6 Ways to Wean Yourself Off of Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are convenient, but they're causing significant problems with the world's oceans. The plastics end up in the bellies of animals who can't digest them and are wrapped around the necks, fins, and flippers of other creatures. Because of the pollution these plastics create, many people have started being more careful about how much they're using.

While that's good news for the oceans, it's still not always easy for people to find other options. After all, it's very easy to grab a disposable water bottle or another plastic bottle at the store. Shampoo, hand soap, and all kinds of other daily household products come in plastic bottles.

Additionally, a lot of other items come packaged in plastic that just gets thrown away. Convenience foods and lunch meats often have plastic packaging. By looking around your home you might be surprised at all the single-use plastic you find. Even if you can't eliminate the use of single-use plastic, there are ways you can start to reduce its impact.

If you make even a couple of substitutions, you'll already be helping the planet and reducing the plastic that goes into the oceans. That can improve the ecosystem for a lot of animals and encourage others to do their part, as well. Here are 6 ways you can wean yourself off of single-use plastics.

1. Choose Reusable Water Bottles

A reusable water bottle, mug, or tumbler can be a great way to reduce plastic waste. When you don't have to buy disposable water bottles, you're not creating as much pollution. Wash your reusable bottle regularly, and you can refill it nearly anywhere.

It's also great for hydration, as many people don't drink enough water throughout their day. You can improve your own health and the planet's health, all at the same time.

2. Use Laundry Pods

Another way to reduce pollution from plastic is to use laundry pods. These are biodegradable, so you don't have plastic bottles or other containers full of soap. Not only does that help the environment, but it's also very convenient.

You can buy pods locally, or get them shipped to your door through a subscription service. With laundry pods arriving on a set schedule, you'll never run out, and you won't contribute to plastic waste, either.

3. Buy Items in Bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to reduce the waste from plastic bottles and other single-use plastics. When you purchase bulk items, you avoid individually wrapped products. That keeps the amount of plastic down.

You can buy candy, lunch meat, and other items in bulk. Some of the options you have will depend on where you live, as bigger cities might have more options. But you don't have to settle for single-use plastics when bulk items are available.

4. Buy Used Items

With 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic polluting the ocean, many people have become more conscious of plastic use. That goes beyond the grocery store and translates to used items like furniture, clothing, and more.

These items have already been opened, so the plastic packaging isn't on them any longer. That means you're not buying something with the packaging you have to dispose of, so your purchase isn't contributing to the pollution created by single-use plastic.

5. Pack a Travel Kit

If you travel very often, you know how easy it is to purchase travel-sized items like shampoo, deodorant, and lotion. Those are convenient, but they're also contributing to pollution through single-use plastic containers.

Fortunately, you can avoid that problem by packing a travel kit. There are many reusable bottle kits on the market today, and they offer a reprieve from disposable plastic purchases.

When you buy reusable bottles, you can even get kits that are TSA-approved, so you can fill the bottles without worry if you're flying. Not only does that increase your peace of mind for travel, but you'll also know you're doing something good for the planet.

6. Recycle what You Can

There are two ways to recycle plastics. You can put them in a recycling bin, or you can reuse them. Some single-use plastics can actually be reused for other things, and that's one of the best ways to keep them out of the oceans.

For example, you can refill a hand soap bottle from a much larger bottle. There are even bulk options today that allow people to bring their own bottles and refill them from a large container. These opportunities aren't too common yet, but interest in them is growing.

No matter what you decide to do to wean yourself from single-use plastics, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. You can enjoy all your favorite things, and improve the overall wellness of the planet. That's a good way to balance what you like with what's healthy and helpful.

There may be times when single-use plastics are still needed, or you don't have any options. Right now, it's not easy to avoid these plastics altogether. But reducing your use of them is a good first step, and encourages other people to do the same. When more people step up to help, change is faster and easier.