5 Ways I'm Reducing My Plastic Use

If you read my 2019 intentions blog post, you know I've set out to reduce my plastic use this year (and every year after, really) in an effort to live more sustainably. I'm passionate about reducing plastic to help Mother Nature, but also to help with my health.

According to the EPA, around 13 million tons of plastic from containers and packaging are found in our landfills, and can make their way to bodies of water, which affects marine life and us. Plastic contains endocrine-disrupting compounds like bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and phthalates. These chemical compounds interfere with the body's endocrine system, which may affect human health by causing "adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife", according to the National Institute of Health. Specifically, they may be contributing to increased rates of endometriosis and infertility, as well as certain cancers.

By storing foods/drinks in plastic containers or buying plastic-wrapped food/drink products, it's possible for the endocrine-disrupting compounds to migrate into the foods/drinks, which are then consumed. Some metal-based food and drink cans contain linings with BPA, as well.

It can feel overwhelming to try and make ALL these changes at once, so I recommend starting with one thing at a time until it becomes normal, or a habit, and then working on introducing another change. Here are some of the specific steps that I'm taking this year to reduce my plastic use and exposure to endocrine-disrupting hormones:

1. Swap plastic baggies for reusable baggies. After reading several reviews, I purchased a couple Stasher bags (large and small) and Blue Avocado bags from Amazon. I prefer the Stasher bags because they feel more durable, but both work well for packing snacks, sandwiches or keeping leftover avocado halves. I'll even use them for my travel-sized toiletries to go through airport security.

2. Keep reusable bags in the car and at home to use for shopping. I've already gotten pretty good at this actually, having collected 20-plus reusable bags over the years and keeping them by my front door and the backseat of my car. The trick is remembering to bring them in to the store; I've definitely found myself in the checkout lane at Target, palm to the forehead, and saying "crap". In which case, I forgive myself (I'm only human), try to be more diligent about it the next time, and ask the cashier to fit as much stuff in one bag as they can. Depending on what or how much I've purchased, I may just ask to put the items back in the cart after checking out, take them to the car and load them in the reusable bags there. Yes, it's an extra step, but worth it.

3. Use clear mesh bags in the produce section at the grocery store. Plastic isn't just being used at checkout; they're are all over the produce section as well. For certain fruits and vegetables with a peel or skin that I won't consume (e.g. bananas, oranges, onions), I've started putting it in my cart without a plastic bag. For the items that may need to be put in something, I've ordered these clear mesh bags to use instead.

4. Buy beans/granola/nut butters/soups/tomato products from the bulk section or in cardboard/glass containers instead of canned or plastic jars. The bulk section is great for reducing food packaging waste AND it's more affordable. The clear mesh bags I mentioned previously can be used for collecting bulk beans or granola. I like to store bulk items in glass jars as well. For things like nut butters, I'll have to find a store nearby that has the fresh grinding option available, but bringing glass mason jars should make that easy (just have to remember to weigh the glass container and tare before filling it). I must admit that I love the convenience of canned beans for recipes, but if I plan ahead and use my Instant Pot or Crockpot to make a big batch of beans, I can easily store them in the fridge for the week.

I've already started buying soups and tomato products (e.g. puree, diced, whole peeled, etc.) that come in a cardboard-style package that can be recycled. The tomato products are the brand Pomi, and the soups I like are Pacific Foods and Imagine.

5. Switch out plastic food storage containers for glass containers. I still have plastic food containers from years ago that I'm slowly cycling out and replacing with glass containers and jars to store leftovers or homemade products. I have tons of mason jars that I've been collecting over the years as well, and I do my best to wash and reuse them as glasses, as well as to store homemade salad dressings, nut butters, trail mixes, and kombucha.

If you're looking to reduce your use of plastic as well, I hope you find these tips helpful for getting started! I think the most important thing is to start by looking around at all the places where plastic is used in your home and at stores; it's honestly shocking when you start to notice it. Remember that ANY proactive steps or planning you do to reduce your plastic use will be helpful for you and the planet in the long run!