Single-use plastic has had its day, and it’s clear that becoming less reliant on it is important. The good news is, doing so doesn’t need to be hard, and with a few small changes at home single use plastics can start to become a thing of the past.
Things like switching to a reusable bottle rather than buying bottled water can do wonders, and growing your own herbs is both delicious and helps eliminate some car rides to the grocery store.
Here are four simple ways to get you started reducing single use plastics, but once you’re on a roll, you’ll be finding even more to add to the list!
1) Embrace Reusables
It’s no secret that one of the main sources of waste in the household is single use plastic. Everything from straws and cutlery to bottles and food packaging all add up. On the upside, you can make a change by switching to reusable items where possible. Things like taking a reusable cup to your local cafe may even score you a discount off your coffee, so you’re saving on plastic and money. You can also switch to durable plastic food containers that can be washed and reused, keeping an eye out for those that can be recycled when they reach the end of their journey.
Find yourself collecting lots of plastic bags that are taking up all your cupboard space? Why not grab some reusable shopping bags for your weekly shop? There’s plenty of great designs out there, and many can be neatly folded up when not in use. Keep a few handy in your bag and in your car so you’re always ready when you’re at the shops.
2) Master the Art of DIY Alternatives
If you’re looking for something a bit more customised on the reusable front, why not consider adding some DIY alternatives to your routine?
Beeswax wraps allow for creativity after meal time while keeping food fresh, and cloth produce bags let you better organise your fruit and veg. You can make these out of old t-shirts or thin tea towels that don’t get their heyday in the kitchen.
You can also think outside the box (or plastic container), when it comes to food. Making your own biscuits, cakes, and desserts is a delicious way to cut down on single-use plastics that come with the store bought varieties.
Another great way to embrace DIY is to clear out that chemical cupboard. Natural ingredients can often get your space just as clean while also helping you avoid the single-use materials of commercial products. Things like vinegar and baking soda make fantastic cleaners, and you probably already have these at home. If you like something scented, you can also add a drop or two of essential oils, making your own signature scent.
3) Shop Smarter
Items bought in bulk tend to have less packaging per product as they come in a larger format, and many brands prioritise sustainability in their packaging. Lots of companies are also stepping away from single-use packaging, with refilling options for their products, or switching up how products are made to cut down on size. Consider using a bar shampoo, or laundry detergent sheets. As these use minimal water in their production, the packaging used will be smaller and often use less plastic than their water-filled alternatives. You can also try to select items with minimal packaging.
Having said that, co-ops, zero-waste stores and farmers markets will be your best friend in this part of your plastic reduction journey, so seek these out where you can. Take a look online for the options and resources available to you locally—you might be surprised what you find!
4) Get Creative with Repurposing
Finally, giving new life to plastics that are already in your home gives you a fun way to spend some time crafting and getting creative. Have fun turning plastic containers into a planter for herbs and small house plants, with thinner ones being particularly easy to poke holes in for drainage. Plastic water bottles make great propagation stations for any cuttings you’d like to turn into new plants, while larger options like soft drink bottles can be turned into bird feeders with a few snips and some wire to hang them.
You can also use your single-use plastics for art projects, turning your waste into sculptures. Be as creative as you like, and soon you’ll have made something beautiful and thought-provoking, giving new life to once discarded items.
Being conscious of single use plastic in your home is the first step to reducing it. Once you make a start, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you see the difference your small swaps have made. Any time is a good time to make the switch, so why not start today?
