Want to make your home more eco-amiable? this easy-to-follow guide offers a complete introduction to plastic-free living. It’s perfect for beginners who want a sustainable home makeover.
Zero Waste principles often highlight the 6 R’s: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (composting). It’s crucial to remember that Rethink comes first, and that’s intentional.
Re-evaluate. Observe closely.Inquire further.
Why are things done in a certain way? Is there a more efficient approach?
As you walk through your home and spot all the plastic, pause to acknowledge that you’re even aware of it.
Importantly, you don’t need to discard everything and begin from scratch.
Start by utilizing your existing resources. As they deplete or degrade, strategize to upgrade them with superior options.
That perfectly sets the stage for today’s discussion.
We’ve gathered our top plastic-free alternatives in a convenient room-by-room guide. Use it whenever you need to replace those annoying plastic items.
Plastic-Free Swaps For The Kitchen
You can significantly reduce plastic use in your kitchen and bathroom! Consider all the food packaging,food storage solutions,soaps, and cleaning products you keep in those spaces.
Before replacing your current items with “eco-friendly” alternatives, consider this: an unused item is worse than one used once.
Therefore, finish using your current supplies. When they dwindle, refer back to this list. Then, strategize how to replace them with superior options.
Dish Washing
Adulting comes with unavoidable chores, and dishes are a constant. Whether you prefer hand washing your cherished mug or using the dishwasher daily,the empty dish soap bottles accumulate quickly!
Switching to a package-free solid dish soap bar is my best kitchen upgrade so far. It creates a rich lather and effortlessly removes grease and grime. (Plus, it works wonders on stovetops, kitchen sinks, and even bathtubs!)
Combine it with your preferred loofah, Swedish dishcloth, or wooden dish brush for a completely plastic-free dishwashing experience.
Dish Washer
Let’s remember the dishwasher! It’s a water-saving hero. Dishwashers use 75-82% less water than hand-washing the same dishes. Plus, they only use about 25% of the energy.
Therefore, use your dishwasher whenever you can! If you can, select a dishwasher detergent pod that’s PVA-free.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a water-soluble film. It commonly wraps dishwasher and laundry detergent pods.This film dissolves completely during the wash cycle.
Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of wastewater systems’ capacity to fully eliminate PVA. While a definitive answer remains elusive, I lean towards caution. If a comparable, superior option exists, let’s opt for it, just to be safe!
Food Storage
Plastic food containers are everywhere in supermarkets, making a plastic-free kitchen seem unfeasible.But trust me, it’s achievable!
Here are some of my top tips for storing food without using any plastic.
I once used a beeswax wrap to cover a bowl of leftover chicken bones. I planned to make broth the next day.A week passed, and I forgot about the bowl in the fridge. I expected the bones to be spoiled. Removing the wrap, I braced for a bad smell. Surprisingly, the bones were still fresh! The broth I made was delicious 😋.
Plastic-Free Kitchen Checklist
Plastic-Free Swaps for The Bathroom
After learning about the issues with disposable plastics,you’ll likely see them everywhere,especially in your own bathroom.
However,keep this in mind. As I mentioned earlier, a zero-use item is even worse than a single-use one.
Before you rush out to buy plastic-free bathroom essentials, finish using your current products. Replace them as needed. When you’re ready,here are my top picks.
Soaps and Such
Our bathrooms are overflowing with products! Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, shaving cream, hand soap, lotions, and moisturizers are just the beginning.
Fortunately, many plastic-free alternatives exist today. This is thanks to individuals like you who prioritize sustainable living.
Bar soaps are a favorite in zero waste and plastic-free circles. Find them at bar soaps. They are package-free, light, and easy to carry. Solid bar versions exist for shampoo, shaving cream, and even body lotion!
If solid shampoos and lotions aren’t for you, that’s perfectly fine! Refillable bathroom products are gaining popularity in diverse formats.
