How I strive for a Plastic-Free Lifestyle
Every year on July 3rd, the world unites to celebrate #WorldPlasticBagFreeDay. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about the staggering amount of plastic pollution plaguing our planet and encouraging individuals to take action. For the same reason the whole month of July is observed as #PlasticFreeJuly.While the issue of going plastic-free may seem overwhelming, even small changes in our daily habits can make a significant difference.
Here are some easy-to-implement tips to help you reduce your plastic footprint and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Remember to avoid single-use (disposable) plastics especially the smaller ones that cannot be easily recycled.
Tips for Plastic Free Shopping and Travelling
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Become a Bag Ninja: I have ditched single-use plastic bags and invested in a few sturdy reusable and foldable tote bags and keep them handy in my car, purse,and office. This way, I am always prepared for unplanned shopping trips.I also have these fabric mesh bags for shopping for groceries which helps in segregation and storage without the need of plastic bags.
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Hydration Hero: To avoid buying water packaged in plastic bottles , I opt for a reusable water bottle made from stainless steel or glass. Not only does it keep me hydrated in style, but I also save countless plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.Else just recycle a small plastic bottle and carry your on water or fill it whenever possible.
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Bulk It Up: Many stores offer a variety of dry goods like grains, nuts, and spices in bulk sections. Bring your own reusable containers or cloth bags and buy exactly what you need. This not only reduces plastic packaging but can also be more cost-effective.
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Say No to Straws and Cutlery: These single-use plastic items are rarely recycled and often end up polluting our oceans. Politely decline plastic straws and cutlery when offered at restaurants or cafes. I carry my own reusable straw and when ordering food, we always pick the option of not needing cutlery(plastic) and plates.
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Coffee on the Go, Green Style: Many coffee shops like Starbucks offer discounts for bringing your own travel mug. Invest in a reusable mug you love and enjoy your morning brew without the guilt of disposable cups.
Tips for Plastic Free homes
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Soap Up Sustainably: Swap plastic shower gels and shampoos for bar soaps. Not only are they plastic-free, but they often last longer and can be more gentle on your skin. Look for local, all-natural options for an added eco-friendly bonus.
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Wrap It Up Naturally: Ditch plastic wrap and cling film. Invest in reusable beeswax wraps or silicone food covers to keep your food fresh.
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Storage Solutions: Glass jars are your new best friends! They’re perfect for storing leftovers, dry goods, and even homemade beauty products. They’re also much easier to clean and reuse than plastic containers.
Beyond the Basics:
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Shop Mindfully: When shopping for new products, choose items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Look for brands committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Some outlets like H&M have a recycle policy.
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Get Crafty: Upcycle and reuse what you already have before resorting to buying new. There are endless creative ways to give old plastic containers a new life.There are many brands that offer an attractive discount when you bring your old clothes for recycling or you can just sell them on online portals that encourage thriting.
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Spread the Word: Talk to your friends and family about your plastic-free journey. Initially was hesitant about thrifting or carrying my own bottles and straw but soon it became a habit.Together, you can inspire others to make small changes that lead to a big impact.
Remember, going plastic-free isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about making conscious choices and striving to reduce your plastic consumption wherever possible. Every small step you take adds up to a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.
Inspired to take action? Here are some additional resources to help you on your plastic-free journey:
- Beat Plastic Pollution: https://www.unep.org/beatpollution/beat-plastic-pollution/gameplan-it-is-time-to-beat-plastic-pollution
- Plastic Free July: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
- The Plastic Pollution Coalition: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/
Let’s celebrate #WorldPlasticFreeDay every day by making small changes towards a cleaner and greener future!
Now it’s your turn to share your tip for a more sustainable lifestyle.Please share your tips in the comments below.
“This post is a part of ‘Sense and Sustainability Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed “
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
This post is a part of Blogchatter’s initiative #CauseAChatter
Good tips, Preeti! I carry my own bag in my handbag. But I have to start with reusable cups now. Not that I have coffee but still even when drinking water it helps.
Great insights. I follow most of them, I only need to invest in a good travel mug with a leak-proof cover. I always have cotton bags in the car and at home, no straws for sure and a reusable water bottle as well. I have begin to buy loose grains, easy on the mind and the pocket.
You are an eco-warrior!
