Plastic-Free in 15 Moves

Plastic has become part of almost every aspect of our lives, from shopping bags and food packaging to water bottles and household products. While plastic can be useful, the amount we throw away every day is creating a serious environmental challenge. Plastic pollution affects our oceans, rivers, wildlife, soil, and even human health.
The good news is that reducing plastic does not require completely changing your lifestyle. Small, intentional choices can make a significant difference.

Here are 15 simple ways to reduce plastic waste in your everyday life
1. Carry reusable shopping bags
Keep reusable cloth or durable shopping bags with you whenever you go shopping. This simple habit can significantly reduce your dependence on single-use plastic bags.
2. Shop in bulk
Where possible, buy products such as cereals, grains, spices and other household items in bulk. Use your own reusable containers instead of buying several small, heavily packaged portions.
3. Carry a reusable water bottle
Instead of purchasing bottled water every day, carry a refillable bottle. It saves money while reducing the number of plastic bottles entering the waste stream.
4. Say no to plastic produce bags
When buying fruits and vegetables, avoid unnecessary plastic bags. Reusable produce bags or simply placing produce directly in your shopping bag are better alternatives.

5. Choose milk in returnable bottles
Where available, choose milk sold in returnable or reusable glass bottles. Returning containers for reuse helps create a more circular system and reduces packaging waste.
6. Bring your own travel mug
Love coffee or tea on the go? Carry your own reusable travel mug instead of accepting a disposable cup every time you buy a drink.
7. Pack lunch in reusable containers
Replace disposable plastic packaging with reusable lunch boxes and food containers. They are practical for work, school and outdoor activities.
8. Buy sauces in glass containers
Choose products packaged in glass where possible. Glass containers can often be reused at home for storing food, spices and other household items.
9. Carry reusable drinking straws
If you use straws, choose reusable alternatives such as stainless steel, bamboo or glass. Better still, skip the straw when one isn’t necessary.
10. Bring your own food container
When buying takeaway food, carry a clean reusable container and ask the food vendor to use it where appropriate.
11. Make your own cleaning products
Some household cleaning products can be made using simple ingredients, reducing the number of plastic bottles you purchase. Reuse spray bottles and containers instead of constantly buying new ones.
12. Switch to bar soap
Consider replacing liquid soap in plastic bottles with bar soap. Many bar soaps come with little or no plastic packaging.
13. Choose sustainable toothbrushes
Look for toothbrushes made with more sustainable materials or options designed to reduce plastic waste. Replace them responsibly when necessary.
14. Explore reusable menstrual products
Reusable menstrual products can significantly reduce the amount of disposable sanitary waste generated each month. Choose an option that is safe and comfortable for you.
15. Consider reusable cloth diapers
For families who can manage them, cloth diapers can reduce the large volume of disposable diaper waste generated over a child’s early years.
Every choice counts

Photo Credits: Creatively Waithera