5 Ways to Avoid Single Use Plastic

Looking to reduce how much plastic you use? A lot of people feel overwhelmed when looking to make a change and don’t know where to start. So here are some easy but sustainable lifestyle ideas to get you started.

In 2020 most of us are looking for ways to change our lifestyle to become more eco-friendly. Although it isn’t an overnight process for most, it is one that is achievable and even by taking small steps in the right direction you are helping to cut down on single-use packaging.

At the supermarket

In the supermarket when picking loose items such as jacket potatoes, lemons and peppers it can be tempting to use the little plastic bags they provide to pop in your fruit and veg. You can avoid these completely by putting your products in your bag loose, then getting the items weighed at a till. Most supermarkets now offer a paper bag alternative too.

Another idea would be to reuse your shopping bags or invest in some fabric tote bags. Fabric tote bags can be used time and time again, and they’re much nicer on your hands when carrying your shopping home.

When sending mail

Many of us look at ways to make money online through a variety of side hustles, a great way to make some extra cash is by using eBay or Depop to part with your old stuff. Not only is this providing your old items with a new home, but it’s also giving you some extra money. Most of us turn to use plastic mailers to send out items. However, this is something you should consider changing.

By using cardboard boxes for shipping, you’re finding an easier and often a more cost-effective way to send out your mail.

Cut out plastic straws

Plastic straws have been removed from many restaurants and are only provided when asked for or replaced with a paper alternative. If you’re not a fan of the paper alternative there are ways around it, including buying your own plastic straw which isn’t single-use and can be used hundreds of times and kept in your bag for when you’re out and about or a metal alternative, both are cost-effective and save plenty of waste.

Take your own coffee cup out

Going out for a coffee is an enjoyable experience. This can be if you’re meeting up with friends, getting a coffee to take out to accompany your afternoon snack or even just for some time away from everybody else. If you’re drinking within a coffee shop, you are usually provided with cups in the store which are washed and reused over and over. But if you’re taking your drink away with you, obviously this isn’t possible.

If you invest in a takeaway cup, whether you buy it in the store or online (eBay have some great choices) then you’re making a good choice. Plus, most stores will offer you a discount for binning off their single-use cups (and plastic lids) as it saves the store money too.

Plastic free period

Thousands of used tampons and applicators wash up on beaches around the world every day. There are lots of plastic free period products that could save you money and reduce your impact on the planet. Some of my favourite sustainable period products include period pants and period pads (they’re also so much comfier than tampons).