Do you know what the worst thing about the environment is right now? The answer is plastic. Plastic is everywhere! It’s in our oceans, it’s on our streets, and it’s even inside of us. With so much plastic pollution all around us, it can be hard to make a difference on your own.
According to the world’s leading scientists, we are facing a plastic crisis. Every year 5 trillion pounds of new plastics are manufactured, and another 12 billion pounds end up in landfills and oceans worldwide. With such an insurmountable amount of plastic waste, we need to find creative ways to reduce plastic in our consumption and recycle more effectively. Check out these 25 creative ways to reduce the plastic footprint that you’ve never heard of:
Table of Contents
1) Food swap
Instead of purchasing snacks wrapped in plastic packaging, try swapping with friends for homemade versions made with sustainable ingredients. Not only will you reduce your plastic consumption, but it is also much healthier as homemade products omit many artificial ingredients found in store-bought goods.
2) Go bagless
Purchasing fresh produce without a bag at the grocery store is a great way to reduce your plastic footprint. Instead of a plastic bag, simply bring a cloth or canvas tote that can be reused.
3) DIY
One of the easiest ways to go green and reduce your plastic consumption is by making things yourself. For example, purchase bulk goods such as rice, sugar, and spices and fill up small reusable containers instead of purchasing pre-packaged items such as baking soda and flour, which come in wasteful packaging. You can find many tutorials online for other products you can make on your own!
4) Shower storage
If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your plastic footprint, consider reusing old shampoo bottles as shower caddies/storage for loofahs, soap, razors, and other shower essentials.
5) Switchel
One of the creative ways to reduce plastic consumption is by purchasing or making your switchel (also known as haymaker’s punch). Switchel is a delicious beverage made with apple cider vinegar, ginger, water, and maple syrup. It can be purchased pre-made in stores but is much more fun to make together at home with friends! Not only will you save money by reducing plastic consumption, but you’ll also get an opportunity to catch up with loved ones while you’re at it.
6) Coffee filter bag
Instead of brewing coffee in wasteful paper filters, try reusing old fabric coffee filters for the same purpose. Collect enough of them, and you’ve got yourself a whole set of new coffee filters that you can use over and over again.
7) Chew the fat
Instead of purchasing meat in wasteful and non-recyclable plastic packaging, purchase products such as cheese and butter in bulk from local farmers who package their goods in reusable cloth or paper wrapping. You will be reducing your plastic consumption while supporting local businesses at the same time.
8) Clean on up
Buying laundry detergent in bulk is an easy way to reduce your household’s plastic footprint. If buying commercial laundry detergent doesn’t fit into your budget, make some yourself by purchasing washing soda, borax, and soap flakes (all available online). Mix one cup of each ingredient with two cups of grated bar soap, and you’ve got yourself a large batch of laundry detergent that will last for months!
9) Drastic measures
If you’re looking to reduce your plastic consumption but aren’t quite ready to give up using zip-lock-style sandwich bags, consider making your re-usable version. All it takes is some fabric, sewing supplies, and creativity. You can find many tutorials online offering step-by-step guides on how to make these simple yet fun creations.
10) Glamour shots
Before throwing away old T-shirts or socks, check out the thrift store in your neighborhood to see if they are accepting any reusable clothing items today. You might be surprised by what you find! Of course, this requires more shopping time, but it’s a great way to reduce your plastic consumption while also looking fabulous at the same time.
11) A sprout of an idea
Instead of purchasing mason jars that come wrapped in plastic, consider growing your sprouts which can then be used as ingredients for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. It’s super easy to do, and you’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to what types of seeds you can grow!
12) Upcycle cups
Instead of throwing out old coffee cups or food containers, consider upcycling them into useful items around the home, such as storage containers or paintbrushes. Google is your friend when it comes to finding tutorials online on how to go about transforming these simple household items!
13) Stacking rings
If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your plastic water bottle consumption, consider purchasing a reusable metal or bamboo straw. You can also buy glass tumblers that come with their straws which are perfect for days when you’re on the go.
14) Rinsing out
Instead of purchasing shower gels or shampoos in wasteful packaging, try making them yourself by purchasing refillable containers and the necessary ingredients to mix at home. From my experience, it’s much cheaper than buying commercial products, and they will last for months! Just make sure you don’t double up on anyone ingredient as this could cause some unwanted effects.
15) Laundry larks
As mentioned, making your homemade laundry detergent is one way to reduce your plastic consumption drastically. Another way is to switch from commercial fabric softener and dryer sheets to natural alternatives such as vinegar and essential oils.
16) Not so sharp
Instead of purchasing disposable razors, consider making the switch over to a double-edged safety razor instead. You’ll be surprised by how much money you’ll save, and it will also allow you to create less waste when it comes time for you to discard old blades.
17) A green thumb
Another great way to reduce your household’s plastic footprint is by starting a vegetable garden that can then be used as ingredients in homemade meals, juice, or smoothies. Of course, if you’re not interested in growing vegetables yourself, you can always purchase fruits and veggies at your local farmer’s market to support environmentally friendly growers.
18) Repurpose containers
Instead of tossing out old jars or leftover food containers, consider washing them out then using them to store things around the home such as hair supplies, cotton swabs, or even homemade beauty products like deodorant or lip balm.
19) Keep it simple
When it comes time to stock up on commercial shaving cream, consider purchasing a bar of shaving soap instead, which can be used in the same way but will last much longer due to its dense foam. Wet the bar slightly before beginning your shave for best results.
20) Making magic
If you’re looking for an easy way to cut down on the number of plastic bags you use, why not try making your reusable fabric produce bags at home? Not only will they cut down on the amount of waste you create, but they are perfect for grocery shopping as well.
21) Carton boys
Instead of tossing out old juice cartons, consider cutting them in half to make small serving dishes perfect for snacks or appetizers. This is also a great way to repurpose paper towels and toilet paper rolls too!
22) Water bottle craze
Instead of purchasing water bottles that come wrapped in wasteful packaging, try using a simple reusable container with your tap water filtered through a filter jug if necessary instead. It’s better for the environment, plus it also allows you to control exactly how much water you want to drink throughout the day.
23) no milk?
If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption, why not try making your homemade almond milk at home instead of buying it in cartons that are also lined with plastic? It’s very simple and tastes great too! Just be sure to keep any leftover pulp so you can dry it out, then add it to the compost heap.
24) Bathroom break
Instead of purchasing expensive shower gels or shampoo bars, consider purchasing some simple castile soap that comes in a concentrated liquid form which means one bottle will last much longer than regular commercial products. You can use this soap for everything from washing your hair, body, and even clothes if necessary.
25) Cloth talk
Another easy way to reduce your plastic consumption is by making the switch from disposable paper towels or even rags to reusable cloth ones that can be washed and reused again and again. Plus – if you have a matching set to use in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas around the home, this will also help cut down on the number of different types of cleaning products you’ll need to own.
Conclusion
The next time you’re in the grocery store, be sure to take a look at all of your options. There are many ways to reduce our use of plastic and create a cleaner environment for ourselves and future generations. Making these changes is easier than ever before, thanks to this guide! We hope you’ll follow it so that together, we can make real strides towards reducing global plastic pollution by taking small steps each day.
