Simple steps you can take to reduce your use of plastic

We use a lot of plastic in our lives. It is pervasive in our packaging, our devices, and many other products we use everyday. Using all this plastic, especially the things we use just once and throw away, generates a lot of waste, polluting our environment and impacting public health. And because it’s such a big problem, it can be hard to know how to help. 

Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to reduce plastic in your life. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Opt for reusable food containers
Carrying reusable water bottles, coffee cups and to-go containers limits plastic waste produced by eating on the go. Investing in glass or metal food and drink containers to use at your favorite coffee shops and restaurants is a great way to enjoy eating out without growing your plastic footprint. 

Say no to plastic straws, utensils and condiments
Declining restaurants’ single-use plastic cutlery, straws and condiments is a great step to limiting your own plastic consumption. Reusable metal, glass or wooden straws and silverware are easy to carry on the go in your purse, backpack, or car.

Pick reusable shopping bags
Limiting your use of single-use plastic bags is one of the easiest steps to limiting your plastic consumption. Reusable shopping and produce bags are compact and easily stored in your car or by your keys, making it an accessible and convenient switch with massive environmental impacts.

Buy less
Our global overconsumption of material goods is a major driver of plastic pollution. By choosing to buy fewer unnecessary products, you are limiting your plastic footprint. Consider the real impact of your purchases before completing them online or in-store.

Support your local zero waste store
Zero-waste stores, also called refilleries, are a quickly-growing type of bulk retailer which utilize the “weigh-and-pay” method. This system allows shoppers to limit their consumption of packaging, one of the largest culprits of plastic pollution. It is also one of the least wasteful ways to purchase a variety of products including household goods and groceries. Refilleries are becoming increasingly widespread, with more than 1,300 across America, so it’s likely that there’s one in your area, especially if you live in a major city.

Seek out products in non-plastic packaging
Everyday products like cleaning supplies, groceries and cosmetics are becoming widely available in non-plastic packaging. If you have a choice, opting for products packaged in glass, cardboard, aluminum or other recyclable materials limits your consumption of single-use plastics.

Repair, don’t replace
Repairing broken or damaged items rather than replacing them entirely is not only cost-efficient, it’s also good for the environment. Mending torn or damaged clothing, devices and household items can have massive environmental impacts, including a reduction in plastic entering our landfills and environments.

Shop locally
Supporting local businesses, farms and markets is beneficial to both the local economy and the environment. Products produced and grown locally do not need to be shipped to reach your retailer, meaning that the packaging and pollution accumulated through shipping is reduced. 

Taking steps to reduce your plastic footprint in these small ways can have a massive impact on your overall plastic footprint and consumption. If you’re already taking some of these steps, try encouraging those around you to do the same.

And finally, one of the best things you can do to reduce plastic pollution is to make your voice heard by calling on large companies like Amazon to stop using wasteful plastics. Add your name to our petition.