Hitchhiker’s Guide: Getting Started with an *Almost* Plastic-Free 2023

In a world where convenience often takes precedence over environmental concerns, plastic pollution has become an overwhelming issue. Plastic waste is clogging our oceans, harming wildlife, and contributing to climate change. Thankfully, people are starting to pay attention. There’s been a growing movement to reduce plastic consumption and embrace this plastic-free lifestyle. Here we’ll dive into the importance of becoming plastic-free and provide practical tips to help you get started on your journey toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

The Plastic Problem

Plastic. is. EVERYWHERE. And its convenience is undeniable. It makes you wonder, though, is it really worth it? The durability that makes plastic so useful also makes it a persistent pollutant. Unfortunately, most of us live distracted and we never see the overwhelming blemish that plastics truly are. Nearly every plastic that’s ever been is still here. (Arguably all – I’m leaving wiggle room for those in space.) Plastic negatively impacts our lives in primarily four different ways.

1. Ocean Pollution: Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where they harm marine life and ecosystems.
2. Microplastics: Plastic waste breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which have been found in the air, soil, and even our food. Yes, for real. OUR FOOD. It’s been predicted now that we eat about 5 grams or roughly one credit card’s worth of plastic every week!
3. Wildlife Impact: Birds, fish, and marine mammals often ingest plastic, mistaking it for food, leading to injury or death.
4. Health Concerns: Chemicals in plastics can leach into the environment, potentially (read definitely) impacting human health. There’s so much here that won’t even be touched purely on the fact that no one is going to back research that downgrades one the most successful and most used material ever created….at least not without a backup (which is *obviously* cheaper to manufacture).

Why Go Plastic-Free?

Becoming plastic-free (almost) is not just a trendy lifestyle choice; it’s an essential and intentional step toward preserving our planet for future generations. Here are some of the reasons why I’ve embraced a plastic-free (almost) lifestyle:

1. Reduces Environmental Impact: By reducing plastic consumption, you’ll help decrease the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean. With enough change, our societies will begin to put plastic in its place. We can finally tame the beast, right now it’s running wild and free. More people who refuse can force industry to take notice and they will. Nobody wants to waste money.
2. Protect Wildlife: By using less plastic, you’ll reduce the chances of wildlife ingesting or getting entangled in plastic debris. I’m sure you’ve seen the videos, pictures, etc. of the horrible situations some unfortunate animals get in because of this. I get so sad everytime because I know it’s our fault. We’re bulldozing through this world and we hardly ever look back.
3. Save Money: Many plastic-free alternatives are cost-effective in the long run because they’re often reusable and durable. Hands down yes! There are so many amazing alternatives out there, but, be careful, there are likely more people at this point greenwashing their products than not. (greenwashing – the act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice. nrdc)
4. Personal Health: Minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastic products can lead to improved health. I’ve read study after study and if you only knew how many of our physiological detriments were due to hormone issues you’d fall out of your chair. Why is this important? SO many plastics contain hormone mimicking and hormone disrupting chemicals. The problem is our bodies can’t break them down, have a hard time getting them out, and never get a break. All of these plus many other food quality, air quality, lack of exercise, etc. have led to a plunge in America’s health.

Getting Started on Your Plastic-Free Journey

1. Assess Your Plastic Use: Begin by taking stock of your current plastic consumption. Identify areas where you can reduce or eliminate plastic use. As for the home – I’d start in the kitchen and the bathroom.
2. Start with Small Changes: Start with small changes like using a reusable water bottle, bringing your own shopping bags, and opting for glass or metal containers over plastic ones. You can also refuse the straw or plastic ware with your take-out or switch your Tupperware for glass containers. Remember that going plastic-free (almost) looks different for everyone, but it’s important to make sustainable choices that work for you. It’s not about being perfect, but rather making progress towards a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. If you treat it like a fad, you’ll likely burn out quickly.
3. Explore Plastic-Free Alternatives: Look for alternatives to common plastic products. Swap plastic straws for reusable metal, glass, silicone, or bamboo ones, and choose natural fiber clothing over synthetic fabrics. I also lean organic with materials whenever possible, but that’s another post.
4. DIY and Upcycling: Get creative by making your own cleaning products, reusing containers, and upcycling items to reduce waste. Check out my post on the many ways to use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning!
5. Support Sustainable Brands: Choose products from companies committed to reducing their plastic footprint and promoting sustainability. By beginning to understand what all those seals on labels mean, you’ll be able to interpret the legitimacy of the companies more accurately.
6. Reduce Single-Use Items: Avoid single-use plastics like plastic cutlery, cups, and food containers. Carry reusable alternatives when dining out. Refuse is another “R” (recycle, reuse, reduce, and refuse) and it’s not as harsh as it sounds a “No, thank you.” is all it takes!
7. Choose Plastic-Free Packaging: Opt for products with minimal or plastic-free packaging when shopping. A major theme of this overall lifestyle change is less is more.
8. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the environmental impact of plastic and share your knowledge with others to inspire change. Try to be conscious of ways that you’re impacting your home and community, and remember that the first person to redirect has to be yourself. I’m not pointing a finger, though, I’m still growing and changing too. I just try to understand that 1. Not everyone cares yet and 2. I was where they are once and those I aspire to imitate are looking up at what they can do and not down at what others haven’t done.

All in all, becoming plastic-free is not an overnight transformation but a gradual shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Every small change you make contributes to a significant reduction in plastic waste. By embracing a plastic-free lifestyle, you’ll not only reduce your environmental footprint but also inspire others to follow suit. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the fight against plastic pollution and work towards a cleaner, healthier planet for all.