Can you imagine a world without plastic? Yes, it seems impossible to live a 100% plastic-free life. But no matter how insurmountable it appears, this remains a worthwhile goal you should aim for. The good news is that getting rid of plastic from your everyday life has become easier compared to years past. Here are 5 steps you can take right now to help minimize the plastic that’s filling the landfills.
1) Know the worst plastic offenders
Have you ever noticed the little triangle at the bottom of plastic containers? It pays to learn what it means so you can avoid the worst plastics. Of particular interest to you should be:
#3 – This is made from polyvinyl chloride, which has been proven to be extremely toxic because of the presence of lead, phthalates, and other harmful additives. It is commonly used in peanut butter jars, squeeze bottles, and children’s toys.
#6 – This is made from polystyrene, another toxic ingredient that proves toxic to the brain and the nervous system. It is commonly used in disposable dishes, take-out containers, and Styrofoam.
#7 – This is made from polycarbonate, which contains bisphenol A. It is commonly used in sport drink bottles, ketchup containers, and metal food can liners.
2) Switch to non-plastic containers
Make the habit of bringing a reusable water bottle everywhere you go. Similarly, use mason jars, stainless steel containers, or stacking metal tiffin to pack your lunch. A reusable bag should also be your new best friend when shopping. Don’t forget to have it weighed before filling it with your grocery items.
3) Use natural cloths and scrubbers
You may have plenty of plastic scrubbers in your home, but it’s time to replace them with natural cloths and scrubbers instead. You’ll enjoy the same scrubbing power while getting rid of single-use plastics. Also, consider using a cotton dishcloth instead of a plastic scrub brush. You’ll find these green cleaning items at Sustain Eco Store, an e-commerce store dedicated to helping homeowners lead a green and sustainable lifestyle.
4) Avoid non-stick cookware
It can be fun to use non-stick cookware when preparing your favorite meals. They don’t ruin the food, and they’re easy to clean. But did you know that heating up non-stick surfaces produces toxic perfluorochemicals? You’ll do just fine with cast iron, stainless steel, or copper cookware. These require proper maintenance but do things right and you’ll have non-stick cookware without putting the health of your family at risk.
5) Stock up on baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are two of the best ingredients for DIY home cleaning. Both are cheap and come in large containers, which means you can buy in bulk. Combine the two ingredients to create a powerful cleaning solution which you can use not only for cleaning surfaces but disinfecting the house as well. Say goodbye to conventional products that come in plastic cleaning bottles. You can even use baking soda and apple cider vinegar as a natural shampoo. Sure enough, you’ll fall in love with these two common ingredients.
