The Best Alternative to Single Use Plastic
So much of the plastic we use today is avoidable – which is why it’s so important to find an alternative to single use plastic. As the name implies, we create this type of plastic for just one use, before throwing it away. These are typically items of convenience – plastic utensils, plastic bags, plastic to-go cups – the list goes on. Each year we produce 300 million tons of plastic, and we could make a huge dent in that number if we made a few simple swaps to avoid single use plastic.
Why do you need an alternative to single use plastic?
Sometimes, plastic can seem unavoidable – the plastic mouse and keyboard on your computer, the plastic knobs in your car – so it’s incredibly important that we cut down where we can. Single use plastic feels so wasteful because it is – we literally use the item once, sometimes for mere minutes – before we throw it away. That piece of plastic will then sit on our planet for up to 500 years before it breaks down. If you use a plastic grocery bag today, it will take 20 years to fully break down. For plastic water bottles, that number skyrockets to 450 years.
The most common types & the best alternative to single use plastic
Ready to skip the single use plastic? You don’t have to give up your favorite things, like an iced coffee on the go. Just try out an alternative to single use plastic instead!
Coffee and tea mugs
Instead of accepted a single use to-go cup, bring your own reusable variation! I love these options:
- Stojo collapsible cup (Great for your purse!)
Single use straws altnerative
While it’s much more fun to sip on a straw, we’ve all seen the image of the sea turtle with a straw stuck in its nose. A plastic straw is just not worth it! Bring your own straw along and keep some for home use.
- Glass straws (Great for smoothies!)
- Metal straws (The silicone tip protects teeth)
Water bottles
If you needed another reason to skip it, bottled water is actually shown to contain microplastics, so it’s healthier to filter your own water and bring it along in a reusable water bottle. Here are a few great ones:
Alternative to single use plastic forks and knives
Carry a reusable fork and knife in your bag, and you’ll never need the plastic variety again!
- All-in-one (my favorite)
- Bamboo (includes chopsticks!)
Takeaway containers
To skip single use takeaway containers, just ask the person at the counter to place your food in the container you brought along. Most restaurants will accommodate you!
Alternative to single use plastic bags
Keep a few reusable bags in your car or purse and you’ll never need a plastic bag again!
Plastic Ziploc bags
Plastic food storage bags can be so convenient, but there’s an awesome alternative to single use plastic ones!
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Switching to an alternative to single use plastic can be a bumpy road at first, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes! The key is to come prepared – keep all your reusable alternatives in your purse or car for any unexpected situations. You’ll be a plastic free pro in no time.
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful! As always, you can support me and the site by buying me a cup of coffeeor sharing the site with a friend. Your support means the world to me!
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