This post is dedicated to swaps after you have run out of disposable items and prepackaged foods. I have discussed swaps like reusable water bottles and washable face rounds to replace disposable cotton. Due to the current refusal of business to take personal items, which they have every right to do given the state of things, if you want Starbucks (for example), be prepared to have that extra plastic waste. Where we live, we are lucky that it is recyclable. I know that not all areas recycle plastics all that easily.

Even with the current “normal” you can still make plastic-free swaps for items you use and foods you consume. Straws are the easiest, unless you are unable to make online purchases/don’t have a store with them near you. Due to their size, straws often get stuck in machinery at recycling plants or fall off of the conveyor belts, which is a reason why the plants will send them to landfill (Quinte Waste Solutions, 2020). If you put all of your used straws in a larger vessel to be recycled, the odds are a bit greater that they will be recycled instead of tossed.

Another swap is for us gum-chewers. Did you know that most gum contains plastic? That’s right. The piece of gum you are currently chomping on probably contains synthetic elastomers. Most gum bases contain polyethylene, which is also used to make plastic bottles/plastic bags, according to the American Chemical Society (ACS, 2020). Switch to Glee Gum or Simply Gum for a plastic-free chewing experience.

Even though I like to try prepackaged foods, I have been loving making my own versions. Swapping out prepackaged food for homemade can be better for you since you know what you are putting into it. It can also be more cost-effective, especially if you are making bulk amounts. Crackers, granola, cookies, and bread are just a few things that you can make to fit your tastes.

You can also switch to pod detergent. I really love dropps. I’ve been using the unscented version, which cleans really well and doesn’t leave any scents behind. My fiancé is not a fan, so he uses traditional detergent. If you are looking for something a bit more earth-friendly, and don’t want to make your own, then give them a try. Dropps carries different scents and sizes to fit your needs. The pods are packaged in cardboard boxes, so there is no plastic waste. They also make detergent pods, but I haven’t tried them yet. If you are interested on saving on a subscription, you can save $15 by clicking here*.

It’s important to note that, while getting something new is nice, it’s not always necessary. Use what you have. Odds are, you will make purchases and then have regrets. Many single-use plastics can be washed and reused (i.e. cutlery). Using what you already have is also most sustainable thing you can do. I have repurposed an old glass yogurt container to hold hair ties, use an old candle holder for washable face rounds, and a mason jar for some toiletries. As I’ve mentioned before, we cannot do this now, but I always took my old bento boxes to pack up food after eating out. Want to learn more about Plastic-Free July? Click here.

Peace & Love, always!

References

American Chemical Society. (2020). The secret science of gum. Retrieved from https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/adventures-in-chemistry/secret-science-stuff/gum.html

Quinte Waste Solutions. (2020). The struggle with straws. Retrieved from https://quinterecycling.org/the-struggle-with-straws/

*This is a referral link. Your get $15 off of your subscription, and I will receive a $30 off coupon for a future subscription.