10 Easy And Affordable Ways To Reduce Plastic

Want to reduce your plastic consumption but don't know where to start? You’re not alone. From the water bottle we drink to the food package we buy, plastic has become so deeply (and cheaply) woven into our daily lives that avoiding it can sometimes feel impossible.

The reality is that plastic pollution has become a global environmental problem, and we all feel overwhelmed by the amount of plastic our society uses every day. But the good news is that there are many easy and affordable ways to make a difference.

In this blog post, we'll share 10 simple, practical, and affordable tips anyone can follow to reduce plastic consumption. Whether you're a busy parent or a student on a budget, there are ways to help cut down on waste, protect our environment, and save money at the same time.

Why Is Reducing Plastic Important?

Fun Fact: According to OECD, plastic consumption has quadrupled in the past 30 years, and is expected to triple in the next 30 if current trends continue! This means that without action, the plastic crisis will only continue to overwhelm our ecosystems, filling even more landfills, and polluting our oceans at an unprecedented scale.

Plastic has become one of the most widely used materials in our modern life, it's cheap, versatile, and convenient. But there are many reasons why reducing plastic is important, both for the environment and for our human health. Here are just a few:

• Plastic Leaches Harmful Chemicals Into Our Food: According to the American Chemical Society, microwaving food in plastic containers can release as many as 4.22 million microplastic and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles from only one square centimeter of plastic area in just 3 minutes.
• Plastic Pollution Harm Wildlife: Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, seabirds feed plastic fragments to their chicks, and fish ingest microplastics that eventually end up on our dinner plates. Reducing plastic use directly helps protect our biodiversity.
• Plastic Production Waste Resources: It takes a lot of energy and resources to produce plastic, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing process. Reducing plastic waste can help to conserve these resources and reduce our impact on the environment.
• Plastic Production Contributes To Climate Change: The production of plastic also requires fossil fuels, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing plastic production can help to mitigate climate change and its harmful effects.

Plastic pollution is a growing problem! Every year, Millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, waterways, and landfills. If we don't reduce our plastic use, the problem will only get worse.

Summary: Plastic pollution is a growing concern worldwide that poses a significant threat to our environment, wildlife, and human health. By reducing plastic consumption, we can make a positive impact on the planet and create a sustainable future.

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1. Carry A Reusable Water Bottle

According to Coolest-Gadgets, the average American uses 167 bottles per year, but only recycles 38 (around 22%) of them!

By refilling it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, you can significantly reduce plastic waste. Also, investing in a durable, BPA-free water bottle and carrying it with you wherever you go can save you money in the long run.

Fun Fact: A study done by the City of Newburgh found that drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day costs about $0.49 per year from tap water, but $1,400 with bottled water.

Ditching single-use plastic water bottles can also benefit your health. Many disposable bottles contain chemicals like BPA or microplastics that can leach into your drink over time. (The reason why most plastic water bottles have expiration dates!)

Tip: Carrying a reusable water bottle saves you money on bottled water and allows you to drink fresh, clean water whenever you need it. But be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria on your bottle.

Summary: One of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce your plastic consumption is to carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. This simple act can help reduce plastic pollution, save money, and improve your health. It's a simple way to make a big difference.

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2. Say No To Plastic Straws

Fun Fact: According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 500 million straws are being used in the United States every single day. That's enough to fill 125 school buses.

Surprisingly, plastic straws are one of the most common items found in ocean cleanups (Top 5). A single straw may seem insignificant, but multiplied by billions, it becomes a global crisis. So here's what you can do instead:

• Skip The Straw: Many drinks don’t need one, and going straw-free is the simplest option.
• Choose Reusable Alternatives: Stainless steel, bamboo, or glass straws are durable, easy to clean, and can be reused many times.
• Compostable Straws: Paper or plant-based straws are another option if you don't like cleaning the straws after every use.

Plastic straws are usually used for a few minutes and then discarded, but they can take up to 200 years to decompose. They are not recyclable in most curbside recycling programs, so they often end up in landfills and oceans.

Summary: Refusing plastic straws is another simple, affordable, and effective way to reduce plastic pollution and protect our environment. Just say no to plastic straws or use a more eco-friendly alternative like reusable metal or bamboo straws instead.

Photo: © Zuraisham Salleh via Getty Images

3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags

Plastic grocery bags are another small plastic item that is not recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. So remember to bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping to reduce the demand for single-use plastic waste.

Fun Fact: According to The World Counts, 160,000 plastic bags are being used every second around the world! And about 5 trillion plastic bags are produced yearly. Side by side, they can encircle the world 7 times.

Each reusable bag can replace hundreds of single-use plastic bags per year, dramatically reducing waste. Also, some stores charge extra money for their shopping bags, so keeping reusable shopping bags handy is another excellent way to save money in the long run.

Summary: By bringing your own shopping bags when you go shopping, you can help reduce plastic pollution, save money, and live a more sustainable lifestyle. This simple act can help to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags that end up in landfills and oceans.

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4. Switch To Reusable Food Storage Containers

Fun Fact: According to The Guardian, only 9% of all the plastic waste ever created has been recycled. Leaving 12% incinerated and 79% accumulated in landfills and the environment.

Single-use plastic take out food containers is another major source of plastic pollution. They are often used for a short period of time and then discarded, only to end up in landfills or oceans.

When storing food or leftovers, opt for reusable glass or metal food storage containers instead of plastic ones. These containers are more durable and can be reused for a long time.

Here are 3 tips for using reusable food storage containers:

• Wash them thoroughly with soap and water before using them for the first time.
• Clean them regularly after each use.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your food storage containers.

And please keep in mind that while the upfront cost may be higher, reusable containers save money over time by eliminating the need to constantly purchase disposable ones.

Summary: Stop using plastic take out food containers and switch to reusable glass or metal food storage containers is another simple way to reduce plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.

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5. Avoid Disposable Plastic Cutlery

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, disposable forks, spoons, and bowls can take up to 1,000 years to decompose naturally. That means the plastic fork you use for a 15-minute meal could still be polluting our planet for the next generations.

There are many alternatives to disposable cutlery that are more environmentally friendly and can be used many times. Here are 3 examples:

• Metal Cutlery: Stainless steel utensils are durable, easy to clean, and can last for years. You can also carry a compact travel set in your bag or car for meals on the go.
• Wooden & Bamboo Cutlery: Wooden cutlery is a sustainable alternative to disposable cutlery. They are biodegradable and compostable.
• Edible Cutlery: Believe it or not, edible spoons and forks made from grains are now available in the markets, letting you eat your meal and your utensil!

Tip: Carry a set of reusable cutlery with you, such as a metal or bamboo utensil set. This will help you avoid using disposable plastic cutlery when eating out or ordering takeout.

Summary: Disposable plastic cutlery is often used for just one meal and then discarded. By avoiding disposable plastic cutlery, you can help to reduce plastic waste sitting in landfills for up to 1,000 years.

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6. Choose Products With Minimal Packaging

Plastic product packaging is everywhere, wrapping around our food, toiletries, electronics, and even items that don’t really need it. However, this also poses health risks from chemical leaching, contributes to environmental pollution, and is often not recycled.

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, packaging is the largest end-use market segment of total plastic usage, with 40% of plastic produced used for packaging and then discarded after one use.

Another simple way to reduce your plastic footprint is to choose products with minimal packaging. This means avoiding products that are packaged in a lot of plastic or other materials that are not recyclable or compostable.

Tip: Buy in bulk whenever possible to further reduce the amount of packaging for the purchase and the carbon emissions associated with multiple deliveries.

Summary: Many products are packaged in excessive plastic, even when it's not necessary. When shopping, look for products with minimal packaging that can be recycled or composted. This will significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste you generate.

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7. Use Ecopify Bamboo Toothbrush

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, about 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the United States alone, and almost none of them are recyclable due to their small size and mixed materials, including plastic, nylon bristles, rubber grips, and even batteries if you're using an electronic toothbrush.

Many end up in landfills, while others wash into our oceans. In Hawaii, beach cleanups often collect 20 to even 100 plastic toothbrushes at a time, making them a surprisingly common form of litter.

Why Bamboo Toothbrushes Are Better:

• Sustainable Material: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world and can regrow naturally from its roots after being cut down, making it a renewable and eco-friendly resource.
• Biodegradable Handle: Unlike plastic, bamboo handles are compostable and break down naturally without leaving harmful microplastics behind.
• Durability: Bamboo toothbrushes are designed to last just as long as traditional plastic toothbrushes. They are also lightweight and come in many sizes and shapes.

Pro Tip: When your bamboo toothbrush reaches the end of its life, simply remove the nylon bristles and compost the bamboo handle separately. This ensures the entire product is disposed of responsibly.

Ecopify bamboo toothbrushes are a great option for people who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly way to brush their teeth. They are made from high-quality bamboo with nylon bristles to give you the same cleaning effects as a traditional plastic toothbrush.

Summary: Instead of putting plastic in your mouth 2 times a day, switch to eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes designed to help you reduce plastic waste while providing the same cleaning quality as a plastic toothbrush, ensuring your oral hygiene doesn’t suffer while you make a greener choice.

Photo: © Marvin Samuel Tolentino Pineda via Getty Images

8. Avoid Buying Single-Use Plastic Products

Fun Fact: According to the United Nations Environment Programme, half of all plastic produced globally is designed for single-use purposes, items like plastic bottles, straws, bags, and utensils that are used just once and then thrown away.

Plastic is an extremely useful material due to its cheapness, versatility, durability, and availability. However, a simple plastic spoon or fork can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, so it does not make sense to use it once.

