10 Easy Ways to Eliminate Plastic from Your Home

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By now, we all know the dangers of plastics.  It has made its way to every part of the world and the oceans are suffering the most.  Not only is it terrible for our environment, it is leaching toxins into our bodies and ground water.  Although recycling may seem like a good idea, we are actually doing more harm than we realize.  Yes, it is better to recycle than just throw plastic away, but it does come with a price.  “Recycling” plastic is technically downcycling, which means the plastic needs to be processed in order to be re-purposed and ends up being a weaker product.  They need to add more chemicals into it to make it usable.  If you’re asking, what can I do to stop this?!? Reducing and eliminating plastics from our lives is the most effective way to help.  It is nearly impossible to completely cut out all plastic in our modern society, but there are ways we can greatly reduce the amount we consume.

Why is it bad for our health?

Exposure to plastic can cause many different types of cancers, birth defects, infertility, endocrine disruption, and so much more.

Easy Ways to Eliminate Plastic from your Home:

1.  Use reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles — this is one of the easiest and most economic ways to eliminate plastic.  Some reusable water bottles can cost a little more up front, but you will save much more money compared to buying cases of water bottles.  The added benefit; no plastic will leach into your water.
2. Replace plastic food storage containers with glass or stainless steel — I used to use all plastic storage containers until I learned the ugly truth about plastic and since then, I have switched over to glass Pyrex containers.  They are great because you can put them in the oven and dishwasher.  Plastic leaches more toxins when heated, so opting for glass when reheating leftovers is the best way to avoid the added exposure.
3. Buy fresh foods whenever possible — packaged foods are usually in plastic bags and containers.  If you stick to fresh foods, not only are you going to be eating healthier, but you will eliminate the extra plastic exposure.
4. Buy in bulk while food shopping — Most grocery stores have a bulk section where you can find so many different types of dry goods.  This is another way to cut back on food costs since you are buying in bulk and do not need to pay for the added packaging.  This is also a great opportunity to eliminate the amount of plastic.  Whole Foods provides plastic containers to hold the goods until we get home.  I then transfer them into my glass canisters, wash and reuse the plastic container for the next shopping trip.
5. Take food out of plastic packaging and store in reusable glass or stainless steel canisters — like I said above, when I shop in bulk I try to switch everything into the glass canisters, which at this point are mason jars.  Eventually I plan on getting these OXO Glass Canister so everything is uniform and easy to find.  Remove cereal from their bags and put in the canisters as well.  Reducing the amount of time your food touches plastic is better than nothing.
6. Bring reusable bags when shopping.  Including these reusable produce bags .  Some states are actually banning plastic bags in stores.  It’s only a matter of time before it goes into effect in all states.  Why not get used to it now!
7. Use silicone lids , silicone covers , and bee’s wraps in place of plastic wraps — I am not going to lie, I do own plastic wrap, but I have had the same one since I moved into my house 5 years ago.  I use it when I am having a party and used up all of my reusable lids, etc.  I always use these silicone covers  to cover my bowls and bee’s wraps to cover half cut onions, etc.
8. Replace plastic mixing bowls, cooking utensils, etc. with wood, glass, stainless steel, and silicone — this is something I did over time.  It’s a really easy way to greatly reduce the amount of time your food touches plastic.
9. Replace disposable plastic straws with stainless steel straws .
10. Buy wooden toys whenever possible — this is one of the hardest things to avoid.  A majority of kids toys are made of plastic, so whenever possible choose the wooden version.  Although not all wooden toys are created equal, try to choose the ones from non-toxic and sustainable companies, like PlanToys.  Buying second hand, consigning toys you no longer use, and hosting a toy swap are great ways to reuse the plastic toys rather than throwing them away.

Starting out small will greatly reduce the amount of plastic toxins you are exposed to.  I also created this easy check list you can print out, 10 ways to eliminate plastic cheat sheet, as a reference.  It is our duty and responsibility to start taking action for ourselves, the environment, and future generations.