Very nice tips Preeti and like they say, ‘Be the change you want to see’… I am so glad that you are doing that. Yes I agree that small changes make a huge difference. After reading your post, I am inspired to make some. Btw, I wasn’t aware of the bees wax food cover thingy… I will look up on that. Thanks for the info.
My family gets irritated with me for badgering them to carry cloth bags for shopping every time but it’s non-negotiable. Ditto for carrying our own stainless steel water bottles. I liked the idea of ditching plastic shampoo and gel bottles. They can’t be reused anyway.
Great tips, Preeti! I follow almost all the practices you mentioned. I always refuse plastic bags and carry my own. I use glass containers for my groceries and rarely buy bottled water since I prefer carrying my own. In fact, on our last trip to Kashmir, my friends and I brought our own water bottles and cloth napkins. I truly wish everyone could adopt your tips and contribute to a more eco-friendly world. I am currently looking for a thrift store to donate my daughter’s and my clothes, which we have only worn a few times.
Bags I always carry. Your tips about mugs, cups, and bottles, I shall implement immediately. Great post, easy to implement tips.
Good tips and a definite must-need.
I always carry my bag but yours went one step further to think mindfully
Upcycling is something my family and I’ve been following for ages, long before it became ‘cool’
These are some very practical and necessary tips. Thank you for sharing them with us. I hope more people read and follow these and much more
I wrote a similar post on the same theme. With so many options available, I think it’s time we move towards sustainability.
It essentially to always carry a reusable bag with you whenever on the go for those unplanned shopping emergencies. Good tips.
Nice tips prittee. Talk with friends and family is very important. We often forget to have a talk within family and friends and keep on posting on social media. I guess practice of sustainability will start right from there when we talk about it and practice it.
This is a bang On post from you Preeti and I would like to add one point here is that when responsible doctors like you promote such important things like plastic free bags- Trust me the mission gets new energy and meaning. God bless you Preeti… keep spreading positivity. God bless you
Thank you so much Samata, I think every effort and every voice counts.
Good tips, i too have been making these transitions and your post gives me more ideas.
I am pro actively working in removing plastic from our lives. However there are some things that we just can’t get rid of like the plastic reservoir of RO machine. However, we can definitely get rid of single use plastic forever.
My mom is a bag ninja. She saves up every bag and reuses them as much as possible. And I personally have been trying my best to minimise the use of plastic. I hope we all help create a greener planet.
A much-needed post on getting rid of plastic from our lives. I try to prefer reusable bags and bottles but sometimes I just forget and ignore these precautions. An article like yours is a great reminder.
Such a great list to follow! You’ve given tons of ways where one would really get inspired to start thinking more about their plastic use and change their way of usage.
I try to follow most of the steps you have mentioned here like carrying your own water bottle, taking your own bag to the stores and ditching the cutlery. A very useful list indeed.
Such an informative post, Preeti! I also carry my own bags and besides, I live in Kerala where most stores provide cloth bags. All your other tips are useful as well. I have thrown out most of my plastic vessels for glassware. Plus, I carry a stainless steel bottle of warm water wherever I go. Thank you for being so pro active in the fight against plastic.
Amazing post, Preeti. These are very informative and useful tips to avoid plastics and go ahead towards eco-friendly things. like a jute bag is always a better and more sustainable plastic bag. I loved these ideas.
These are simple and very effective tips. I follow quite a few of them. We also carry our own bags and water bottles.
Great tips, Preeti. Simple ones that go a long way. We always carry our bag and a water bottle. And have ditched the plastic storage containers.
using plastic bags can be consciously reduced. It has been a practice in our house to buy milk and vegetables on a regular basis. It is a huge sustainable activity.
Love the practical tips for reducing plastic use! I always carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bags. Together we can make a difference
This is an excellent and comprehensive post! Your practical tips for reducing plastic use are both actionable and inspiring. It’s amazing how small changes, like carrying reusable bags and bottles, can make such a big difference. Sharing personal experiences and encouraging others to join in is a great way to spread awareness. Let’s all contribute to a cleaner, greener future! 🌍💚
Simple and useful tips. I’m happy to share that I follow many of these. I really kikebthose mesh bags and I’ve been wanting to purchase the beeswax wrap. I’ve seen tons of YouTube vids on them and have just been thinking. Maybe this is a sign to finally order them. They even have cute designs on many of them. But they are expensive….
Very practical and easy to follow tips. We must pay heed to them to save our planet.