Social Moms
|

How to Say Good-Bye to Plastic

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

June 28, 2012

Plastics are a normal part of most of our daily lives. However, there are a number of ways to reduce the amount of plastic you use on a daily basis – and green up your home. Here are a few common plastic uses that can easily be removed:

Storage Bags and Plastic Containers

Plastic storage baggies and containers are a common staple in many homes. However, there are a number of environmentally friendly alternatives. Glass storage containers are great and you can save a lot of money by making the switch. Purchase a set of glass containers in a variety of sizes including tiny ones for sauces. They can be used over and over again and your food won’t be sitting in plastic for extended periods of time. Stainless steel containers are another alternative. These can be a little pricier than glass, but are very stylish and last forever.

Toys

When you walk down a toy aisle you’ll be bombarded with plastic, but there are definitely alternatives out there. Look for dolls and stuffed toys made of cottons or woven fabrics. Wooden toys are another great option and are very sturdy. Our wood toys have long outlived many of our more cheaply made plastic ones. Purchasing only toys that your children will play with is key here.

Shaving

How many of you have a bunch of disposable plastic razors in your bathroom? I am guilty of this, but am looking at some great alternatives that will not only be green but save us a bundle in the long run. Purchasing a reusable steel razor that can be resharpened can be costly upfront, but will save you money in the long run. It is also plastic-free and will cut down on disposable waste.

Hair Brushes

Most hair brushes you see are made of plastic. However, a wooden brush with natural fibers can keep your hair looking fabulous. Brushes like the Hana K wooden brush with boar bristles can even add extra shine to your hair.

Grocery Bags and Produce Bags

Many people now bring their own reusable shopping bags to the grocery store; however, you can take it one step further by bringing reusable produce bags as well. The most important thing to consider when purchasing reusable bags is to find a high quality bag that will last – and actually use them. If you will not use them, do not purchase them. There are resources and energy used to manufacture the bags that far outweigh that of a traditional plastic grocery bag. Therefore, you will need to commit to using the bags 100+ times to see an environmental impact.

These are just a few of the hundreds of ways you can cut back on the plastic usage in your home. What plastic items have you replaced?

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *