Happy New Year!
Is 2024 the year you commit to using less plastic?
If so, we are right there with you. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your plastic use in the new year. Some of these are no brainers, others might surprise you, but they can all have a big impact on lowering your plastic footprint over the course of a year.
1. Switch to Shampoo Bars & Conditioner Bars
I mean, we had to include some plugs for our stuff right? But seriously, one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste in your bathroom is to switch from traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles to bars. Not only is it a major reduction in plastic, but they also last longer than liquids, so you'll be saving money too. Each of our bars, for example, is equal to 2-3 plastic bottles of shampoo or conditioner. Depending on how often you shampoo, that typically means 10-15 fewer plastic bottles landfilled each year, and tremendous cost savings. And, since shampoo bars and conditioner bars are pure concentrated ingredients, you're only buying what you need, rather than a big plastic bottle of 80% water.
2. Try Toothpaste Tablets
Did you know over 1 Billion toothpaste tubes get thrown out each year? Those tubes are really hard to recycle, so they get landfilled instead. But toothpaste tablets are a perfect solution. Just pop one in your mouth, chew it up a bit, and brush like normal. Kids love them too, and they make WAY less mess than the toothpaste globs kids leave on the sink. Seriously, does any toothpaste actually get on their teeth? It seems like half the tube would end up on the counter or crusted around the sink. So gross. Fortunately, we've moved on to tablets in our house. I recommend you do too. 😁
3. Switch to Plastic-Free Deodorant
The deodorant industry creates over 15 million pounds of plastic waste every single year. And almost all of that ends up in landfills or oceans. But more and more manufacturers are now offering refillable deodorants, or deodorant sticks in cardboard. Here at Community Goods, we like the cardboard. But it's nice to have options. Not only will you be reducing your plastic waste, but you'll also be avoiding potentially harmful chemicals found in some traditional deodorants (cough, aluminum, cough).
4. Bring Your Own Reusable Bags
We know, we know, you've heard it before. But like learning to play an instrument, repetition is key. Plastic bags are the worst. Particularly in our oceans, where turtles and other sea creatures mistake them for delicious jellyfish. A recent study found 52% of sea turtles have eaten plastic. It makes them feel full, which actually starves them. Terrible stuff. So make it a habit to bring your own reusable bags whenever you go shopping. Keep a few in your car or purse so you're always prepared. By doing so, you'll be reducing the demand for single-use plastic bags and helping LOTS of turtles 😉.
5. Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle
Again, nothing new here. But the folks at Nestle and others are still selling WAY too many single-use plastic drinks. So we gotta keep talking about it. Disposable plastic water bottles are a huge contributor to plastic waste. Like, numero uno. Invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle and make it a habit to carry it with you wherever you go. Personally, I keep one in my car, and another by my keys and another on my desk, and maybe one more somewhere.. but that's it. Promise. If you don't know them already, we really dig the stainless steel bottles by Klean Kanteen 👍.
6. Choose Glass or Metal Containers
Ok, now we're getting real. This is one that I am totally guilty of. When it comes to storing food or leftovers, I know I should opt for glass or metal containers instead of plastic ones. Even "safe" plastics like polypropylene (#5 plastic) has been shown to leach chemicals into food when scratched or heated. Meanwhile glass and metal are more durable and can be reused over and over again, without any leaching. The trick is to find a new use for the old plastic containers, like storing kids' craft supplies, or organizing the junk drawer. What will you do with yours?
7. Skip The Straw
One of my kids' favorite lunch spots is HWY 101 Burger in Lincoln City, OR (see pic). We make a point of visiting every summer when we're staying up the highway in Neskowin. Be forewarned though, if you ask for a straw for your drink, the owner will likely reply, "Oh, you mean a turtle killer?" 😂. Haha, love that guy! Plastic straws are still one of the most common items found in beach cleanups and are still hurting thousands of animals each year. So skip the straw, or bring your own reusable one.
This is a pretty easy list, right? Nothing too obscure or difficult. The real challenge is the commitment, and holding ourselves accountable. To make that easier, send this post to a friend to help hold each other accountable. They can be your Accountabili-buddy.. or something. 👭
Haha, here's to an amazing 2024, where we create less plastic waste than ever before! Cheers!