This Plastic Free July, start your journey with the little, free things. Making changes to reduce our reliance on plastic use doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. In fact, sometimes the best way is to just remember to reuse what you already have. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few simple ideas for reducing your plastic waste:
- Reuse food packaging like jars and containers for kitchen storage
Don’t waste money buying expensive containers. Instead, you can reuse the jars and containers your food came in as a sustainable and cheap way to store items.
- Decline cutlery when ordering delivery
Single-use utensils are the seventh most commonly collected plastic item at beach cleanups. When ordering takeout, decline cutlery and opt to use the utensils you have at home.
- Choose ice cream cones over cups for an even tastier treat
Does anyone really prefer a cup over a cone anyways?
- Reuse old toothbrushes to clean hard to reach spaces
Once you remember to change out that toothbrush you’ve had for admittedly too long, save it to clean hard-to-reach areas in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Repurpose old clothes into cleaning rags
When your favorite clothes just don’t cut it anymore, grab some scissors and turn those items into perfect sized rags. This will help cut down on the amount of paper towels you use too.
- Learn your recycling numbers
Only 5% of plastic waste in the U.S. is recycled properly. Check for recycling solutions in your area here!
As you start to reduce your reliance on plastic remember: the most sustainable option is the one you already have!
