How to stop using plastic?

Let’s get straight to it! 

What impact would we make collectively if we stopped using 15 plastic and plastic packaged items that we use in our day to day? This is a challenge that I invite you to take part in! Here, I will share a list of products I recommend and find easy to replace. 

How easy it is to replace these items will vary depending on your habits and where you live; what is available to you. Sustainability has become synonymous with spending more money, but you will see that these changes don’t have to cost more as you find out how to re-prioritize environmental needs. Cost saving replacements will be highlighted in the list. 

I will add that this is likely to be a process, and may take some time to find new products that suit you. 

When you use the plastic footprint calculator and share your progress with us over a time period of your choice, we will be able to measure how much plastic we avoided all together. I find this very exciting! Do you? 

Will your actions make a difference?

Up to 65% of waste comes from our households. So, replacing these items is as well targeted as it gets. Not only will it stop generating waste that will go to landfill, but it will also prompt the producing companies to find sustainable/circular/regenerative solutions. Click here to see how you can further prompt businesses to do better. 

It’s important to note that 61% of plastic waste comes from packaging so avoiding plastic packaging is a sure way to greatly decrease your plastic footprint and will be included in this list. 

Your actions count! Our actions are directly causing this plastic pollution situation. 

My list for this challenge!

• Plastic water bottles: Replace with reusable bottles, use one that you already have if possible, a used glass or plastic bottle perhaps? (cost saving)
• Plastic soda bottles: Replace with aluminum, glass, or stop drinking soda- it’s not that great! (cost saving)
• Plastic packaged detergents: Use solid, powder, or non plastic packaged detergents available to you. (can be cost saving with traditional products, or slightly more expensive with new eco brands)
• Shampoo, face and body wash: use shampoo, soap, and conditioner bars (equally priced,or slightly more expensive for eco brands) 
• Plastic decorations: completely stop buying decorative plastic items, holiday decorations included. You might find that you will be buying a lot less items as you make this change because of availability. You can then use the money saved on possibly more expensive durable decoration that is sourced from natural materials and small vendors that will last longer and have better second hand value. 
• Cling film: is just a badly designed product that cannot be reused, repurposed, or recycled. Replace with silicone covers, glass containers, or just use a plate to cover your food! Initially might have a higher cost if you choose to buy containers or silicone covers, but in the long run you are saving. Using a plate is cost saving!
• Glitter – I won’t even say anything here.. (Cost saving)
• Plastic wrapped food: Replace 2 items that you buy regularly and substitute them for package free. Remember to take a reusable container or bag when you go shopping (Can be either cost saving or slightly more expensive depending on the item you choose and availability)
• Cosmetics: Replace 2 plastic packaged items. It is also likely that there are products you don’t actually need, select these items and don’t buy them again  (Can be either cost saving or slightly more expensive)
• Polyester clothing: Replace and avoid buying clothing made from polyester (recycled polyester included). Use sustainably sourced and compostable natural fibers instead like cotton, linen, viscose(non treated), and wool. These products are more expensive, to make sure you are shopping sustainably, buying less clothes is important making it cost effective! Also, secondhand value is better for high quality items.  Start by avoiding buying 2 polyester items on your shopping list for this challenge. 

Some more items to choose from: Plastic bags, straws, plastic and Styrofoam takeaway containers, flip flops,and any plastic packaged item! 

Be sure to use the plastic footprint calculator to measure your initial plastic footprint and then fill in the form to start the challenge. We promise not to send you tons of email marketing and only send you updates on this challenge.  

Why stop using plastic? 

• An average of only 9% of plastic gets recycled.
• Recycled plastic is more likely to leach into its surroundings.  
• Plastic causes many health issues like cancer.
• Plastic pollutes wildlife habitat and kills animals. 
• To prompt producers to find alternatives making sustainable materials and business practices more feasible.

This challenge is a part of our Replace plastic campaign, you can learn more about it here.