I think it’s awesome recycling is becoming a little more mainstream; you all know how big I am into reusing and reducing waste! BUT there are some great ways to reduce your waste before you ever get to the recycling stage! Today I’m throwing out a few great tips about cutting down the amount of plastic in your homes! Our plastic obsession as Americans is out of control. Like crazy talk!
Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every HOUR. No typo. Every. Single. Hour. We also generate 10.5 million tons of plastic waste a year but people only recycle only 1 to 2% of it. That’s just pathetic but what’s even worse is the 14 billion pounds of trash, much of it plastic, that is dumped in the world’s oceans every year. It kills me to read stats like that. So I’ve come up with a few simple ways to help eliminate the problem in your own home.
1. Don’t drink bottled water: Reusable water bottles, you guys. It’s where it’s at. It’s really the easiest way to cut down on plastic waste. I carry around this water bottle with me everywhere I go. Don’t leave home without it because then I’m not tempted to stop when we’re out running errands to rehydrate with a $.99 water in a plastic bottle!
2. Reusable coffee/tea mug: If you are a Starbucks addict, you can still keep you habit intact while cutting down on the toss-able cups. Buy a reusable coffee mug or tea thermos and bring it with you. They’ll fill it right on up!
3. Reusable shopping bags: Get in the habit of bringing your own bags when you hit the grocery store or mall. Not only will you cut down on the amount of plastic coming back to your home, but many stores will also reimburse you a little credit for using your own bags!
4. Look for glass bottling for store products: There are often glass reusable options for many grocery products. You can even find milk in glass containers if you buy local milk. You might pay a bit more, but the environment will thank you.
5. Reusable utensils: If you camp a lot or find yourself using plastic utensils often, look into buying the washable plastic variety. They are a little more money upfront, but the long-term savings will make up for it. Sure it’s not as easy as tossing it in the trash when you’re done, but that one extra washing step is worth it.
6. Don’t use a straw: This is a super simple one to implement. If you eat out often, just say no when the server offers you a straw. And avoid buying them for your household. If a straw is a must, you can always purchase a reusable stainless steel straw as an option!
7. Squeeze your own juice: Aside from the fact homemade juice tastes miles better than the store bought junkity junk, you’ll cut down on a lot of plastic packaging!
8. Cloth diapers: Okay, people. 18 billion diapers are thrown into landfills every year. 18 billion. I can’t wrap my brain around that number. My kiddos might be way past diaper stage, but I think I’d seriously look into cloth diapers if they were. They have so many cute cloth diaper options these days that will cut down on plastic waste BIG TIME!
9. Buy in bulk & bring your own packaging: This one is awesome because not only will you eliminate that need for a plastic bag or packaging, you’ll save money. Buying cereal, rice, pasta, spices, etc. in the bulk bins will save you a bundle!
10. Make your own cleaning products: I love making my own DIY Cleaning Products anyway, so this one is a no-brainer. They are better for your family, they clean so great and you don’t have to purchase store-bought cleaners in plastic packaging.
11. No disposable razors: You can avoid tossing the whole plastic razor buy purchasing just the blade replacement and keeping the same razor for years. Easy peasy.
Any great ways you reduce plastic in your own home? Share away!
~Mavis
Another Lisa says
Fix it rather than toss it. We had a coffee maker that stopped heating the water. I did an internet search and found that there was a simple part that fixed the problem. There were even youtube videos to show exactly how to do the repair. I’ve done the same for all kinds of appliances (fridge, washer, printer, computers, ipods, vacuums, faucets). Saves a repair bill or running out and buying another.
Cheri says
Ever since reading Zero Waste Home, I have been working hard to transform my house into a low-plastic environment (no plastic just isn’t going to happen anytime soon). I have made all kinds of changes and am excited to see that I can manage without. Great suggestions in this article!
Kristina says
I’d like to chime in on the cloth diapers. We used them for both of our kids, and seriously? Way cheaper (in the long run, after initial outlay for supplies), no big deal to wash, and who really wants to go around in paper and plastic underpants? I wouldn’t want to wear them, so why would I put them on the dearest people in my life. If anyone’s on the fence, rent a diaper service for a month or two and see if it’s right for you before taking the plunge.
Cheri says
I agree about the cloth diapers. I had five kids to diaper (not all at once), and I was heading towards the “all-natural, cheapskate, DIY” camp at that time. Yes, disposables were much nicer for me to use and sometimes I had to, but cloth diapers make much more sense in every way but convenience. I used both for all my kids, but I mostly used cloth that I washed and dried myself. It could be gross; there is no way around that. But once you get used to it, it’s not a big deal. That’ what mothers have used in one way or another for most of history; disposables were created as a travel convenience, according to what I read, not an every day option. And after you’re done, the diapers make wonderful cleaning rags!
Cheri says
Your clothing diapering experience will be MUCH better, though, if you use high-quality products. This is one case where buying the cheapest option is not a good idea..
Angela D. says
A big “yes” on the cloth diapers! A few swishes in the toilet and then right into a covered pail to soak. The best money we spent was on quality diaper covers that could be adjusted as baby grew.
Mavis, one question: if we recycle both plastic and glass (religiously) then does it matter if we buy milk bottled in either way?
Kirsty says
My kids used these all through high school
http://sistemaplastics.com/products/to-go/cutlery-to-go
Christine Hagen says
I used the old fashioned cloth diapers with both my kids, now 23 and 26. All my friends thought I was nuts but I saved a ton of money. I really didn’t feel that it was that hard. After they were about 6 months old, I would use a disposable at night because it helped them to sleep through the night (and me). Although I don’t think those fancy 10-20 dollar diapers are worth the price (I am a plain and simple girl) using one of those at night might would have done away with the disposable I used at night.
Tisha says
Alas, in my neck of the woods, although they take glass for recycling, they do not have a facility to do it with, so there is a mountain of glass that will likely stay there forever. Because of this, I do not mind buying things in plastic containers that can be recycled.
Julis says
Our county recently stopped recycling glass, saying it was nolonger cost effective. Yike!!