 10 ways you can reduce your single-use plastic consumption:

1. Bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee cup.

Providing your own coffee mug is a great way to help reduce waste and limit your carbon footprint. It can also help you save money since many coffee shops offer a discount on drinks when you bring your own mug. Additionally, it's much more convenient to have your own mug since you don't have to worry about disposing of a paper or plastic cup after your drink is finished. Furthermore, you can use a mug with a design or logo of your choice, making it a great way to show off your style and make your morning coffee a little more special. My personal fave product? Yeti. I’m a yeti girl all the way. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out the RTIC mugs.

2. Use reusable bags when shopping.

Personally, I think this is the easiest way to make a difference. And if you live in Colorado, it’s no longer a suggestion, but rather necessary as plastic bags have been banned in all grocery stores. (Yay, Colorado!) Not only are reusable bags easier to carry, but they are also more durable than single-use plastic bags. Reusable bags can be used multiple times, which will save you money and resources in the long run. They also come in a variety of sizes, designs and materials, so you can always find a bag that suits your needs. Every time you use a reusable bag, you’re actively reducing a single-use plastic bag from entering our environment. Reusable bags can also be washed and reused, making them a great option for grocery shopping. Of course, if you live in one of the 8 cities that has banned plastic bags entirely, it might also be nice to invest in a couple bags for shopping outside of the grocery store (aka retail therapy and those necessary trips to Target/Walmart). Luckily, reusable bags are easy to obtain, as they are sold almost everywhere nowadays. However, I’m loving the ones that squeeze into a little convenient pouch.

3. Buy food in bulk and bring your own containers when shopping.

Buying food in bulk and using your own containers is an excellent way to save money, reduce waste, and be more sustainable. Bulk buying allows you to buy only what you need, while also avoiding unnecessary packaging. By bringing your own containers, you can cut down on the amount of plastic being used. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. Bonus? Buying in bulk is usually cheaper, so this is an especially great option for those hoping to also impact their budget. Whole Foods, as well as most local grocery stores, have an aisle or two dedicated to bulk items. If you’re unsure or struggling to find somewhere to buy in bulk, I suggest googling “bulk grocery stores near me.”

4. Use bar soap instead of body wash.

Bar soap is an effective and economical way to keep yourself clean. It can be used for a variety of purposes, from washing the body and face to cleaning dishes. Bar soap is available in a variety of scents, sizes, shapes, and colors to suit your personal preference. It’s also a great alternative to liquid soap, as it is much more cost-effective and requires less packaging materials. And if you want, you can even make it at home. Okay, but if you’re like me and don’t have time for that, the Zero Waste Outlet has some great options. However, if I’m being completely honest, I don’t love bar soap. Instead, I opt for refillable bottles. Check out Common Goods for other refillable options. For hand soap and dish soap, I prefer Seventh Generation.

5. Avoid buying items with unnecessary packaging.

When shopping, it is important to try to avoid buying items that have unnecessary packaging. As suggested above, buying in bulk can help you avoid this. If buying in bulk isn’t an option, look for packaging made out of recyclable materials, such as cardboard, paper, or glass. Also, look for items that have minimal packaging or that are packaged in reusable containers. Here’s a concrete example of a personal switch I made. Have you heard of Unreal bars? They are made with delicious real ingredients. Unfortunately, when you buy a package of them, each individual bar is wrapped in more plastic. There is another nice treat I like called BarkThins. Also, delicious. While I love both sweet treats, I have been choosing the BarkThins for the sole reason that they have less packaging. I made this shift, not because I love BarkThins more, but because it the more environmentally conscious choice. These little choices may not seem like a big deal, but over time, they can make a difference. And when we choose products with less packaging, we our encouraging other companies to re-design the packaging of their products. It’s a tiny, but mighty protest. With each choice for an item less packaged, we are demanding companies that aren’t environmentally conscious to step up their game.

6. Avoid buying single-use items such as straws, disposable cups, and utensils.

One of the best ways to avoid buying single-use items such as straws, disposable cups, and utensils is to invest in reusable alternatives. Investing in reusable straws, cups, and utensils will help you save money in the long run and reduce your environmental impact. If you need to purchase something single-use, look for products made from renewable or recycled materials. Luckily, more and more companies are creating eco-friendly re-usable cutlery. Public Goods offers high-quality, affordable sustainable products. They carry eco-friendly choices from bamboo straws to refillable cleaning supplies to plants. I also love Grove Co. for stainless steel straws, cutlery, and reusable food storage options.

