Have you been trying to cut down on your plastic use and reduce the single-use items in your home? Making a change like this can be overwhelming, particularly when there is such an overload of information out there on the topic, but we’re here to break things down and share some super simple and actionable tips to reduce your plastic use.

And what better time to do it? This month is Plastic Free July, so it’s the perfect time to get started on your plastic free adventure.

As with anything, you don’t need to strive for perfection here. Living completely plastic free in our day and age may not be a realistic goal for you, and that’s completely fine! Simply removing or reducing a few main sources of plastic in your life is a huge win for the environment.

Before you get started: Making plastic free work for you

Before you start removing plastic from your life, take some time to write out where you use the most plastic and what things you can realistically reduce that will have the biggest impact.

Everyone has different plastic conveniences they use frequently or rely on, so make a list of the things you use most and the things you’re able right now to reduce.

Next, remember that we often use plastic because it’s convenient, so if you don’t make your plastic free lifestyle convenient too, it will be much harder to stick with it. Don’t over complicate things and set yourself up for success by having your plastic free alternatives on hand and easy to access.

For example, if you get a coffee to-go every morning, make sure to pack your reusable mug the night before. If you’re switching to canvas totes for your groceries, make sure to keep a stash in your car so you’re always prepared. A small amount of preparation will make the plastic free life so much easier.

Now we’re ready to dive into our plastic free options! Remember, you don’t need to do all of these, and you don’t need to do them perfectly- just choose what’s right for you and start there!

5 ways to reduce your plastic use and go plastic free

1. Buy less

It’s easy to focus on plastic free alternatives, but the easiest way of all to cut down on plastic use is to simply buy less. Remember reduce, reuse, recycle? The first step is to reduce because that is the most effective way to cut down on plastic consumption. The products we buy and the materials used to ship them are typically all high in plastic, so one of the best things we can do is just to buy less of it.

2. Reusable water bottle

This is one of the easiest ways to go plastic free, and the impact is massive! An estimated 1 million water bottles are purchased every minute, and of those only around 91% are recycled. Swapping your plastic water bottles for a reusable water bottle is a super easy way to cut down on plastic use.

 3. Reusable coffee cups

Another big plastic culprit is your to-go coffee cup. While the outside may be paper, the inside is lined with plastic and can’t be recycled. Reusable coffee cups are a convenient (and stylish!) way to cut down on plastic. And don’t forget to ditch the plastic accessories on the coffee bar too! Lids and stir sticks are typically made from plastic and add up as well.

 4. Beeswax wrap and glass containers

If you use cling wrap and plastic bags to store your food, an easy and eco-friendly alternative is to switch to beeswax wrap and glass containers. Not only are these plastic free, but they both have additional benefits!

Beeswax wrap is breathable, so wrapping your food in it will help your food to last longer and storing your food in glass ensure that no plastic is leaching into your food.

5. Reusable bags

Reusable bags are another simple way to cut down on plastic use. Keep them handy in your purse and car, so you have then ready anytime you’re out!

Looking for more plastic free tips? Head to the official Plastic Free July website!