10 super-simple plastic swaps
Have you ever been overwhelmed by all the changes you’d have to make to live a zero-waste lifestyle? If you have, you’re not alone! What if you took a less-waste approach instead?
When it comes to reducing the amount of plastic in your life, remember that you don’t have to aim for perfection. It’s about progress! At Ridwell, we believe that small actions add up. That’s why we gathered 10 super-simple swaps that not only reduce how much plastic comes into your life, but how much you send out to landfills and oceans.
We’ll point to some products in this list. We chose them ourselves and won’t receive compensation if you end up buying them—we just like what these brands offer.
10 super-simple plastic swaps
Single use water bottles - If you grab a single-use bottle on the go, choose aluminum over plastic—aluminum is near infinitely recyclable, but plastic can only be recycled once. We’ve noticed aluminum options popping up in grocery stores and convenience stores.
Tea - They may look like 100% paper, but many tea bags are sealed with plastic fibers. Choose an option that’s labeled for organic waste disposal or swap for loose-leaf tea and a strainer.
Snack bags - If you want to pack lunches with less plastic, you’ll find lots of options to replace the baggies we grew up with. Silicone options like the ones from Stasher are popular because they’re kid-proof, microwave safe, and freezer safe. Some folks prefer beeswax bags like the ones from Bee’s Wrap because they can last for a year and then be composted or used as fire starter. These brands also make replacements for plastic wrap.
Kitchen sponge - Plastic sponges end up in the landfill and, before that, wash microplastics down the drain as you clean. Consider replacing them with a biodegradable option like this one from Zero Waste Store’s own brand, which you can compost or simply bury at the end of its life. (Not all curbside compost takes them, but they’ll still break down faster than plastic.)
Bath pouf - If you want to replace your plastic bath pouf, you have multiple options. Consider a compostable option like The Scrubber from CASAMERA or a good old washcloth.
Hair ties - Instead of synthetic hair ties that tend to come with plastic packaging, try plastic-free packs from eco-minded brands like Terra Ties and Kooshoo. They’re made with natural rubber, organic cotton, and non-toxic dies, so they’re biodegradable.
Shaving soap - Rather than cream, lotion, or gel that comes in a single-use bottle or can, try a shaving soap bar like this one from Ethique or this one from Package Free.
Razor - Consider a plastic-free razor like the variety of options from Leaf, which offers single- and triple-blade models, plus dermaplaners. Over time, replaceable blades can save you money and the blades themselves can be recycled at scrap metal facilities.
Lip balm - Lots of alternatives to single-use lip balms are available. Burt’s Bees introduced a commercially compostable, refillable option that uses the same balm so many folks already love. Paper-tube options like the lip butters from No Tox Life can be composted or recycled curbside when the product runs out.
Laundry pods - Many sustainable laundry detergent options exist, but maybe none as convenient as swapping a pod for a pod. The high-performing pods from brands like Dropps use water-soluble membranes and come in cardboard packaging.
With easy swaps like these, you can make changes toward a lifestyle with less plastic waste without the overwhelm of going completely plastic free.
