How To Reduce Your Plastic Waste At Home
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One of the things the world is waking up to is just how big an impact our choices are having on the environment around us. This includes everything from shopping locally rather than going to the big box stores or planting our own gardens, rather than buying from supermarkets. It could also be that we’re keeping a better eye on how we use plastic in our homes.
Whatever way we can, we’re trying to be better stewards of our environment to leave something left for our children’s children.
If you’re trying to get aboard this train too, you can start at home. It’s always better to begin any change at home – fix your house before you try to fix the world. To get started, here are several simple ways you can reduce your plastic waste.
1. Recycle plastic bottles
One of the easiest things to do as a homeowner is to make a conscious choice to begin keeping track of your bottle recycling. It’s easier to throw everything into one bag, but many municipalities and governments won’t allow you to do that anymore. In fact, you could be fined for doing so. Print off one of those plastic recycling guide sheets and pin it to your fridge. Take a quick glance at it every time you go to throw out a plastic bottle and instead put it in the recycling if it can be recycled. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference you’re making on an individual level by recycling as much plastic as possible.
2. Ditch plastic, go glass
One of the best things you can do for your cupboards and your food is to ditch the use of plastic containers in the kitchen. Not only do some of the older plastic containers contain harmful chemicals that could, over time, leach into your food, they’re also terrible for the environment.
On the other hand, glass is reusable and can always be repurposed if it breaks. Glass is also much easier to clean and less susceptible to mould and other harmful bacteria, so it’s more ideal for storing drinks and food than plastic.
3. Repurpose or rehome your clothing
There’s nothing better than a spring clean and a wardrobe clear out is usually a part of this process! You can start reducing your plastic waste by rehoming your clothing that you no longer want to places like charity shops.
Otherwise, clothing that has had its day and is in tatters can be repurposed as rags for cleaning, or given to someone who can repair it and it can be reworn. The fashion industry is one of the worst catalysts for negative environmental impacts, you can help curb some of that waste by choosing not to throw it all out with the trash.
4. Buy food in bulk
A great way to buy food, which works for the environment and your wallet, is to buy in bulk. A local bulk food store is your best friend for reducing plastic waste in your kitchen, as it reduces the collection of plastic containers.
Bulk food purchases often come in glass jars, or can be stored in glass jars. Pasta, rice, flour, etc, can all be stored in glass mason jars or some other form of non-plastic storage that is washable and reusable time-after-time. Bulk food purchases are almost always cheaper than the alternative, too, so you can save money at the same time.
5. Choose paper over plastic
Wherever possible, you should choose paper products over plastic, as paper can be more easily recycled. If you’re stuck between a paper carton for your pasta or a plastic bag, try and choose the paper option. Further, ditch your plastic bags altogether when you shop and bring in reusable bags.
If you’re just starting to try and be more environmentally conscious, these are some very simple steps you can take to reduce the level of plastic in your environment.
Summing up
In order to make a difference, you have to start somewhere. And the home is always the best place. By choosing paper over plastic, reusable over single-use, and by following the guidelines to recycle, repurpose and rehome wherever possible — you will make a huge difference on the planet.
