Easy ways to reduce PLASTIC

For us, we could no longer take out the trash, or go to the beach, without the evidence of our choices weighing heavy on us. We made the decision to go plastic-free on a Monday and by Friday I think we had cleared out house and taken strict inventory on the plastic we were bringing in what we could replace with reusables or more permanent solutions. I have to say, Franco is just as particular, fair to say even OCD, as I am, so we were lucky to have the support of one another. We understand how this might not be as easy for some and there is no judgement for anyone's process. Zero-Waste is something we are aiming for, not fully achieved, but work in progress. 

Once you turn your plastic radar on, there is no turning back. 

You begin filtering all that you see; plastic, not plastic, plastic, plastic, plastic...

It is a process that might feel intimidating at first, thoughts of "how can we avoid this?" "But my favorite drink is in a plastic bottle, how will I replace it?" "Where do we begin?"

IT IS EXCITING! I find that when you put a strong will of vengeance behind that voice inside your head, you can give yourself the power to accomplish anything! 

• Plastic you don't even tempt me. Watch me roar!
• Plastic causes climate change and is destroying our planet
• I want to do this, I want to be a pillar of change
• We are children of the earth and we want the best for her and our bodies
• All of this plastics leach toxic chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, obesity, heart disease, and autism 
• My actions live past my own reality
• Future generations, this is for you!!

I want to make it clear that reducing plastic and becoming zero-waste is NOT about buying more things my any means. It is about looking for ways to reduce, reuse, and repurpose the things we have or shop second hand instead. We can turn old shirts into cleaning rags or reusable napkins, use glass jars for bulk food storage, and reuse spray bottles for homemade non-toxic cleaning supplies. The incredible thing is one switch to reusing something and you never have to think about buying and rebuying it again. Reusables also give you that long term love and commitment, a sort of respect you can build with that item. Single-use begins to feel like a fleeting memory straight to the trash can, what a waste. By reducing the packaging and waste that we bring into our home just think of how much less trash we will have! Less frequent trips to the trash out sounds great but just think if we could eliminate it all together. The goal is to only be left with compost! That is ideal, but something to work towards. Life will begin to feel lighter, bringing purpose, and simplicity to our modern fast paced life. This practice of minimalism somehow helps us regains balance, both physically and emotionally. 

FOOD SHOPPING

• Use reusable produce bags for all produce
• Shop bulk with muslin/bulk bags and jar
• Things to buy in bulk: grains, pasta, oats, beans, lentils, granola, nuts, dried fruit, sweet/salty snacks, coffee, loose leaf tea, nut butter, honey, maple syrup, spices, and seasonings
• Purchase bread package free straight from the bakery in bulk bag
• Avoid all packaged food unless in paper, glass, or aluminum
• Make your own milk from oats or nuts to avoid cartons  that cannot be recycled
• Bring containers to the meat/seafood/deli counter 
• Repurpose food that comes in glass jars for use in your life..ex. to-go coffee cup, for storing homemade toothpaste/lotion/body scrub/ect., for your bulk shopping, for growing plants...

ON THE GO

• Bring your own bag
• Reusable water bottle
• Reusable coffee cup (most give discounts for this, order in person)
• Refuse plastic straw
• Bring your own utensils 
• Refuse disposable food packaging
• Bring you own container or jar for take-away food
• Eat in instead of getting food to go
• Reuse glass jars or reusable ziplocks for snacks on the go
• Going out for ice cream? choose a cone or bring your container

KITCHEN

• Use beeswax wraps as a replacement for Seran wrap
• Stasher or reusable ziplocks instead of plastic bags
• Store fresh herbs in jars with a little water in the bottom to keep fresh in the fridge
• Use reusable cloths over paper towels
• Natural sponges  or scrubbers over synthetic sponges
• Soap block for dishwashing or refillable liquid soap
• Avoid unnecessary appliances like Keurig coffee makers (plastic pods) and opt for electricity-free manual appliances
• Create compost bin for natural food scraps

PERSONAL CARE

• Bamboo Toothbrush
• Refillable floss
• Toothpaste tabs or make your own
• Stainless steel reusable razor
• Utilize package free soap bars for shampoo, conditioner, hand/body/facial soaps or make your own using bulk ingredients and refill stores
• Use deodorant in paper tubes or make your own
• Make your own mouthwash (12oz water + 10 drops tea tree oil + 10 drops peppermint oil)
• Cotton and bamboo cotton swaps
• Menstrual/Period cups (these are amazing!)
• Reusable make-up remover pads
• Shop zero-waste makeup alternatives

BATHROOM

• Purchase toilet paper wrapped in paper or utilized an installable bode (these are new and pretty genius)
• Use refillable soap or bars for hand washing
• Pass on paper towels/baby wipes for reusable cloths
• Opt for natural sponges
• Leave trash cans unlined to avoid single use plastic garbage bags

CLEANING

• Use reusable cloths and natural sponges
• Make your own natural cleaning solutions in refillable spray bottles (1 part apple cider vinegar, 2 parts water, citrus peels, essential oil of choice - ex. lavender, grapefruit, pine, eucalyptus)
• Laundry >> Soap nuts, Pods or sheet detergent in package free
• Wool dryer balls with essential oil as an alternative to dryer sheets (they are polyester which is essentially plastic)

 Please feel free to reach out with any questions/concerns/advice. We are an open book and love helping and discussing:)