• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Parenting
  • Natural Living
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Book
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health
    • I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • Resource Library
    • Get a Password

Happy Healthy Mama

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Home » Healthy Year Challenge » 25 Ways to Use Less Plastic

Last updated on August 31, 2018. Originally posted on May 30, 2016 By Maryea / 2 Comments

25 Ways to Use Less Plastic

130 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

This month’s Use Less Plastic Challenge has been humbling. Plastic is everywhere. Everywhere! I don’t think I truly realized the extent of it until I started focusing on it this month. At times, I found it overwhelming. I’ve been on a journey to reduce my family’s exposure to plastics for a long time, and it seemed like I’d made the “easy” changes, and then felt stuck. Moving beyond the easier changes and eliminating plastic in all areas felt near impossible.

Can we really eliminate all plastic from our lives? Unless we want to be extremists, I think it’s unlikely. I didn’t let that stop me from at least trying. I’ll control what I can and hopefully it’s enough to reduce my family’s plastic exposure to a less toxic level than if I did nothing.

I had a few “What was I thinking?” moments this month. First, when I went on my trip to Salt Lake City I promised the kids I would bring them home a surprise. There weren’t a lot of kids stores around and my shopping time was limited, so when I found this inflatable pool toy at Urban Outfitters, it seemed like a good choice. As soon as Tim opened the package for the kids, I knew it was a mistake. Vinyl plastic is the worst and it just smelled awful.  Of course, at that point getting rid of it was not an option. (Oh, here’s your gift, kids. Never mind!) We put it in the garage and I’m hoping that  they lose interest in it and don’t use it all summer long.

The second moment came when I ordered Meghan some flip-flops online. I didn’t even think about them being made of plastic. Duh. They came and that familiar plastic smell made me shake my head. This led me to think of all the plastic shoes they wear–Crocks are Luke’s favorite shoe. UGH.25-Ways-to-use-less-plastic

Trying to focus on positive changes rather than my shortcomings, I did a huge plastic dump. I went around the house and put all of the plastic things I didn’t think we needed or we could replace with a non-plastic alternative. Most of it was kitchen tools and storage containers I never use anymore. They were just taking up space in my kitchen.  I think not having plastic touch the food we ingest is important and worth the time and effort. Of course, so many different foods come in plastic containers or packaging, so it takes a real effort to minimize that.

My kids still have some plastic toys. I can’t imagine only allowing non-plastic toys, although in a perfect world my home would be filled with only beautiful wooden toys.  I guess I’m concerned with the effects of plastic exposure, but not willing to be an extremist. I had high hopes at the beginning of this month and grandiose plans to have a plastic-free life. I quickly realized that is easier in idea than implementation.

I will continue this journey. The Happy Healthy Mama Healthy Year Challenge is not designed to focus on something for a month and then forget about it. The challenge gets the ball rolling on an area of healthy we need to focus on, and helps to build habits. This month has definitely got me thinking about plastics even more than I did before. I will keep working to find ways to reduce my family’s exposure. I hope you made some positive changes this month, too.

The list below highlights 25 ways you can use less plastic. Some have been highlighted in my plastic swaps posts this month (here and here), but I know not everyone sees every single post. If you haven’t made some of these changes, I hope this list will inspire you! I have made most of these changes and the ones I haven’t made I’m in the process of making. Let’s do this together.

25 Ways to Use Less Plastic

25 Ways to Use Less Plastic. Reduce your family's plastic exposure with these easy ways you can use less plastic!

  1. Use cloth grocery bags instead of plastic bags. I recently discovered these and they are awesome. Or ask for paper!
  2. Use reusable cloth produce bags. These are my favorites, and I also have these and like them.
  3. Seek out food packaged in glass or cardboard containers instead of plastic.
  4. Purchase food from bulk bins using cloth bags and store the food in non-plastic containers.
  5. When you must buy food in plastic packaging, remove it from the plastic packaging you bought it in and place it in a glass storage container in your home.
  6. Freeze foods in mason jars or Pyrex storage containers. Use these silicone freezer bags instead of Zip Locks.
  7. If you must use plastic freezer bags, wrap your food in paper first.
  8. Use glass or stainless steel water bottles.
  9. Don’t use plastic shower curtains or liners.
  10. Don’t buy inflatable pool toys or other inflatable toys. (Still learning over here!)
  11. Use wooden or metal kitchen utensils.
  12. Seek out personal care products that say “Phthalate free.”
  13. Only buy canned foods from companies that use BPA-free liners in their cans. (Check out this list to help you.)
  14. Clean your home with natural cleaners as many household cleaners use phthalates.
  15. Bring your own water bottle when plastic cups are going to be used.
  16. Don’t use plastic straws. These stainless steel straws are great!
  17. Don’t chew gum. It’s made of the same material used to make plastic inner tubes!
  18. Seek out natural fibers for your clothing and bedding. Avoid polyesters, nylon, and acrylic, which are made from plastics. Don’t buy plastic flip-flops or shoes (lesson learned!).
  19.  Use stainless steel popsicle molds instead of plastic.
  20. Use glass or stainless steel food storage containers for your home and when you travel or bring a lunch.
  21. If you buy deli meats and cheeses, ask the employee to wrap it in parchment paper instead of plastic. You can also bring your own containers.
  22. Grow your own food at home! This totally eliminates the need for packaging. This is my first summer with a small garden. We’ll see how it goes.
  23. Use Bees Wrap instead of plastic wrap.
  24. Avoid personal care products with microbeads, which are made of plastic.
  25. For a lightweight, portable cutlery option, use bamboo flatware instead of plastic.