Explore local refilleries to discover their product range! Bring your own containers and refill them with the exact amount you require, eliminating waste completely.
no zero waste store nearby? Try an online refillery! shops like A Drop in the Ocean and Plaine Products offer a great service. They pay for you to ship back empty containers. These are then washed and reused repeatedly, eliminating waste.
Shaving
The best zero-waste change I’ve ever adopted is my stainless steel safety razor. It’s a game-changer!
they might seem intimidating, but trust me, once you learn to use them, they’re significantly better than plastic alternatives.
After adopting a safety razor, I experience fewer cuts. Razor burn is now nonexistent. Plus, I’ve saved a significant amount of money – easily hundreds of dollars.
Important tip: Wash all shaving soap from your hands before picking up the razor. Shave slowly, particularly when you begin. Avoid pressing down; let the razor’s weight guide it.
Period Products
Are you aware that typical menstrual products often contain plastics? These products contribute to over 28,000 tons of annual waste.
These products harm the environment and are unsuitable for use near sensitive body areas.
Switching to reusable, plastic-free period products has truly transformed my life. It’s been a game-changer! I’m saving money, reducing waste, and feeling much lighter during my period.
I’m a huge advocate for period underwear. However, menstrual cups and reusable pads are great alternatives. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
Plastic-Free Bathroom Checklist
Plastic-Free Swaps For The Laundry Room
Laundry is a never-ending chore, much like washing dishes. While our laundry rooms might have fewer “products,” we can still significantly reduce our plastic waste through mindful laundry and clothing decisions.
Washing
Did you know many popular laundry detergents, beyond their plastic packaging, include a potentially cancer-causing synthetic chemical? this chemical, 1,4-Dioxane, was banned in New York in 2023.
Conventional laundry detergents are packed with harsh chemicals. These chemicals are harmful to both our health and the environment.They often contain artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic surfactants.These ingredients can trigger allergic reactions, asthma, and skin irritation. This is especially true for children and infants.
Say goodbye to plastic detergent containers! Choose a glass jar filled with natural, refillable laundry detergent instead.
Switching to this plastic-free alternative has been a game-changer for me. I’ve moved a lot and used six different washing machines! (Yes, six!) It has always worked perfectly. Cold water, hot water, high-efficiency, standard, top-loaders, and front-loaders – I’ve tested it in everything. I can’t picture going back to anything else.
Drying
Air-drying laundry is always a great choice when you can! It significantly reduces energy consumption and extends the lifespan of your clothing.
However, if air-drying isn’t feasible, skip dryer sheets and fabric softener. Instead, opt for natural wool dryer balls.
Dryer sheets consist of plastic fibers coated with artificial scents and chemicals. These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and, surprisingly, pose a fire risk.
Wool dryer balls were among my initial eco-friendly choices in 2017. They remain in excellent condition. Over the same period, the typical American family would have spent a significant amount on dryer sheets. reports show this could be around $175!
Dryer balls tumble through your dryer alongside your clothes. They naturally soften fabrics, minimize static cling, and can even shorten drying cycles by 10-25%.
I prefer air-drying whenever possible. However, for bulky items like sheets and towels, space is limited. Dryer balls are essential in my laundry routine.
Plastic-Free Laundry Room Checklist
Plastic-Free Swaps For The office
we don’t usually think of offices as plastic hotspots, except for our gadgets. But as a frequent desk dweller, I’ve discovered simple ways to cut down on my personal plastic use.
Honestly, I’m consistently amazed that eco-conscious communities don’t talk about them more!
Plastic-Free Office Checklist
This was your full guide to plastic-free swaps for every room in the house!
plastic, particularly the single-use kind, is now everywhere. It’s so common in our daily routines that we often overlook it.
However, by revisiting the initial step in the 6 R’s of Zero Waste – Rethink – we become more aware. This awareness empowers us to make eco-friendly choices. These choices benefit both our planet and our families.
My aim is that this detailed room-by-room guide for plastic-free alternatives becomes a valuable resource. Save it and revisit it as you gradually transition your home away from disposable plastics.