7. Look for alternatives to plastic items that can be reused.

I know this one seems similar to some of the other suggestions, and it is, but it’s slightly different, and a little more nuanced. It’s not just about buying items with less packaging, but also items with alternative packaging. When looking for alternatives to plastic items, there are many options to consider. Reusable items like glass, metal, and fabric can all be used to replace plastic items. What does this mean when grocery shopping? For me, it means always going for the glass peanut butter jar over the plastic one. Glass containers can be re-used to store food and drinks. Buying items in metal containers is also a way to reduce single-use plastics. Metal containers can be used to store items like cosmetics and other small items. Some other alternative plastics to keep your eye out for include: Hemp plastic, bamboo plastic, biodegradable plastics, and silicon. There’s a menagerie of new alternative plastics out there. I think they can even make packaging out of mushrooms and banana leaves. How brilliant! Whenever possible, choose those alternatives.

8. Use cloth napkins, towels and rags instead of paper towels.

Using cloth napkins and rags instead of paper towels is a great way to reduce waste. Cloth napkins and rags are reusable and can be machine-washed. This means that you don’t have to purchase paper towels every time you run out (extra money for coffee). The best part about using cloth napkins and rags is that they come in a variety of colors, styles, and materials to match any home decor. If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce waste and save money, using cloth napkins and rags instead of paper towels is a great option. Almost all of the companies mentioned above have a cloth napkin option. Papaya has some super cute designs. If you’re going for affordability stick with Zero Waste Outlet. But if you’re willing to splurge (in the name of Mother Earth) I highly encourage Marley’s Monsters. I think they absorb the most water and I feel I can actually use them the way I use a paper towel.

9. Compost food waste instead of using plastic bags.

Composting food is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardens. Composting food scraps helps to reduce methane emissions from landfills and can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. There’s a lot of confusion around composting. Many people think it’s complex, and part of it can be complicated, but it’s actually widely Accessible. All you really need to get started is a compost bin or pile, a shovel, and a variety of food scraps. Before adding food scraps to the compost, it is important to shred or chop them up into small pieces. This will make the composting process faster and more efficient. Additionally, adding a mix of green and brown materials such as leaves and grass clippings will help to create nutrient-rich compost faster. Once the compost is ready, it can be used to fertilize gardens and grow healthy plants. This is a very simplified way to begin composting. I would encourage those interested in composting to check out an article and or two, and maybe watch a tutorial before getting started. If you want some more tips make sure to check out our Composting 101 episode on our Happier & Healthier with Nest podcast (releasing late April 2023).

10. Make your own products

Making your own products is a great way to reduce the amount of single-use plastic you consume. It takes a bit of time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Plus, it is fun and allows you to express your creativity. I just recently started making my own products to avoid single use plastics and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only am I reducing my environmental footprint, but I'm also able to make products that are tailored to my needs and budget. You can make a wide variety of products at home from peanut butter and oat milk to homemade shampoo and conditioner to cleaning supplies. I'm always looking for new ways to reduce my plastic consumption and making my own products has been a great way to do that. My fave home products to make are almond butter, hummus, and oat milk. Peanut butter or almond butter can be made with just a few ingredients, such as nuts, salt, and oil. Here’s an easy almond butter recipe, and one for oat milk. The recipes are helpful, but one thing I like about making my own products is that is allows me to customize them to my own taste. Sometimes I like adding honey or cinnamon to the peanut butter. Or when I’m making hummus I like to add a little extra lemon, some oregano, and pine nuts on top. Another bonus to this habit is that you can package them in reusable glass containers to help reduce waste even further! Double win!

Small Changes Make a Difference

Although it's hard to completely get rid of single use plastics, it's important to make an effort to reduce our reliance on them. Finding alternatives to single-use plastics can help us cut down on waste and create a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations. Making small changes can go a long way in helping us reach our goals. We must be mindful of the environmental impacts of our lifestyle choices and work to make sustainable and eco-friendly choices wherever possible. So let’s start today by exploring ways to replace single use plastics in our lives! What’s one thing from this list you are willing to try? Commit to it for one month and trust that those little things you do make a difference. Because they do. :)

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