While plastics are pervasive and convenient, they come with a heavy toxic load. (You can find more information on the Hazards of Plastics HERE).

Some plastic exposure is beyond our immediate control. This type of exposure occurs when toxins from plastics are released during the production process and end up in our air, land, and waterways.

However, we also encounter plastics that we have more of a choice about: those used to package and store food, drinks, and medications, as well as the products we choose to keep and use within our homes. We can minimize our exposure to plastics, especially those surrounding our food and drinks, by making the conscious choice to choose glass, metal, wood, or paper instead.

While it’s nearly impossible in this day and age to eliminate all plastics from our lives, we can strive to remove plastics wherever possible. Here are some practical ways to get your started with this endeavor.

1. Choose glass or paper. When faced with the choice between two similar products packaged in different materials (e.g., two types of organic peanut butter or bottles of sparkling water), choose the non-plastic option; in these cases: glass.
2. Buy meat at the butcher counter. At the butcher counter, your meat will be wrapped in paper instead of being pre-packaged in plastic.
3. Choose supplies in cardboard boxes. Choose paper packaging over plastic bottles. If it’s something, such as a household cleaner, that only seems to come in plastic, choose to make your own (see HERE and HERE for recipes).
4. Buy from bulk bins. This alone will significantly reduce the amount of plastic packaging that you encounter. To take this further, choose to place your bulk goods in a paper bag or bring our own reusable containers to fill. Mason jars are inexpensive, will keep food fresh, and they work well.  Better yet, reuse glass jars that some of your other food came in. Cloth bags with drawstrings also work well for some types of bulk goods.
5. Forego plastic produce bags. Place produce in reusable cloth bags (I like mesh bags) or don’t use a bag at all.
6. Bring your own bag. Bring full-size reusable bags instead of packing up purchases in plastic bags to carry them home. Do this at every store, not just at the food market.
7. Avoid canned foods. Choose fresh or frozen foods instead. Staying away from canned foods will greatly reduce your BPA exposure (plus your food will taste better and be more nutritious).
8. Cook from scratch. This will cut the amount of plastic packaging that comes through your house tremendously.
9. Carry a reusable water bottle. Avoid disposable plastic water bottles by choosing a reusable one. Take this a step further by choosing a glass or stainless steel version that won’t leech toxins into your water.
10. Decline plastic straws. If you really want a straw, buy a reusable glass or stainless steel version.
11. Say no to plastic stirrers and lids.
12. Bring a reusable cup. This way, you can decline disposable plastic (or plastic-lined) cups.  This works at the office water fountain as well as the local coffee shop.
13. Decline plastic eating utensils. Carry your own metal or wooden set instead. A set of wooden chopsticks takes up very little space and can be used to eat just about everything.
14. Use silverware, regular plates, and glass cups at parties. Skip the plasticware and your whole event will be healthier and create less waste.
15. Bring glass or metal containers for carry out. If you’re planning to pick up food at or to bring home leftovers from a restaurant, bring your own container. You probably already have containers around your house that would work for this, or you can reuse containers that other food came in.
16. Choose reusable snack containers. Pack food for on-the-go eating (e.g., school lunches and snacks) in reusable non-plastic containers.  There are even cloth versions, if you want something that collapses to take less space.
17. Avoid heating foods in plastic. Higher temperatures make plastics more likely to release toxins into food.  If reheating or cooking something in a microwave, put the item on a plate and use a lid, a cloth napkin, or even paper towel to cover it instead.
18. Avoid microwave popcorn. Microwave popcorn and other fast foods made to heat in the microwave come in plastic or plastic-lined packages. Use an air popper or, better yet, cook your popcorn on the stovetop in a [covered!] pan or metal popper.
19. Rethink your food storage. Avoid storing food in plastic containers or plastic wrap. Instead store food in glass or Pyrex containers.
20. Replace non-stick cookware. Choose enamel coated (my favorite), stainless steel, or cast iron cookware instead. If you must use a nonstick pan, use it on the lowest possible heat, do not put it in an oven over 500-degrees Fahrenheit, and always keep an exhaust fan running. (Also, avoid using nonstick cookware near a pet bird – the fumes can kill a bird in seconds).
21. Use a wooden cutting board. Replace plastic cutting boards with wooden ones.
22. Replace plastic dishes. Choose dishes made from safer materials, such as glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood.
23. Skip the plastic wrap. Choose to cover leftovers in a container with a lid, a plate, or a beeswax cloth cover (you can learn how to make your own HERE).
24. Give up chewing gum. Most chewing gums use polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate in place of natural rubber gum.
25. Ditch the synthetic sponge. Choose a natural washcloth or a natural cellulose sponge.
26. Give up single-use coffee pods. Use a reusable pod and bulk coffee instead.  Better yet, use a French press (best choice) or a drip brewer to make your coffee, so you don’t have the constant power draw of an on-demand brewer.
27. Choose better beauty products. Choose beauty products that come in solid bars (like this lotion and this shampoo) instead of plastic bottles, buy items that come in glass, or make your own (you can find recipes here for face serum, skin salve, and deodorant).
28. Breastfeed your baby. If you can’t breastfeed, choose powdered formula over the canned, pre-mixed version. Infants and small children are especially susceptible to the hazards of plastics.
29. Use glass baby bottles. Choose bottles made of tempered glass instead of plastic. If you must use a plastic bottle, avoid heating it.
30. Don’t feed your kids on plastic. Avoid using plastic plates and cups to feed your child. Instead use glass, wood, or stainless steel; wood is great for kids who may throw their dishes.
31. Avoid plastic teethers. Do not give babies plastic teethers, or other plastic items they may place in their mouths.  If you need something for teething, a frozen damp washcloth works well.
32. Say no to plastic toys. Avoid bringing plastic toys into your house. Choose wood, cloth (like this bunny or play silks), or metal instead.
33. Use cloth diapers.
34. Choose natural fibers. Choose natural fibers over synthetics for clothing, bedding, towels, and furniture.
35. Get a greener shave. Use a razor with a replaceable blade, or a safety razor that can be sharpened when it gets dull.
36. Use natural candles. Choose beeswax candles over paraffin.
37. Avoid chemical air fresheners. Choose pure essential oils or incense over disposable, chemical air fresheners.  (I love THESE).
38. Use matches. Choose matches or a refillable lighter over disposable plastic lighters.
39. Avoid all PVC and Styrene (Styrofoam) products. Choose one of the other alternatives, or choose an item in different packaging.
40. Discard scratched or worn plastics. Worn or damaged plastics are more likely to leech toxins. If you are using plastics, be sure to hand wash them in order to reduce wear and tear.

You can find all sorts of non-plastic alternatives to everyday items (including many items mentioned above) at Life Without Plastic.