Let’s be honest, plastic is convenient, and that is why we have come to use it so much. However, since a lot of plastic is non-recyclable and most is non-compostable, SO much plastic has ended up in landfills and the ocean and will be there forever. In addition, plastics often have chemicals that can leach into the surrounding environment. This has caused destruction of ecosystems, endangered animals and negatively impacted the health of our home and body.
It’s insane how much plastic we use, and sometimes for no apparent reason. For instance, why are bars of soap often wrapped in plastic when a paper box does the trick? Sometimes it seems like an uphill battle, but there are some simple adjustments that can cut out a HUGE amount of plastic! Every bit of plastic we don’t use is a step in the right direction!
Image from Pixabay
***This post contains some affiliate links - But know that I only become an affiliate for companies because I actively use their products and believe in their business.
Progressive Companies
First off, there are so many amazing companies out there that are working hard to keep their production as green as possible. Before buying from a company, read up on their sustainability practices and if they don’t have any (ahem…AMAZON), then try not to buy from them or write a comment asking when they will start providing more sustainable options. Companies rely on their clients, and if the clients keep asking, then hopefully they will start to make some changes.
In fact, there is a Responsible Packaging Movement going on and being adopted by many companies. Below are a few of my favorite companies that have committed to making sustainable progress and reducing or even ditching plastic altogether!
prAna jean jacket and dress
prAna: prAna is one of my absolute favorite clothing brands! Their comfortable yet fashionable clothes have gotten me through WFH during the pandemic. They have said, “We’re far from the perfect system, but we know a higher standard exists in the fashion and apparel industry, and we strive for that ideal. In the end, we focus on progress and continue to improve with each year.”
prAna aims to “completely eliminate plastic from [their] consumer packaging by 2021, as well as eliminate use of materials from ancient and endangered forests by 2022, and virgin forest fibers by 2025.” - LOVE THAT!
Ruffwear: Ruffwear, the hardcore and super reliable dog gear brand, is just starting to make changes, but the first step is the most important! They are diving deep into their supply chain and looking at where they can clean things up such as in their packaging, materials, supply and more!
Toad and Co: Toad and Co. has always had a hippie eco-friendly vibe. When it comes to their packaging they are thinking outside the box (pun intended). Toad and Co. has started using reusable shippers. Have your order shipped in one of these reusable bags and send it back to eliminate plastic and waste! You go Toad and Co.! (5% of proceeds will be donated to The Conservation Alliance the week of Earth Day)
Hubby showing off his nerdy New Plumage tee
New Plumage: This bird nerd and nature-loving company is this epitome of what a great company should be. They are family-run have pushed sustainability to the max, including carbon neutral shipping and plastic-free packaging (not to mention, for each purchase they donate to conservation initiatives!)
Grove: Grove is all about sustainability. They are the one-stop shop for all natural and green household needs. AND to go above and beyond, they have a 5 year Beyond Plastic plan. They are currently 100% plastic neutral and by 2025 they plan to be plastic-free.
Bathroom Products
So now let’s look at some super easy switches that you can make to #ditchtheplastic .
If you think about all of the plastic bottles you use, I’m sure most of them are in the bathroom. Think shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, lotion, makeup, etc. So what are some easy switches you can make to remove some of that unnecessary plastic?
Ethique shampoo, face wash, and body soap
Shampoo - There is no reason this needs to be in a bottle, when you have such an amazing bar option out there. [cue Ethique] Now, before you say anything, I have definitely tried bar shampoo that has left my hair like a birds nest and impossible to brush through. After some looking, I found Ethique - a New Zealand based company, and I haven’t turned back since. I’ve used all-natural shampoos for a long time and Ethique’s bar shampoo surpasses any bottled shampoo that I’ve ever tried - it lathers and rinses amazingly! My fave is the Frizz Wrangler.
Not only are they plastic-free but everything is compostable!
Body Soap: Using bar soap is probably the easiest switch you could possibly make. Bar soap has been around forever and there are so many options to choose from. Just make sure that the soap you do choose doesn’t use unnecessary plastic wrap!
Lotion: Come on back, Ethique! Ethique has created a new line of concentrates including lotion that starts off as a bar and melts down by adding boiled water! That’s some sort of magic! So not only are you removing plastic, but you are also saving on shipping weight.
You can also look at things like a bee bar that use bees wax and usually come in a metal tin.
Cleaning Products: There are a lot of companies out there that are using concentrates to #ditchtheplastic . One of my favorites is Blueland. Blueland makes concentrate tablets that just need water added! They have options for hand soap, laundry detergent, dish soap and cleaning spray. By removing plastic they help to keep us and our oceans and ecosystems healthy! According to Blueland, “Plastic has been found in 100% of marine turtles, 59% of whales, 36% of seals and 40% of seabird species examined.” That is not ok.
Another place to look for cleaning concentrates is Grove Collaborative!
Menstrual cup and Reusable Pads: Ladies, one way to save a HUGE amount of plastic is to use a reusable menstrual cup and reusable pads. So ditch that pink tax and make the switch! It is an adjustment, but once you get used to it, it is super easy and convenient…not to mention you save hundreds of dollars a year!
“Things like eggs, milk, peanut butter, butter, cream cheese, tea, and even meat often have options between plastic and non-plastic containers. ”
Grocery Shopping
How about another way to remove plastic? Let’s look at grocery shopping. Whenever possible choose the option without plastic. That first starts with:
Reusable Bags: First and foremost reusable bags are a must. No more excuses, because they are everywhere! Beyond reusable grocery bags, you can also use reusable produce bags and reusable food storage bags like Stasher.
the chickens say to eat local!
Groceries: Things like eggs, milk, peanut butter, butter, cream cheese, tea, and even meat often have options between plastic and non-plastic containers. You can even go a step further in some cases, and buy local eggs, local meat or local re-fillable milk. Perhaps you could even make your own yogurt. Next time you go grocery shopping, just scope things out to see if you can cut some plastic out of your shopping trip!
Takeaway
So with all of this, I hope that you can see that by making just a few adjustments you can reduce so much plastic use! If you do have to use plastic, try to reuse as much as possible. You can use plastic containers for storage, craft projects, or even a DIY dog treat feeder!
And by using reusable products such as reusable storage bags and reusable feminine products, you can save the world and your wallet!
So go ahead and #ditchtheplastic
There is so much camping gear out there - some are necessary, some are nice to have, and some are just not needed. So to help you get started with your camping list I’ve broken down the essentials, deciphering the endless choices between all the gear.