The first swaps post for Plastic-Free July 2020 included laundry detergent, gum, and suggestions for plasticware that is considered single-use. There are countless swaps for items we use every day. We can also repurpose those items once their initial purpose has been fulfilled. Here are some suggestions for more plastic-free swaps, some of which are included in the purchase of goods:

I love that so many items, like pasta sauces and salsas, come in glass jars. Not only can you reuse the jars, but if you’re in need of a little extra money (and right now, that’s many of us), some recycle centers will provide monetary compensation for the glass. The jars can be used in place of glasses, and can hold meal prep items or leftovers. I have also used them to hold food I’ve gotten in bulk, herbs, spinach bunches, pens/pencils, hardware, and more.

Since I can’t take reusable bags to the grocers right now, the mesh doubles as wash bags for clothing that needs to be washed by hand. Bamboo toothbrushes, which I like (not as much as electric toothbrushes, though), can continue to be used after the suggested three months. After I sanitized them, I put them with other cleaning supplies. They help to get the gunk from around the taps, grout, etc. After they have served that purpose, I am going to use them in the planters after I get my mini garden going.

A little rant: It is important to note that many items that are plastic-free have involved plastic at some point. From the plastic that bulk bin items are often shipped in to the plastic wrapping on stainless steel containers, there is unseen plastic. Unless those in charge of ordering only contract with companies that manufacture without plastic, the store is left to dispose of any waste once it leaves the manufacturer. Just because you have ordered from zero-waste/package-free/plastic-free stores doesn’t mean plastic wasn’t involved. If that matters to you, you can always reach out to the shop to find out more information.

I hope these suggestions were of some value. I know that it’s pretty short. This has been a pretty crappy week. Yes, I could have just not written anything, but I needed to be at least somewhat productive. Stay healthy.

Peace & Love, always!