Living a life without plastic is not just a noble goal but a necessary step towards protecting our planet. Here’s a quick guide to start reducing your plastic footprint:
- Understand the Issue: Plastics, made from oil and gas, are durable but problematic materials that persist in the environment, accumulating and releasing harmful chemicals.
- Start Small: Begin with easy swaps like refusing plastic straws and bags, and using reusable containers and bottles.
- Be Consistent: Make these swaps part of your daily routine, remembering to bring reusable items with you and planning ahead.
- Expand Your Efforts: Look into areas of your life where plastic use is high, such as food packaging, kids’ toys, and pet products, and find alternatives.
- Connect with Others: Find community support through local groups or online networks to share tips and stay motivated.
This guide will walk you through the basics of reducing your plastic use, offering simple swaps, advice for overcoming challenges, and resources for further learning.
What Are Plastics and Why Are They an Issue?
Plastics are made from long chains of molecules, and we get these from oil and natural gas. We add different things to make them flexible, strong, or smooth.
But here’s the problem with plastics:
- Persistence – Plastics don’t break down easily. When we throw them away, they can last for hundreds of years in landfills or in nature.
- Accumulation – We make a lot of plastic, much more than nature can handle. Right now, there are 150 million tonnes of plastics in our oceans.
- Toxicity – Plastics can leak harmful chemicals, hurting animals and the environment. Tiny pieces, called microplastics, can get into water and food.
If we use less plastic and throw it away carefully, we can reduce these problems.
Staggering Plastic Pollution Statistics
Here are some shocking facts about plastic:
- We make over 300 million tonnes of plastic every year. Half of this is used just once and then thrown away.
- Only 14% of plastic gets recycled. The rest ends up in places it shouldn’t, like landfills or the ocean.
- Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic go into the oceans.
- Packaging, like for food and products, is the biggest source of plastic waste, making up nearly 40% of it.
- In the US, making plastic water bottles uses 17 million barrels of oil every year. If you lined up all these bottles, they could go around the Earth 149 times.
These facts show why we need to act now to stop plastic pollution. Even small choices can make a big difference.
The Health and Environmental Effects
Plastic waste is bad for:
1. Marine Life
- Over 267 different kinds of animals have been hurt by plastic, through getting tangled up or eating it. This can make them sick or even kill them.
- Every year, plastic kills over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals.
2. Human Health
- Chemicals from plastics can get into our water and food. Some of these chemicals can mess with our bodies, like making it harder to have babies or increasing cancer risk.
- We can end up eating microplastics because they’re in fish. We’re still figuring out how bad this is for us.
3. Climate Change
- Making plastics adds to climate change because it needs a lot of oil and gas, and it releases harmful gases.
- Thrown away plastics keep releasing gases, like methane, that make the planet warmer.
The bottom line is, plastic waste is a huge problem. But if we’re careful about how much plastic we use and how we throw it away, we can avoid a lot of these issues.
Getting Started: The Essential Mindset and Beginning Steps
Adopting a Plastic-Free Mindset
Starting to use less plastic means you need to think differently. Here are some simple ideas:
- Be ready for changes. You might need to carry your own bags or try shampoo bars. It’s all about getting used to new things.
- Aim for doing better, not being perfect. It’s okay if you can’t get rid of all plastic right away. Be happy with the small steps you take.
- It’s okay to mess up. If you end up using a plastic item by mistake, don’t worry. Just try to do better next time.
- Encourage others. When your friends and family see you using less plastic, they might want to try it too.
The Power of Starting Small
It’s easier to stick with small changes:
- Say no to plastic bags, straws, and cutlery when you’re out.
- Always carry reusable bags, cups, and containers for shopping or eating out.
- Try shampoo and conditioner bars instead of bottles.
- Drink from a reusable water bottle and use your own mug for coffee or tea.
Start with these and add more changes as you go. Little by little, it makes a big difference.
Being Consistent Is Key
To keep up with these new habits:
- Keep your reusable items near the door so you don’t forget them.
- Focus on the top 3 swaps that help you cut down on plastic the most.
- Plan ahead so you always have what you need with you.
- Check in with yourself to avoid slipping back into old habits and to feel good about your progress.
