Tips from the Ridwell community
We recently asked the Ridwell community how they reduce plastic in their daily lives, and the responses were incredible!
Reducing plastic waste isn't about perfection—it's about progress. As these Ridwell community members show, every reusable bag, every bar of soap, and every homemade cleaner adds up to make a meaningful difference.
Want to make some changes? Pick one or two ideas that resonate with you and start there. Once those become habits, you can gradually add more plastic-reducing practices to your routine.
Here are the top habits that are making a real difference for the Ridwell community.
🛒 Shopping Strategies
At the Grocery Store:
Bring reusable mesh or cloth bags for produce instead of using plastic bags
Skip the bags entirely for sturdy items like bananas, onions, and potatoes—they're going to be washed anyway!
Choose loose produce over pre-packaged items in plastic containers
Shop the bulk bins with your own containers for grains, nuts, spices, and snacks
Farmers Markets & Local Shopping:
Visit farmers markets where produce comes with minimal packaging
Support local co-ops and stores that offer bulk purchasing options
Bring your own containers to bakeries, butchers, and delis
“I store plastic bags inside a cardboard tube then take them with me to the grocery store & farmers market to re-use. I can usually use them 4-5 times until they wear out. Then I recycle them through Ridwell. ”
🏠 Household & Personal Care Swaps
Popular Switches:
Bar soap and shampoo instead of liquid versions in plastic bottles
Laundry detergent sheets or powder in cardboard boxes
Toothpaste tablets in glass jars or cardboard packaging
Deodorant in cardboard tubes or refillable containers
Cleaning Products:
Shop at refill stores where you can reuse your own containers
Make your own cleaners with simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda
Choose concentrated products that you dilute at home
“I switched from bottles to shampoo and conditioner bars, use toothpaste tablets where refills come in a compostable bag (love Huppy ones!!), and get deodorant with plastic free refills that go into a metal case.”
🥫 Package Choices
When You Buy Packaged:
Choose glass jars over plastic containers (peanut butter, condiments, sauces)
Opt for aluminum cans instead of plastic bottles
Look for cardboard packaging over plastic
Buy larger sizes to reduce packaging per unit
“If my only choice is between plastic containers, I’ll pick the one that is the most recyclable through Ridwell.”
🍽️ Food Storage & Prep
At Home:
Use glass containers for food storage instead of plastic bags
Make items from scratch like yogurt, hummus, and salad dressing
Portion bulk purchases into reusable containers
Wash and reuse plastic bags multiple times before recycling
Dining Out:
Bring your own containers for restaurant leftovers
Carry reusable utensils and straws
Decline unnecessary plastic bags when offered
“We have two sets of Big Gulp cups we wash & reuse for 7-11 Slurpees (and bring our own re-usable straws).”
♻️ Creative Reuse Ideas
Before You Recycle:
Wash and reuse ziptop bags until the zipper breaks
Use takeout containers and yogurt containers for food storage
Repurpose plastic bags for pet waste or small trash cans
Use plastic bags from potting soil as waterproof totes
“I use some clamshell containers as greenhouses to start seeds in, reuse plastic frozen meal plates to serve my children’s lunches or snacks on, and use bottle caps of different colors to make bee watering sticks for my garden.”
💡 Mindset Shifts That Make a Difference
Before You Buy, Ask:
Do I really need this item?
Is there a less-packaged alternative?
Can I make this at home instead?
Will I use this enough to justify the packaging?
“As the world seems more chaotic, it’s nice to take ownership of the little part of this planet that I can control ... Just like throwing one sea star back into the ocean, we’re doing our part to make the world a nicer place to be.”
Small Changes, Big Impact
Together, we're proving that small individual actions can create waves of positive change. Keep up the great work, and remember: every piece of plastic you avoid is a victory worth celebrating.
