Today we’re starting a new series that puts a spin on the usual “SPRING CLEANING” topic. Instead of focusing on cleaning up living spaces I thought it would be a welcome change to talk about small ways to hit refresh on everyday habits starting with 4 simple ways to cut back on plastic use at home. Keep in mind that this is less about being perfect or making drastic changes that are too hard to sustain, and more about making small changes that will eventually gain momentum and make a big difference.
Some of you are wayyyyyy ahead of me with these environmentally friendly habits (don’t judge, ha!) and I would love for you to chime-in, in the comments with other ideas!
Here are the 4 easy, quick and do-able ways we’re cutting back on plastic use in our home:
This adorable beeswax wrap is organic, sustainable and a great alternative to plastic wrap and even plastic bags — use to cover food before putting in the fridge or wrap up a sandwich or other snacks when you’re on the go.
Buy reusable grocery bags that are easy to store and manage so you’ll actually use them! Or is it just me that gets annoyed with floppy bags that slide around in the back of my car so they end up getting stored in the pantry and are inevitably forgotten 75% of the time? Instead of constantly feeling guilty when I make it to the checkout line and realize I’ll be choosing between paper or plastic, I finally purchased these grocery totes that I love! They are so much sturdier, fit a lot (although not as much as they look on amazon) and will even stay open which makes it so easy to store in the trunk, use for other things and unload once we’re home.
If you’re shopping with kids in-tow then lugging around reusable produce bags is probably low on the priority list, but it does get easier as the kids get older and once you have one or more that’s around school age, it can be fun to put them in charge of carrying bags and also filling them with whatever’s on your shopping list! Love this set of produce bags, but there are lots to choose from or you can DIY!
Also, for anyone that buys bulk, how do you get everything through the checkout line and home without using plastic bags?
I love these straws for the colors (easier to keep track of who’s drink is who’s) and you can see inside them to make sure they’re cleaned well — unlike metal straws which I know are great but the unknown scares me a bit, lol. The smoothie size straws (pictured) are a little extra so if you have younger ones I’d suggest the skinnier version. Bonus, you can cut the silicone to fit whatever your go-to cup is! I also bought these glass straws for Johan and me… we fancy :)
Ahhhhh, these kids! I’d do anything to make this world a better place for them and always want to be a good example too.
I’ll share all the products on instagram stories later today if you want to see them IRL. We also DIY-ed a starbucks pink drink to highlight the reusable straws that I’ll share too!
Now, I’d love to know what else you would add to the list? What small-ish environmentally friendly change should we make next?
xo, Rae
Love this post Rae! I made the switch from fabric softeners to reusable wool dryer balls and I’ve never looked back. Thanks for the great content!
we have food huggers to avoid aluminium or plastic wrap, lots of tupperware, totes in all sizes, reusable bags for fruit, veg and bread. we try to avoid things that are wrapped individually (not always easy when your choice of foods is already small because of lactose intolerance). plus we are very lucky with our school: we, a group of 10 mothers, buy fruit and a snack a day for the whole school avoiding lots of garbage, envy and sneak some new things and tastes in.
Overheard glasses? Product info :)!
Oops! Not sure what that was…Love the drinking glasses! Would you mind sharing the info where you got them? Thanks! Love the blog!!!!