Staying consistent helps make these changes a normal part of your life. Remember, it’s about taking it one step at a time.
Simple Daily Swaps to Drastically Cut Down on Plastic
This part gives you easy ways to swap everyday plastic items for things that can be used over and over. Just a few changes can make a big difference in how much plastic waste you make.
In the Kitchen
Here are some easy switches from plastic to items made of glass, steel, and silicone for storing food and drinks.
Glass Food Storage Containers
Some good choices for glass containers to keep leftovers, prepare meals, and store stuff in your pantry:
- Anchor Hocking – Tough glass in different sizes
- Pyrex – Well-known brand with safe plastic lids
- Weck – Pretty glass jars with rubber seals
Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
Great for carrying loose fruits, veggies, and items from the bulk bins without using plastic:
- Ecowaare – Made of organic cotton, comes in handy sizes
- ECOBAGS – Light polyester mesh
- Flip & Tumble – Made from a mix of hemp and cotton
In the Bathroom
Here are some ideas for soap, shampoo, and other personal care items that don’t come in plastic packaging.
J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar
A well-liked, simple shampoo that’s easy to use.
- Made with organic ingredients and can be broken down naturally
- Lasts a long time, comes in 2-4 oz bars
- Has herbal smells
Package Free Shop
A place online where you can find items for personal care and beauty without plastic:
- Bars for shampoo, conditioner, and face wash
- Bamboo toothbrushes
- Safety razors, soap holders
- Bulk organic body care
Laundry and Cleaning
Switching to DIY and reusable options for laundry and cleaning around the house:
- Laundry powder in a cardboard box
- White vinegar and baking soda for cleaning
- Bar soap for getting stains out
- Cloth wipes and mops that can be used again
Getting into the habit of choosing reusable items for everyday use is a simple way to start reducing your plastic use. With time, these changes will just become part of your routine!
Tackling Lifestyle Areas Prone to Plastic
Plastic tends to show up a lot in certain parts of our lives. If we’re careful about these areas and choose things we can use again and again, we can really cut back on waste.
Food On-The-Go
When we eat out, we often end up with a lot of throw-away packaging. A little planning can help us dodge this plastic trap.
- Pack snacks or meals in reusable containers like glass, stainless steel, or silicone ones that have different sections.
- Bring your own spoon, fork, and cloth napkin. Wood, bamboo, or cloth are good choices.
- For your coffee or tea, use a foldable cup. Stainless steel or silicone are best.
- Keep a small wrap for your cutlery in your bag, wallet, or car.
- Choose places that offer compostable or recyclable boxes when you can.
Try to eat at the place using their dishes instead of getting a disposable box for takeout.
Kids & Baby Products
Finding items for kids that don’t have plastic takes a bit of effort but it’s worth it.
- Go for wooden toys like blocks, trains, and puzzles. They’re also great for sparking creativity.
- Consider cloth diapers. They’re reusable and today’s options are easy to clean.
- Instead of plastic, choose teethers made of wood, silicone, or cloth.
- Choose soft dolls and animals made of fabric.
- Get kids to play outside with things from nature like sticks, rocks, and pinecones.
Teach them not to put random things in their mouths by offering safer options.
Pets
Our pets also add to plastic waste with their toys and food packaging.
- Pick a cloth collar and leash which are softer. Use metal for tags.
- Choose beds made of natural fibers that can be composted.
- Buy pet food in bulk and store it in glass jars to skip the plastic bags.
- Serve pet food in a metal bowl instead of plastic to keep it clean.
- Go for toys made of rubber, rope, or cloth. Watch pets during play to prevent choking.
When giving pet gifts, pick items made of lasting materials. If you’re moving away from plastic, give away your old items responsibly.
Adopting Plastic-Free Living Long Term
Overcoming Social and Personal Challenges
Switching to less plastic might feel tough, especially if your friends and family aren’t on the same page. Here’s how to deal with common challenges:
With Friends and Family
- Kindly share why you’re cutting down on plastic and suggest easy swaps they can try.
- Bring your own items like cups and plates to gatherings to show how it’s done.
- Host get-togethers without plastic and make it fun for everyone.
