Several years ago, I visited The Marine and Mammal Center in San Francisco. While I was there, I learned about the importance of reducing our plastic consumption. It’s one thing to hear about the harm plastic waste does to the animals and the oceans, but it’s another thing to see it and experience it.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made using these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my Privacy Policy page.
At that time I had already been cutting back my plastic usage, but after my visit I knew that I had the power to do more. A few months later, I discovered Plastic Free July. As we welcome August, it’s important to keep reminding ourselves of ways we can reduce our environmental footprint. I’ve created a basic zero waste list to get you started towards living a more sustainable lifestyle.
1) Reusable Shopping Bag This step may seem simple, but it is one that can make a huge difference. We visit the grocery store several times a month and plastic bags for produce and groceries add up. Most stores charge a fee in order to deter customers from using plastic bags, and although this can be anywhere from five cents to a quarter, we’re still spending money on something we’ll use for 10 minutes and will take years to break down. This pack of 3 reusable bags are strong, durable, and collapses for easy storage.
2) Stainless Steel Tumbler Say no to plastic water bottles and invest in a reusable steel tumbler. These tumblers are not only durable, keep your drink hot/cold for hours, but they also come with 2 stainless steel straws and a cleaning brush! There are also a variety of fun colors to choose from!
3) Stainless Steel Straws Reusable straws were my first purchase for Plastic Free July. I remember being incredibly excited because I tend to drink a lot of iced coffees, smoothies, and bubble tea. If you already have your own reusable tumbler and just want to get the straws, there are 5 in total, including 4 that come in different lengths and 1 different in width. These straws also come with a cleaning brush and a travel pouch for your convenience.
4) Bamboo Cotton Rounds The amount of cotton rounds we go through each year is staggering. I never found myself using cotton rounds every day, but since learning more about sustainable products, I decided to invest in bamboo cotton rounds. They’re incredibly durable, gentle on the skin, and easy to wash. It also comes with a laundry pouch to ensure your cotton rounds stay in the best shape, and it’s convenient for travel.
5) Bamboo Toothbrush One plastic item we replace often is our toothbrush. When I first switched over to a bamboo toothbrush, I was worried it was going to be pricey. I was surprised to find just how affordable they were in comparison to a plastic one. This set comes with 10 toothbrushes, which is more than plenty! I even found myself gifting a few to family and friends who were hesitant to try.
6) Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes Plastic tupperware, while convenient and lightweight, needs to be replaced every several years for health reasons. Stainless steel on the other hand lasts a lot longer and is a greener alternative. This pack of 4 lunch boxes are durable, leak proof, lightweight, and also comes with a stainless steel spork.
7) Wool Dryer Balls I recently starting using wool dryer balls and I’ve noticed a huge difference in dry time. Not only are you saving money on a reusable and durable product but you’re also saving on your electricity bill! Wool dryer balls are unscented and hypoallergenic. If you prefer scent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Mine is lavender! These dryer balls come in a pack of 6 along with an adorable reusable pouch.
Lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight, so don’t feel overwhelmed or pressured to purchase everything that you see to get started. Use this post as a guideline and shop around for a price that fits your budget. Mistakes are bound to happen but that’s part of the process of learning. If you’d like to learn about how I discovered zero waste lifestyle, visit my post here.
Lovely post! I’ve been working to reduce my materials and plastic too! I switched to bamboo brushes and reusable towels! Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you Lynn! Reusable towels are next on my list to switch out!
Great post! I think it’s so important to show that sustainability can be done on a budget, and a few cheaper places to find plastic free products x
Thanks Eleanor! I agree, some things can be quite pricey but there are always alternatives.
Great ideas! I use way too much plastic, for sure. It would be nice to switch out gradually. I have a ton of reusable shopping bags but tend to forget them and/or I shop online and have my groceries delivered so they don’t get used as much as I would like. The bamboo toothbrush sounds cool. I will have to get one!
Switching gradually is the best idea! Thank you for reading Heidi!
Great suggestions! I definitely want to try out the lunch boxes and bamboo toothbrushes, I use them both so much on my day to day life so will definitely be making the swap! Thanks for sharing x
I’m happy to hear you’re going to make the swap! Thank you for reading!
I love all these different options! There are so many little, easy swaps that can make a difference. I recently visited another state and they had just banned plastic bags and plastic clothing hangers! It was crazy to see, I hope more places implement these swaps as well. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy to hear they’re not only focusing on bags but on coat hangers as well! And you’re right, once you make the swaps you realize just how easy it is! Thanks for reading Alexis!
I invested in some bamboo cotton rounds earlier this year and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. Bamboo toothbrushes and stainless steel lunch boxes are something I need to look into getting! They’re the only two I haven’t done yet 🙂
Aren’t bamboo cotton rounds great?! Thank you for reading Kate!
I love this! There are so many nice plastic free items here. I love that everyone seems to be paying attention to sustainability at the moment. I love reusable shopping bags. They are eco-friendly. I would love to try the bamboo tooth brush and the stainless steel lunch boxes plastic. Thank you for sharing
I agree, it’s important to do our part. Thank you for reading Ruth! I hope you like these items!
Fantastic ideas! The only one I haven’t done yet is the bamboo toothbrush but I must definitely look into that. The city I live in is still pretty far behind when it comes to recycling and being green in general, but they’re starting to move forward which is good. It breaks my heart when I see what plastic is doing to the sea life 🙁
I’m glad more companies are starting to do their part, it’s devastating to see what our waste is doing to our oceans. Thank you for reading Vourneen!
Loved your Article, it’s Amazing!
Thank you for reading Farah!
Lovely list of suggestions, great how they’re all affordable too! I really want to look into a lunch box, a great way to encourage meal prepping instead of buying out too.
I agree! That’s a great way to look at it. Thanks for reading Anika!
These are great alternatives!! Since we live out of our suitcases, we try to stay as sustainable as possible – already used using tote bags, steel/glass cups and straw. But will definitely look into the other options mentioned like the bamboo items! Thanks for sharing!
That’s wonderful, I hope you like the bamboo products! Thank you for reading!
These are all such great suggestions! I’m loving the collective focus on sustainability at the moment! Our local large supermarket has started offering paper bag alternatives to plastic too and those are great for when getting large shops delivered (as we can’t drive) x
Paper bags are great! They’re also much more durable than plastic bags. Thanks for reading Mia!
Love all these suggestions! I love my reusable tote bags, my stainless steel straw, reusable water bottle and my bamboo lunch boxes (I have a few now and they are the best!) Definitely have to try out a bamboo toothbrush.
Ooo, I definitely want to try a bamboo lunchbox! I love how there are so many options for reusable tote bags now, they’re so stylish! Thank you for reading Jordanne!
Living coastal as well, I think we are more cognizant of keeping our oceans clean. I love your environmental platform. I have all the items listed here except the toothbrush bit of Sonicare ever produces a bamboo one I’ll gladly make the change. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jodie! I’m happy to hear that you already have these products. There will always be a few items that we swear by and that’s okay! We’re taking the steps to make changes where we can! Thank you for reading!