7 Ways to Live Plastic-Free. Cut Down on Waste and Save the World

Plastic has become one of our most significant environmental issues – from being found in the stomachs of dead seabirds to microfibres in our drinking water.

We are now aware of plastic’s devastating effects on our planet and its inhabitants. And in response to this crisis, many people have begun living a ‘plastic-free’ life.

Achieving a plastic-free life is not easy. But, with a little determination, some changes to everyday habits, and thoughtful purchases, it’s achievable!

Keep reading for seven ways you can live a plastic-free life and cut down on waste at home and beyond…

Say no to single-use plastic

Single-use plastic is a huge problem for our planet. Not only does it take thousands of years to break down, but most of it pollutes the environment.

We use an alarming amount of single-use plastic items daily, from plastic bottles and coffee cups to cutlery and food packaging.

The average person consumes around 60,000 single-use plastic items yearly, so it’s easy to see how quickly this number can build up.

But you can make a huge difference by reducing your single-use plastic consumption. This will not only help clean up our planet but also save you money.

Buy in bulk and invest in good quality items

If you need to buy a few items that come in plastic packaging, like a new toothbrush or razor, make sure you buy them in bulk. This way, you’ll reduce the amount of single-use plastic you add to the environment.

Consider investing in a high-quality reusable alternative, such as a bamboo toothbrush, eco-friendly makeup brushes, a razor that uses replaceable blades, or sustainable hand wash refills.

While the initial outlay will be higher, you will save money in the long run. While we’re on the topic of razors, you might consider switching to a shaving cream without plastic beads, as these are harmful to aquatic environments.

Reuse what you already own

You can reuse many items in your daily life that don’t need any packaging or extra resources to make. For example, you can use a reusable coffee cup instead of a disposable paper cup.

You could also invest in a water filter to reuse water from the tap to make tea and coffee or pour it into a reusable carafe to keep it fresh.

Since household cleaning products are often packaged in plastic bottles that are incredibly hard to recycle, it’s best to invest in a good-quality eco-friendly alternative.

Go shopping without producing waste

When you do grocery, it’s easy to be tempted by the many plastic items on offer and end up with a selection of unnecessary items in plastic packaging.

Try to plan your meals in advance. If you know what you’ll be eating over the next week, you won’t need to make any unnecessary purchases.

If you need something specific, you can buy it unpackaged. For example, you can buy fruit and vegetables that haven’t been pre-packaged or pre-cut, and you can buy meat, fish, and eggs in bulk.

But if you need to buy items in plastic packaging, you can always recycle the packaging later.

Plan a no-waste lunch

For many people, the majority of their single-use plastic consumption happens during their lunch break. It’s easy for people to buy a sandwich from a nearby shop. But this food is often wrapped in plastic, which harms the environment.

To avoid it, you can invest in reusable containers and make your own lunch. You should also use a reusable water bottle and fill it with water from the tap. It’s simple, and you save money and reduce plastic waste.

Commit to eating food produced without plastic

Although it’s essential to cut down on single-use plastic in your daily life, it’s also important to ensure the food you’re consuming is also free from plastic.

For example, you can replace your daily dairy intake with almond or cashew milk or choose eggs that are not in plastic packaging.

While it’s not possible to eliminate all plastic from your diet, you can make small changes that will have a significant impact.

Go digital when shopping

Why not try to go digital if you need to buy items online, such as groceries or other things?

It sounds like an unlikely solution to the plastic problem but using an eco-friendly website is better for the environment.

By shopping online, you’re eliminating the need to drive to the shops and use your car, which is one of the worst environmental offenders.

You can also easily avoid single-use plastic bags by ordering your goods to be delivered straight to your door. And even if you receive your goods in plastic packaging, you can always recycle them.

Conclusion

Plastic has become one of the biggest environmental issues of our time. That’s why many people live a ‘plastic-free’ life to reduce the environmental impact. As well as help protect the natural world for future generations.

A plastic-free life is not easy, but it’s achievable. You can do that with a little determination, some changes to your everyday habits, and thoughtful purchases!

If you are on a budget but want to live sustainably, consider reading our article on How To Be Eco-Friendly on a Budget.