- Share stories or movies that talk about why this is important, without making anyone feel bad.
For Yourself
- Start slow with new habits so they last.
- Use reminders to bring reusable bags or containers.
- Reward yourself for making less plastic waste.
- Remember why you’re doing this to keep going.
- It’s okay to slip up. Just try again.
Overcoming Inconvenience
- Get your reusable items ready ahead of time.
- Keep extras in case you forget.
- Ask for no straws or extra packaging nicely.
- Bring a bag for leftovers when eating out.
- Think ahead for trips or special occasions.
Making plastic-free choices easier can help them become a normal part of your life.
Finding Community Support
Meeting people who also want to live without plastic can make things easier and more fun. Here’s how to find them:
Local Groups
- Look for local meet-ups online.
- Join programs at stores that sell healthy food.
- Help out at cleanups or other green events.
- Chat with people you meet who care about the environment.
Online Networks
- Follow people online who share tips.
- Join groups to get advice and help others.
- Look for blogs, podcasts, and videos.
- Use hashtags like #plasticfree to connect.
Ongoing Learning
- Read books by experts.
- Watch online courses and films.
- Go to online talks and events.
- Keep up with news through newsletters and social media.
Being part of a community helps you keep going and share what you learn with others.
Next Steps and Additional Resources
Books & Films to Expand Your Knowledge
Here are some good books and movies to help you learn more about why plastic is a problem and what we can do about it:
Books
- “How to Give Up Plastic” by Will McCallum – This book gives you real steps to use less plastic in your daily life.
- “Plastic-Free” by Beth Terry – Learn from someone who has been living with less plastic for years.
- “The Story of Plastic” by Debra Roberts – This book looks into how plastic became such a big issue.
Documentaries
- “The Story of Plastic” – This movie goes with the book and looks at the whole life of plastic.
- “Bag It” – A fun look at how much plastic we use without realizing it.
- “A Plastic Ocean” – Shows what plastic is doing to our oceans.
- “The Clean Bin Project” – Follows a couple trying to live without making trash for a year.
Getting Active Locally and Globally
You can also help fight plastic waste by joining groups that are working on this problem.
Volunteer
- Help clean up beaches or parks.
- Teach kids about why plastic is bad.
- Push for laws that reduce plastic use.
Donate
- Plastic Pollution Coalition – They work on teaching people and fighting for change.
- The 5 Gyres Institute – They study how plastic moves in water.
- Plastic Oceans International – They work on fixing the plastic problem in our oceans.
Doing small things like signing online petitions or talking about this on social media can help too. When we all work together, we can make a big difference.
Related Questions
How to start living plastic free?
Here’s a simple way to use less plastic:
- Don’t use things like plastic straws, forks, and throwaway cups.
- Carry reusable bags for shopping.
- Drink from a bottle you can fill up again.
- Pick fruits and veggies without packaging.
- Recycle any plastic you end up with.
- Try to eat at home more instead of getting fast food.
Begin with small steps and gradually tackle bigger ones to make your life less dependent on plastic.
How do I start not using plastic?
Focus on these four common plastic items first:
- Skip the straw or use one that’s not plastic.
- Use a water bottle that you can refill.
- Always have a shopping bag with you.
- Say no to plastic-lined coffee cups.
After you’ve managed these, look for other plastic items you use a lot and find non-plastic alternatives. Take it one step at a time.
What would life be without plastic?
Life without plastic would make keeping food fresh and moving it around more difficult. We’d probably need to grow our food closer to home, leading to more organic waste. But, we wouldn’t have the huge problem of plastic pollution. Living without plastic would mean using materials like glass and metal more often. We’ve gotten used to plastic because it’s convenient, but we can change that.
How do I transition to plastic free?
Here are 10 steps to start living without plastic:
- Bring your own bags to the store.
- Notice what plastic items you buy.
- Swap out the easiest three first.
- Write down why you want to stop using plastic.
- Use a cup you can refill for your coffee.
- Choose bar soap and shampoo.
- Go for unpackaged produce.
- Bring your own containers for takeout.
- Recycle any plastic you do use.
- Learn more from books and the internet.
Go slowly and stick with it. Soon, avoiding plastic will just be part of your routine.