Lady LUX

From coffee cup lids to plastic grocery bags, plastic has become a ubiquitous feature in our lives. But we all know that from an environmental viewpoint, we should do without it. Here is our friendly guide to eliminating plastic from your life, from plastic-free food storage to plastic-free meals on the go.

Plastic-Free Cleaning

They may sound good, but pre-packaged cleaning products are really not necessary. You can make your own at home with products you can buy in cardboard or glass containers and that you may already have at home. One part vinegar to three parts water is a great all-purpose cleaning spray and baking soda works great for dishes and scouring. Choose natural cleaning cloths over plastic scrubbers and synthetic sponges. Go plastic free in your garbage cans by lining them with newspaper instead of using plastic bags, and compost your food waste.

Plastic-Free Shopping

For deli and butcher purchases, bring your own containers or ask your items to be wrapped in paper and for fresh bread, bring a bread bag. It is easy to use your own reusable shopping bag and produce bags.Buying items from bulk bins, such as nuts, flour and rice, is a simple way to cut down on plastic waste. Look for items stored in glass and consider doing without items such as soda and juke that you can only find in plastic containers. Shopping at farmers markets also can cut down on plastic use, as they usually avoid plastic containers.

Plastic-Free Food Storage

Plastic Tupperware is easily substituted with glass or stainless steel containers. Save glass jars and bottles and use them to store leftovers and for buying bulk foods. Sandwiches can be wrapped in fabric or paper bags, and vegetables stored in glass or damp towels, as can cheese. Try using glass for freezing leftovers as well. You can even use a clean shower cap to cover a bowl instead of plastic wrap.

Plastic-Free Gift Giving

For someone’s birthday, consider giving an experience, such as a paper restaurant voucher or movie ticket. Books are always a welcome choice. To wrap it up, try fabric, or reuse gift bags or wrapping paper from gifts you have received.

Plastic-Free Meals on the Go

One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste is to avoid plastic beverage containers such as water bottles. Carry a stainless steel travel mug or water bottle with you always, just in case. If you forget to bring it with you, skip having a beverage or at least ask for no lid and no straw. When you go to restaurants, bring your own containers in case you have leftovers. If you need a snack on the go, try going to a bakery and getting something in a paper bag. And carry reusable utensils, such as bamboo or stainless steel from home.

Plastic-Free Personal Care Products

Instead of using shampoo from a bottle, buy solid shampoo bars. Forgo the shaving cream in favor of bar soap and never purchase liquid soap. Your hairbrush can easily be wooden with wooden bristles, and your toothbrush can be bamboo. And baking soda under the arms with a powder puff is a great alternative to plastic-packaged deodorant.

Tagged in: eco, green, environment,