Society is constantly changing an improving, but we still tend to hang around plastic. So many eco-friendly options are becoming available, but people are still using items that we should've said no to from the start. Below, you will find plastic items that you can cut out of your life and what you can replace them with.
1. Straws.
I have preached this so hard to everyone around me. Cut straws out of your life. As a college student that eats on campus, we get drinks that come in paper cups, with a plastic lid and a straw. Why not use that paper cup like you use just about all of your cups? Drink right from the edge. Easy solution there. Are you picky though? "You don't know who has touched the rim of that cup." Well, think again, because I've heard all of the excuses.
You can use straws without using plastic. Surprise! Stainless steel straws exist, and they're here to change your life. They are reusable, and they come with a cleaner. Easy dishwashing on the go.
2. Plastic silverware.
Everyone needs to eat and unless you're at home, or at a restaurant, you're most likely using plastic utensils. Well not anymore, because I have two options for you. Silverware can be reusable and come in a case for storing, it all depends on whether you would rather use stainless steel, or bamboo.
3. Toothbrushes.
Your toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3 to 4 months. That is 3 or 4 times in a year. If you replace your toothbrush as often as you're supposed to, after 20 years that can add up to 60 toothbrushes. And that will go on for the rest of your life, and not just for you. But for everyone around you. Bamboo toothbrushes are completely sustainable, for you and the environment. If you want to go the extra step, you can even get a bamboo toothbrush infused with charcoal to get those pearly whites. Traveling? You can even get a bamboo case for your toothbrush
4. Grocery bags.
Do I really need to include a link? Your local grocery store is most likely selling reusable grocery bags. Invest in some, please.
5. Plastic bags in general.
Like I just said. Grocery bags can be used just about anywhere. If you bring a reusable bag into a store and kindly ask the cashier to put it in your bags, they won't turn you down.
6. Cling wrap.
Cling wrap can get pricey, and you might not even want to buy it. So here's a tutorial on how to make your own reusable cling wrap out of cloth.
If you're not as talented, or just lazy, click on this link and order it straight from the internet. The good news is, it's washable, reusable, and compostable.
7. Cotton pads.
No more taking off your makeup with a cotton pad and throwing it away. Use these makeup remover pads that you can put right in the wash with your other towels, and use the next day. If you're feeling extra fancy, they come in multiple colors.
Another alternative is to use coconut oil to take your makeup off. I just dip my finger in the container, and smooth it around my face and then use a normal washcloth to wipe the extra off. Coconut oil acts as a great moisturizer, so it won't hurt if you leave any on your face.
8. Dryer sheets.
Ditch those dryer sheets. Dryer balls are in. They don't just get the job done, but they reduce drying time and are reusable!
Not a fan of how large they are and still want to use dryer sheets. That's fine... as long as you use these compostable dryer sheets.
9. Water bottles.
This is another one I don't need to include a link for. If you're still going about your day without a reusable water bottle, you're wrong. You can go in just about any store and buy one, whether it's a reusable plastic, glass, or stainless steel water bottle. Even a reusable plastic water bottle is better than a single-use plastic water bottle.
10. Garbage bags.
Garbage bags are a thing you can't reuse. Instead, composting options are available. Hefty makes a compostable garbage bag. Hefty. You read that right. Not everything has to be a small name company where you're not really sure if you can trust it or not. And, they just so happen to be one of the cheapest options on Amazon.
11. Tupperware.
You get your bang for your buck with this glass Tupperware set. Plastic Tupperware isn't the worst thing you could do. It's still reusable. You might as well go big or go home. With glass Tupperware, you can put it in the oven to cook delicious dishes.
12. Packaged produce.
Please, start bringing your own containers to put food in. First off, it is so much healthier for you to buy fresh produce. Secondly, when you buy packaged produce, you're wasting so much plastic. Those bags that you would normally toss your apples and bananas in? They can be replaced. Bonus: they're machine washable. Buy reusable produce bags.
Some items really aren't reusable. I get that. When you're shopping for daily needs, look at what can be reused multiple times. Read the labels to see if it is machine safe to wash, or even if it's compostable. Composting can be a chore, but it will pay off in the long run.
The list could really go on and on and on and on and on. You may only be on this Earth for a few decades, but you might as well do what you can to save it for the future.
