I think we’ve all heard at some point in our lives that we shouldn’t use plastics. For me, I always had the lurking question, “but why?” Then came the bigger question, “how can I get away from plastics? They’re everywhere and I use them all the time!”
If you’ve wondered either of the two questions above, then this post is for you!
First off, let’s answer the why and then we’ll get into the how question.
Why?
As you may already know, there are several types of plastics. Each different type of plastic has a little recycle icon on it with a number in it. These symbols are often on the bottom of the plastic product.
Plastics are classified by number, and different numbers/types are composed differently, used in different ways, and can lead to different health effects.
The jest of plastics are that they are often quite harmful to our bodies. Plastics have been widely studied and are prominent throughout scientific literature.
Needless to say, plastics contain chemicals linked to a wide number of human and animal health concerns.
Many scientists and health professionals recommend eliminating (or at least drastically reducing) one's plastic usage for optimal health.
How Do I Reduce my Plastic Usage?
I'm SOOOO glad you asked!
1. Replacing Plastic Drink Containers
When it came down to replacing my plastic water bottle, I opted for an up-cycled glass water bottle for a while. I had found some grape juice at a local discount food store, and it was in a glass bottle with a sturdy metal lid, so for about 6 months I used that as my water bottle!
I was a college student at the time and was on a tight budget, so going out to the store to buy a nice double wall stainless steel water bottle just wasn't in the cards for me at the time. And, in the meantime I had this beautiful 32 oz. glass water bottle.
Sometimes, the most realistic swaps are those that fit your current season of life! Make it feasible!
2. Replacing Plastic Food Storage
I chose to do this step when the majority of my plastic food storage containers were cracking and in dire need of being replaced. So instead of buying new plastic containers, I opted for a nice glass set.
I would definitely do your own research on this step, as there are a wide variety of options on the market today.
From a sustainability and long-term budget friendly perspective, I personally prefer a glass bake ware friendly set with a universal bamboo lid set with a nice food-safe silicone seal. Or, a stainless steel set with a food safe silicone lid.
But again, there is a lot of room for personal choice on these matters.
I would recommend taking into account how you normally warm up your food. If you're a big microwave person, I would stray away from the stainless steel options. But if you typically use an oven and tote your food to school or work every day, I would highly recommend a stainless steel option as they are better for long term wear and tear, especially when you're on the go.
If you do opt for a silicone lid or seal, I would recommend getting a food safe silicone, as many varieties on the market are not. If silicone isn't rated as food safe, they can come with their own can of worms.
3. Reducing Single Use Plastics
Things to consider here include: plastic Ziploc baggies, plastic cling wrap, plastic produce bags and single use plastic plates, cups or cutlery.
Budget Friendly Tips: Thrifting!!!
Check around at your local thrift stores for barely used glass Pyrex or Anchor Hocking storage sets. Just make sure to check for chips in the glass!
While you're at the thrift store, you might check for some good priced glass mason jars. They work great for food storage in a pinch, and they can also double as drinking glasses on the go. The huge bonus here is they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and only come with 2 lid sizes! If they don't have any jars with rims or lids, no worries, your local grocery store should have some in their canning section. Just make sure to note whether or not you need regular or wide mouth lids.
Another great thrift store find are solid metal cutlery, or silverware. I have a mismatched set of 4 that I really like to use in those "on-the-go" situations like work/school lunches, picnics, etc. Just make sure you check for bent fork tongs, and sturdy handles (so they don't bend when you dig them into that lunch you packed).
You can still get some really nice barely used products, often for a fraction of the price, if you just look around!
Don't forget to recycle those items that you're swapping out! And don't forget to have some fun and make it YOU-nique!
*Note: the above steps can be taken in any order! The above steps are the steps I took based upon my own personal plastics exposures.
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