Photo by Katy Flinn, Dry Tortugas National Park, 2011

I am on a lifelong journey of diminishing my plastic waste. My conviction came first about plastic water bottles and plastic bags. I didn’t like the idea of these unnecessary conveniences filling the landfills. Yes, recycling exists and I was on that kick for a while but in reality recycling is better off as a last resort. The focus of this post is to share steps I have taken or am planning to take to reduce my plastic output.

Reduce first. Reuse wherever possible. Recycle when necessary.

I really see being environmentally conscious as a spectrum. You and I both will probably never be 100% plastic free, but we can make decisions to move closer and closer to that every day.

But WHY?
Because plastic never breaks down. Every piece of plastic created is still around. Landfills are overfilled (see this video). Bodies of water are full of plastic (watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix). Because plastic production uses billions of barrels of oil annually. Because plastics contain harmful chemicals. Because the Earth is God’s creation. Because this is a very tangible way you can make a positive effect on the environment, without any lawmakers needing to be involved. Because a decreased demand for plastic products will lead to a decreased production. I could go on, but I’ll leave it there for now because that is not the purpose of this post. 

My Plastic Reduction Steps

Step 1: Plastic Water Bottles
This one is a softball. It is so easy to not use these. There is free clean water almost everywhere you go. Please do not pay money to create waste on something you could get for free. If tap water makes you nervous, get a filter. Carry a reusable water bottle. I’ve chosen to submit solidly to this, meaning that I will go thirsty for a few hours rather than use a plastic bottle. That really reminds me to bring along my reusable bottle!

Step 2: Plastic Grocery Bags
Your grocery store sells them. You probably even already have one or two. The trick is to remember to bring them!! I always had the intention to but hardly ever remembered my bags. Then I made the commitment to stop using them which made me (1) run back out to my car to get them (2) get a paper bag or (3) juggle all of my things out of the store without a bag. #1 and #3 really reinforced the idea of bringing my bags, and now it is second nature to me! Benefits of reusable bags include small discounts at certain stores (including Target) for bringing your own and being able to carry way more groceries in one bag.

I’ve used zero plastic water bottles and ONE plastic grocery bag in 2018. (I was worried about bringing home raw chicken from the store alongside fresh vegetables, but I’m not proud of that one!!)

Step 3: Menstrual Products
Men, feel free skip over this one. I was creating so much waste each month during my period. I knew there had to be a better way. First, I found Thinx. (Use this link to get $10 off) It’s period underwear that is comfortable and works! Second, I found the Diva Cup. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY LIFE CHANGING. I wish I had found it years ago! Wowowow 12 hours completely leak free with NO waste. Then you just wash it and use it again and again. I don’t think I’ll ever buy tampons again.

Step 4: Plastic Cutlery
The easiest first step here was to stop using these in my home, even if I was going to have a bunch of people over. (Back in December I hosted about 25 people and was able to provide real forks for everyone thanks to gracious lending from friends). Taking it a step further is committing to not use plastic cutlery out and about. A fork for your burrito bowl at Chipotle, a spoon for your frozen yogurt, a packaged cutlery set with your to go order- grabbing these things feels very natural, and I am still working on retraining my brain to not to. I bought this set on Etsy to make carrying my own cutlery easier. I carry that set in my purse, use a utensil when I need it, and wrap it in a napkin until I can take it home to wash it. It always sparks conversation when I pull it out my little set, and I am happy to share about my pursuit of a plastic-free lifestyle. 

Step 5: Plastic Straws
I love drinking out of straws. I always use a straw when I’m out to eat. But Americans use 500 million plastic straws every day (source). That’s enough to fill 125 school buses. Fortunately, a stainless steel reusable straw and a straw cleaner came in my Etsy set I linked above! I just whip that out when I need one. Some restaurants give you a straw automatically, so I’m learning to be aware of my surroundings and actively ask for no straw if getting a straw appears to be the default.

Step 6: Single Use Food and Beverage Containers
Takeout food: It is very difficult to get takeout food without using plastic. They’ll give you plastic cutlery and sometimes put it in a plastic (or styrofoam, which is equally bad) container, then package it all up nicely in a… plastic bag. I have made a conscious effort to minimize getting takeout food. I sit down and eat there or do something else for my meal. And want to bring home leftovers from a sit down restaurant? Pack a container.

Cups: Bring your own bottle to places where you fix your own drink (think order at the counter and sit down places like Chipotle or Subway). When they ask if I’d like a drink I ask if it would be okay to fill up my bottle with water and ice. I have never had someone tell me no unless it’s a place where they fix the drink behind the counter and they can’t for health code reasons (Chick-fil-a). If you are not getting water or need to get a cup, try skipping out on the lid and straw.

Grocery store food: This is one I am still working on. There is just so much that comes in plastic: milk, strawberries, cookie dough, nuts, etc. I know shopping at farmers markets or bringing reusable baggies for the nut dispensers at the store are good steps in the right direction. I just haven’t quite gotten into a groove on this one, so if you have tips please feel free to share!

Step 7: Household Products
This is another step I’m planning to take. I’m learning about products that reduce plastic waste. A safety razor can replace all those plastic razors you go through. Giving Brush has bamboo toothbrushes, and I just got my free rainbow brush in the mail. Lush creates packageless shampoo and body wash, and you can see how they work here. Stasher has reusable, dishwasher safe, silicone ziplock bags. This is what I know so far. I’m still learning!

In Conclusion
If you’d like more ideas, this is a great post that contains 100 steps to a plastic-free life. It may seem a little overwhelming or daunting, but think back to that spectrum I mentioned at the beginning. Even small choices lead you further towards that plastic-free side of the spectrum, and progress is better than nothing at all!

Convenience has led us to be so dependent on plastics, but I encourage you to consider sacrificing some convenience sometimes in order to take better care of our planet!