Any ideas to add to this list? Leave your insights in the comments! Make sure you stop by tomorrow to find out about June’s Healthy Year Challenge. You don’t want to miss it!

 

 

130 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Healthy Year Challenge

Previous Post: « Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Next Post: The Gallon a Day Water Challenge (with prizes!) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lois says

    July 7, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    I just learned about “plastic-free July” a couple of days ago. I can avoid a lot of the packaging materials by shopping in the bulk aisle, but at our store, plastic bags are the only option provided for packaging these bulk items. So, I went to the fabric store and purchased 2/3 of a yard of the lightest weight cotton I could find. I was able to make 6 little draw-string bags that I will now keep in the cloth tote bags I use for shopping. These little bags are washable, durable, and each hold about 4 cups of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or whatever. One more step in the right direction.

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      July 8, 2016 at 8:21 am

      That is such a great idea! I bring my own bags, but I’m not crafty enough to make them. I bought mine on Amazon. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

What are you looking for?

Welcome! I'm Maryea, author of Happy Healthy Mama. I am on a mission to create the healthiest life possible for my family and inspire you to do the same! Read More…

By Category

Easy + Healthy Dinners

shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Archives

Gluten-Free

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

More Posts from this Category

Dairy-Free

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

More Posts from this Category

Vegetarian

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

High Protein Overnight Oats

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

See More →

Vegan

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

See More →

Anti-Inflammatory

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

More Posts from this Category

Kid-Friendly

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

More Posts from this Category

Smoothies

green smoothie in a glass
Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger
Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass
A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie
Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish
Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin
2 mango smoothies with turquoise paper straws
blueberry chocolate smoothie in a tall glass with chocolate and blueberries on top

More Posts from this Category

Breakfast

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

High Protein Overnight Oats

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

a bowl of oatmeal with a cup of coffee and a bowl of fresh apples in the background

Best Ever Apple Pie Overnight Oats

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

baked oatmeal in a dish with a spoon scooping out a serving

Peach Baked Oatmeal (Easy + Healthy!)

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

See More →

Lunch

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Spicy Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

Salmon Salad in a bowl with a fork

Salmon Salad Recipe

a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

See More →

Dinner

shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

See More →

Desserts

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

a stack of gluten free peanut butter blossoms

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

close up photo of a stack of cookies on a green plate

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles (Must try!)

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups (4 ingredients)

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

serving up Simple Baked Apples Recipe whole apples and baked dish

Simple Baked Apples Recipe

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

See More →

Snacks

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

See More →

Salads

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

overhead shot of Thai Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a green and white napkin

Vibrant Thai Salad

Beet Salad with goat cheese recipe on a fork

Delicious Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

See More →

Soups

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

overhead shot of Red Cabbage Soup recipe in a white bowl with a navy napkin and spoon in the background

Red Cabbage Soup (Incredible!)

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

See More →

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

close up photo of honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips (Easiest ever!)

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

overhead shot of Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Quick & Easy!)

See More →

Appetizers

Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers healthy football food

Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

buffalo chicken dip on a celery stick

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (4 ingredients!)

This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for your Super Bowl Party recipe line-up! No one will notice the missing calories or fat.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lighten up your game day and party appetizers with this SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip. Tastes AMAZING but with less calorie! #recipe #partyfood

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

More Posts from this Category

Beverages

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

cranberry margarita with a sugar rim, lime wheel, and fresh cranberries

Cranberry Margarita – The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

Patritotic Sangria recipe close up in a glass with fruit

Patriotic Sangria Recipe

Simply the best margarita in the world

Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

Anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothie recipe

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie

healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe in a mug

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Dairy Free and Sugar Free!)

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe close up of glass with lemon garnish

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

See More →

Footer

Privacy

Copyright © 2023 · Cookd Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in