Easy ways to reduce single-use plastic in your daily routines

It’s easy to feel powerless in helping the environment when you realise the shocking numbers and statistics behind single-use plastics. Can an individual even make a change when the big companies seem to prioritise low-cost production over the health of our planet? The truth is- the change starts in the consumer’s mind. 

Although it may seem difficult to help the situation as an individual- reducing single-use plastics from your daily routines is easier than you think. The more knowledge you have about the products you buy, the better for the environment. 

These eco-tips will help you identify hidden plastics and make smarter choices as a consumer. 

Buy a water filter instead of plastic bottles.

Why spending money on water, when you can filter your own? Many people do not realise how affordable and convenient the water filters are. Not only do they help you save water, but also hugely contribute to the reduction of plastic waste in your household. 

Get reusable straws, coffee cups and water bottles.

Are you a big fan of coffee takeaways? The majority of cafes will allow you to bring your own cup and some will even give you a small discount on your drink if you do so. The plastic lids appear to be one of the most common types of plastic waste that pollute the oceans, right next to cigarette butts, plastic bottles and plastic straws. 

Considering the above, you should seek a reusable solution whenever possible. Nowadays, the market offers a huge range of reusable products from bamboo straws to metal bottles. 

Say ‘goodbye’ to plastic bags.

Although supermarkets will charge you for the single-use carrier bag, you can still use the complimentary ones to weigh vegetables or pick bakery. Keep in mind, that these are equally harmful. If you still haven’t made a switch to reusable cotton totes, it’s high time. Bringing your own bag to the supermarket or the corner shop should be a must in your routine. Reusable bags are widely accessible, affordable and look much prettier than the plastic ones! Win for you, win for the planet. 

1. Pay attention to plastic disposal.

Although we do our best to limit the use of plastic, it’s hardly possible to run a household with zero plastic waste. The correct disposal of your plastic products will make the recycling process easier. Developing the routine of sorting the waste bins is a big eco-win. 

If possible, try to re-purpose the plastic packagings which ended up in your house instead of throwing them away. 

      5. Research the ingredients of your hygiene products.

Unfortunately, a lot of hygiene products, which we can hardly imagine our lives without, contain hidden plastics. Shockingly, not many people realise this being blinded by the false advertisement or the impression that if the product feels natural, it must be plastic-free. 

-WET WIPES: The vast majority of wet wipes available on the market are made from plastic. These include baby wipes, make-up removal wipes and cleaning wipes. They do not only pollute oceans and landfill, but also block the sewage systems which become a very big problem for many countries to handle. 

Considering how handy and convenient the single-use wipes are, it may be difficult to completely eliminate them from the daily use. But in order to help the environment, you should look for the brands which offer the range of flushable and biodegradable products. 

-COTTON BUDS: The plastic-stemmed cotton buds are another source of plastic which has a detrimental impact on the environment and particularly- marine life. Although many European countries agreed to ban the use of cotton buds by 2021, these are still in the circulation all around the world. Until we see them completely disappear from the shelves, we should seek eco-friendly alternatives, switching from plastic to biodegradable bamboo-stemmed cotton swabs. 

-NAPPIES: Although the completely plastic-free nappy is yet to be produced, there are companies trying to make a positive change by limiting the amount of plastic used in the nappy manufacturing process. Choosing the cellulose based diapers is a step towards a greener planet. 

-PERIOD PRODUCTS: Just like single-use diapers, most menstrual products including tampons and pads are plastic-based. Luckily, there are biodegradable tampons which are made from natural materials such as organic cotton. These will take less time to break down, however they are usually less accessible than the plastic-based products. 

The most cost-effective and environment friendly period product is the menstrual cup. Although it’s one-time cost and the way of use may be discouraging factors at first- it’s definitely worth being considered. 

6. Switch to solid soap, shampoo and deodorant!

Why not make your self-care routine a little more fun? If you haven't heard of solid shampoos and deodorants yet- it’s time to google! Solid shampoos last longer than 2 and more bottles of liquid product.  

Solid shampoos last much longer than liquid ones, and they usually come in paper packaging which is a great alternative to plastic bottles. What is more, the smaller size of the product contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. 

Similar rules apply to the solid deodorants. Not only do they come in natural, recyclable packaging instead of aerosols or plastic tubes, but also appear to be more skin-friendly. Regular antiperspirants are fragranced and include aluminium which blocks your pores and stops skin from detoxifying when producing sweat. In simple words- the more natural deodorant, the better for your skin. 

7. Shop locally sourced and fresh food. 

Choose freshly picked products instead of these sitting in the supermarkets in the plastic wrappings. Locally grown food has lesser environmental impact and supports local businesses, not big corporations. 

8. Eliminate hidden plastics from your household.

It is obvious that a single use bottle is made from plastic. But did you know that tea bags are harmful for the environment too? Hidden plastics may not be directly visible, but they have a detrimental impact on our planet. 

The household products that contain hidden plastics:

-Chewing gums

-Tea bags

-Drink cans

-Glass jars with lids

-Milk/juice cartons

-Glitter/confetti

-Cardboard takeaway food containers