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You probably already know that one of the biggest environmental problems facing us today is the amount of single-use plastic that is being produced and then thrown in landfills. Many single-use plastic items can’t even be recycled.
Tackling the single-use plastic in your life can be daunting because of just how much there is. But, there are super easy and inexpensive swaps you can make. I’m going to share my three easiest single-use plastic swaps.
1. Reusable Bags
One of the largest sources of single-use plastics is plastic bags. Worldwide nearly 5 TRILLION plastic bags are used each year. Less than 1 percent of those are recycled, and many end up in the ocean. Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to plastic bags that end up in the ocean as they resemble jellyfish, one of the many food sources of turtles.
Reusable bags are widely available for purchase at grocery stores, or you can use bags you may already have at home. You could also look for bags at garage sales, thrift stores, or from some nonprofits and charities. A small nonprofit I’m part of sells reusable bags as a fundraiser, so if you want to buy reusable bags while helping a good cause you could look for an organization doing something similar.
Many people worry they’ll forget their bags when they go to the store. If you drive to the store, my best tip is to keep your reusable bags in your vehicle so they’re always with you. I put mine right back in my car after I’ve unloaded my groceries so I don’t forget them. I also keep some near the door to my garage.
If you’re like me and prefer grocery pickup, you can check when you order to see if there’s a way to indicate that you prefer to bring your own bags. My local grocery chain has a box you check on the final checkout page for this purpose.
2. Reusable Straws
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen the horrific photo or video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nose. Straws cannot be recycled. Since they are lightweight it is easy for them to get into the natural environment if not securely disposed of. The number of straws used each day by Americans is up for debate, but is certainly a very high number in the millions.
Disclaimer:
There have been valid concerns raised about the effect of banning single-use straws on the disabled community. Accessibility in all areas of life is extremely important to me & I strive to be an ally to all marginalized groups. The Mighty did a review of reusable straw options for people with disabilities that was written by someone with cerebral palsy that you may find helpful and informative. If, however, you are unable to use a reusable straw instead of a single-use one, there are plenty of other changes you can make to reduce your footprint on the planet. This is a shame-free space and it is understood that we are all doing the best we can, with the resources we have, in our unique circumstances.
Reusable straws are an easy single-use plastic swap. There are many types available these days— bamboo, metal, silicone, glass, and hard plastic. They also come in different shapes and sizes, including cocktail size! They are sold individually or in sets.
My personal favorite kind of reusable straw is bamboo. I prefer bamboo because it doesn’t transfer heat or cold like metal or glass, and is biodegradable if I forget it somewhere and it ends up in the trash.
However, I do also have a silicone straw that can fold up into a small container that is easier to carry in a small purse than my bamboo straws. I carry straws with me in a cloth pouch in my bag, and keep a spare cloth pouch (that looks different) for used straws to go in until I get home.
3. Travel Silverware
This last single-use plastic swap is one of my favorites and one that I have frequently given as a gift (to overwhelming success!). Plastic utensils can be common with takeout or in an office break room and can easily be swapped with a travel silverware set. Like straws, plastic utensils can’t be recycled.
If you’re ordering takeout, try to remember to request no utensils. There’s no guarantee that they won’t still give you some, but you’ll know you tried.
Travel silverware sets are inexpensive, often less than $12. I prefer stainless steel because they will last a long time and can go in the dishwasher, but bamboo sets are also available. My travel sets include a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, two straws, a straw cleaner, and a carrying case. They even make sets with child-size utensils.
Travel silverware is one of the best swaps I’ve made. I have a set for my office and I have a set at home for travel. They are easy to take on a road trip or picnic, and easy to clean.
How to Remember Your Reusables
I have a reusables draw right by my purse that I keep my everyday reusables so I don’t forget them. For me this includes travel silverware, reusable straws/pouches, bento bags, reusable produce bags, and a reusable coffee cup cozy.
I keep my reusable shopping bags in my car and by the door to my garage (I have a lot). Find a system that works for you to remember your reusables and stick with that. It may take some trial and error, so don’t beat yourself up if you forget something when you’re making the transition. I still forget to bring a bag into the store with me sometimes, even though they’re already in my car!
I hope this post helped you find a swap to try. Let me know in the comments what your favorite swap is!
I am committed to making this blog accessible for all, but I am new to website building. If you find something that isn’t accessible for you, please send an email with details about it to haley@sustainablyhaley.com and I will do my best to fix it.