Remember: Endless reusable items are free, while single-use plastics cost you money every time you use them.

Making small changes in your shopping habits and avoiding buying single-use plastic products like bottled water, plastic straws, or disposable utensils can make a big difference in reducing plastic waste and conserving resources in the long run.

Pro Tip: Start small by identifying the single-use plastics you use most often, such as coffee cups, water bottles, or grocery bags, and replace them with reusable alternatives. Over time, these swaps can significantly reduce your plastic footprint.

Summary: Single-use plastics are designed for convenience but leave behind a legacy of pollution that lasts for centuries in our environment. By not buying or using single-use plastic products, you can reduce your plastic footprint, conserve resources, and save money over time.

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9. Recycling Properly

Recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce your plastic waste, it helps conserve valuable resources, saves energy, and keeps your plastic waste out of our landfills and waterways. However, it only works when it’s done correctly.

Fun Fact: According to Illinois State University News (2019), the average contamination rate in curbside recycling programs across the U.S. is around 25%, meaning roughly 1 in 4 items placed in recycling bins is non-recyclable.

Many people toss items into the recycling bin with good intentions, but if those non-recyclable items are mixed in (for example, plastic bags or greasy pizza boxes), they can contaminate the entire batch of recyclables.

Pro Tip: Recycling rules vary due to differences in state and local laws, funding, available infrastructure, and market demand for recyclables. What is accepted here may not be accepted there, so always check with your local waste management provider for the most up-to-date recycling list.

And avoid wishcycling, a habit of tossing questionable items in the bin “just in case” they might be recyclable, it often does more harm than good. While driven by good intentions to reduce landfill waste, wishcycling contaminates recyclable materials, damages sorting equipment, and hinders the recycling process.

Summary: Every single item we recycle helps conserve natural resources, cut down on pollution, and reduce the amount of waste piling up in landfills. By choosing to recycle and making sure to recycle properly, we’re giving those valuable resources a second chance.

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10. Support Businesses That Commit To Reducing Plastic

Another way to reduce plastic waste is to support businesses that are committed to doing the same. (It is a win-win for you and for the environment)

These businesses are taking steps to reduce their use of plastic, and they are offering alternatives to plastic products. Here are a few examples of businesses that are committed to reducing plastic:

• Companies that use recycled materials, provide reusable packaging, and have recycling programs in place.
• Restaurants or food shops that provide reusable cutlery and other sustainable options like paper straws.
• Coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups.
• Zero-waste stores sell products without any harmful packaging.

Fun Fact: Ecopify plants 5 new trees for every order. Every time you place an order, Ecopify will send a percentage of that money through partnerships to plant 5 trees in deforested areas around the world.

Bonus Tip: You don't have to go on this journey alone. Share your knowledge about the importance of reducing plastic with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to adopt plastic-free habits and make a collective effort towards a greener future.

Spreading awareness is a powerful tool for making the world a better place. By educating people about important issues, such as plastic pollution, they will be more likely to take action on that issue. (The more people are aware of the problem, the more likely we are to find solutions!)

Summary: When you buy from businesses that are committed to sustainability, you're not just supporting their products or services. You're also supporting their efforts to protect the environment. For example, for every purchase you make with Ecopify, they plant 5 new trees.

Quick Takeaway

There are a number of things that we can do to reduce our reliance on plastic. Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to get started:

1. Carry A Reusable Water Bottle
2. Say No To Plastic Straws
3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
4. Switch To Reusable Food Storage Containers
5. Avoid Disposable Plastic Cutlery
6. Choose Products With Minimal Packaging
7. Use Ecopify Bamboo Toothbrush
8. Avoid Buying Single-Use Plastic Products
9. Recycling Properly
10. Support Businesses That Commit To Reducing Plastic
    

Reducing your plastic use doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. By following these simple recommendations from us, you can make a difference for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What are some alternatives to plastic bags?

Answer: Reusable cloth bags, paper bags, canvas bags, mesh bags, and biodegradable bags made from plant-based materials are all great alternatives to plastic bags. They all can be used for groceries, shopping, and other purposes.

Question #2: Are biodegradable plastics a good alternative?

Answer: Biodegradable plastics can be a better alternative to traditional plastics, however, they still require specific conditions to break down. It's important to dispose of them properly and prioritize reusable options whenever possible.

Question #3: Can recycling plastic solve the plastic problem?

Answer: While recycling can help reduce plastic pollution, it is not a complete solution. Many types of plastic are not easily recyclable, and the process itself requires energy and resources. Reducing plastic consumption, however, is a more effective way to address this issue.

Question #4: What are the benefits of avoiding single-use plastics?

Answer: Avoiding single-use plastics offers many benefits, they help cut down on landfill waste, reduce human and wildlife exposure to potential health risks of plastic waste, and even save you money over time.