5 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Use

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Plastic is everywhere and the effects that our plastic consumption is having on our environment is astounding.

Did you know that only less than 10% of our plastic waste in the U.S. is being recycled? That left over 90% is being dumped in landfills or our oceans. It’s even reported that by 2050, our oceans will be filled with more plastic than fish. Crazy, right?!

 
I think it’s safe to say that our society needs to reduce our plastic consumption. The best way to do that is to stop using single-use plastics as much as we possibly can. Now, I know that it’s not so easy to do especially with the amount of plastic in our lives but we can start somewhere. Even if it’s a little bit at a time. With “Plastic Free July” coming to an end, I thought I’d share a few ways to reduce your plastic use not just for the month but every day.
  1. Start using a reusable water bottle – We used about 50 billion water bottles in the U.S. last year. Can you imagine how much of that plastic wasn’t recycled? Instead of buying single-use water bottles, get a reusable one that’ll last you a while.                 
  2. Shop with reusable bags – This one is pretty easy since most stores in San Diego ask you to bring your own bags but I know there are times where I’ve forgotten my bags at home. Keep a few in your car or even a small one in your bag. 
  1. Stop using plastic produce bags – You can either not use any produce bags at all (you’re going to wash them anyways, right?) or try reusable mesh or cloth bags. There are also a few stores that have biodegradable produce bags like Trader Joe’s. Try to keep them in your shopping bags so you don’t forget them either.
  2. Ditch plastic straws – Americans use about 500 million drinking straws every day. Imagine how much of that can be reduced if we used reusable ones instead. There are quite of few different types of straws that are much more eco-friendly like ones that are made of stainless steel, bamboo, paper, and glass.
  1. Avoid using plastic food containers – Instead of using plastic containers to store your food, opt for glass containers. Plastic containers don’t last as long and can leach chemicals in your food. 
These are just a few ways that can help reduce your plastic use. It might seem a little difficult especially with all the plastic in our lives but making a few changes can make a difference. If you have more tips, leave them in the comments section below!

1 COMMENT

  1. Yassss! Absolutely love this post! We recently recycled our plastic reusable containers and replaced with glass. I sewed my own produce bags too! It’s so easy to recycle- your plastic packages from food items will say if it’s recyclable right on the package, it’s astonishing how many people still don’t recycle- and don’t get me started on plastic water bottles ?

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