Did you know that there are at least 5 floating trash islands out at sea? 1 of which is twice the size of France… For those of you who need an American reference, that would be twice the size of Texas. Human-created waste is a serious problem.
Since the dawn of single-use plastics, it is estimated that about 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been created for human use. Since the 1950’s only about 9% of all plastic ever created has been recycled. This means that the to-go cup you threw out in 2001, the milk jug you threw away in 1996, and the laundry detergent bottle you or your parents discarded in 1980 are all still sitting in a landfill somewhere.
In the past 100 years, humans have made a greater environmental impact on our planet than the previous 1000-2000 years combined. While we have the exciting privilege of uncovering awesome ancient artifacts like pottery, jewelry, and tools that humans made thousands of years ago, our descendants will quite literally find our leftover garbage.
To intentionally create less waste means to prioritize the well-being of the whole, rather than the individual. Prioritizing yourself IS important. However, if you are doing so at the cost of another’s well-being either now or in the future, it’s time to re-evaluate your life choices.
Solving the Problem
Correcting the problem we have created through the use of single-use plastics won’t be easy. It will take more than several individuals here and there choosing plastic-free alternatives.
This doesn’t mean that individuals don’t have an impact when creating less waste. We must solve this problem together, and speak out against single-use plastic production, use, and waste.
Here are ten simple everyday swaps you can make to start creating less waste in your home. Don’t be afraid to start up a conversation about plastic-free living.
9. Reusable Water Bottles
In the United States alone, Americans throw away about 50 billion plastic water bottles per year. That’s at least 156 bottles per person per year in the United States. Less than 25% of these plastic bottles are recycled. A simple way to help cut down on your use of plastic bottles is by investing a few bucks into reusable water bottles.
Considering about half of all adults are typically dehydrated, reusable water bottles are also a great way to remind yourself to stay hydrated throughout the day. As a fair warning, I would stay away from reusable water bottles with suction straws attached, as they tend to collect mold and harbor bacteria in the silicone area. My favorite reusable water bottles are ones that have screw-on lids like these ones.
8. Zero Waste Shampoo & Conditioner
Single-use plastic bottles extend far beyond water bottles, guys. About 552 million shampoo and conditioner bottles end up in landfills every year. That is enough to fill up space just short of 93 million square feet.
Using bar soap as a body wash isn’t all that unusual. It doesn’t seem that unreasonable to consider buying shampoo and conditioner in bar form to make less waste. One brand I have personally used and trust is Aspen Kay. Their shampoo and conditioner bars are cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and vegan! They leave my hair feeling soft, and without any gross residue leftover.
7. Eco Friendly Detergent
Carrying on the trend of single-use plastic bottles is laundry detergent. Albeit some laundry detergent that comes in a nonliquid form does not use plastic bottles. However, even commonly used nonliquid detergent is not free of single-use plastic waste.
A simple way to create less waste from your laundry routine is by using plastic-free laundry alternatives like this one.
6. Plastic Free Dental Products
The vast majority of dental products are plastic products that are intended to be discarded after one or several uses. Think about it, how many toothbrushes, dental picks, mouth wash bottles, floss picks, and toothpaste tubes have you thrown away in your lifetime?
Here are plastic-free, compostable, and or reusable swaps for the most commonly used dental products.
5. Reusable Bags
If there was one thing that just really grinds my gears, its when I see people using a plastic bag to carry 1 or 2 items. Just use your hands for Pete’s sake!!! Use your brain, and stop being a plastic bag zombie!
4 TRILLION single use-plastic bags are used worldwide every year. Despite certain countries placing taxes or even bans on plastic bags, the plastic bag problem is out of control. Americans, on average, throw away 307 plastic bags per person per year. That’s close to 100 Billion plastic bags discarded in America per year. Making things worse, only a measly 1% of plastic bags are ever recycled.
Here’s what you can do to help: Stop using plastic bags when you don’t need them. Buy what you’re gonna buy, and just carry your product out of the door. Secondly, invest a few bucks in reusable bags, AND produce bags. There are even reusable bags for grains and other bulk bin items!
4. Zero Waste Dish Scrubbers
Zero-waste dish scrubbers just make sense. In the long run, they save you money AND create less waste.
I personally use compostable dish scrubbers. Why? Simply because they are entirely plastic-free. These options are generally entirely compostable, but they must be replaced after they begin to get grungy.
3. Reusable Utensils
How often have you used plastic when you were on the go, camping, or even at work? I’d like to think you’re answer is never, but I know that isn’t the case. When Jessy and I went on a cruise in 2019, it was so disheartening to see with my own eyes plastic ware in the middle of the ocean, thousands of miles from the nearest coast.
Single-use utensils are convenient for a whole of 10-20 minutes. After that, they’re off to sit in a landfill for the next 400+ years. Go against the grain. Dare to be different. Bringing your utensils with you doesn’t have to be weird or embarrassing, especially when you have a niffy little silverware travel set. The next time you’re at a restaurant, pull out your own reusable straw!
2. Sustainable Toilet Paper
We all go, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. What is embarrassing is how nonsustainable most toilet paper companies are. Did you know about 15% of the world’s deforestation is due to toilet paper demand? (Insert 2020 American Covid-19 Toilet Paper Shortage Joke Here)
Some countries have already made bidets a socially accepted “norm.” In other countries like America, not so much. For me personally, I think bidets are great as they decrease one’s toilet paper consumption tremendously. They definitely save you money in the long run. Here’s a bidet that has a basic and easy installation that nearly anyone can do.
For those of you who aren’t quite ready to jump on the bidet bandwagon, consider buying toilet paper from a sustainable company. Betterway is a toilet paper company that is plastic-free and sustainable. This company creates less waste both in the production and consumption of their products. Instead of harvesting paper from trees, Betterway uses bamboo which is an incredibly self-sustainable crop.
1. Eco Friendly Period Products
Talking about period products is undoubtedly a faux pas subject in most societies. Women are often taught to hide signs of menstruation and even pretend like their menstrual cycles don’t exist. Men without sisters or wives, know so little of the subject it is ridiculous.
Most period products are taxed as they are considered “non-essential” or “luxury” items. I don’t know about you, but I do not know one lady, gent, or non-binary friend who would consider it a luxury for someone to not bleed out on their seat while enjoying a nice meal in a restaurant, sitting at work, or even driving in a car…
Reusable period products may seem gross and dirty, but they are often safer for women. Period product companies are not required to tell you what chemicals you are putting in and around your reproductive area. Zero waste period products are kinder to the environment, your wallet, and your body. Some of my favorite reusable period products are menstrual panties or menstrual cups.
The Take Away?
Doing what you can to help our earth matters. Whether it’s intentionally creating less waste, or speaking out on the subject every little bit counts. Being different and challenging the status quo is the only time real change is made.
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