Contains some PR products and affiliate links. All opinions are honest, as always.
Trying to avoid single use plastics? I’m haunted by those awful photos of beaches littered with single-use plastics, and sea life caught up in plastic bags. So I’m always looking for ways to stop using single-use plastics. Whether it’s wipes, bags, bottles, or teabags (yes, really). There are so many ways to swap single-use plastics for sustainable and reusable options. So here are my favourite alternatives to single-use plastics.
With thanks to Benjamin Brunner for the banner photo, and Ishan@SeeFromTheSky for the beach photo, both from Unsplash.
Can We Avoid Single Use Plastics?
Sadly, I think it’s impossible to live totally plastic free. We need big business to change, and governments across the world to stop subsidising the oil industry, (because plastic is a by product) and punish polluting industries. But there are many ways we can cut down on our single plastic use, with a little forward planning, and forming new habits. Here are my tried and tested ways to use less single-use plastic every day.
Choose Glass Bottles Instead of Single-Use Plastic Bottles
When I shop, I always look for glass bottles and jars, instead of single-use plastic squeezy bottles. Glass doesn’t lose its integrity no matter how many times it’s recycled. It does use a lot of energy to recycle, more than plastic. But having researched it, it seems to be the better option.
Glass Milk Bottles
We buy milk in glass bottles fromMilk & More. According to Friends of the Earth, “The number of times an average glass milk bottle is reused is around 15. And it can be as much as 50 times. Overall that makes reusable milk bottles a more energy-efficient choice than disposable plastic.” It is a bit more expensive than buying milk from a supermarket but for us, it’s worth it. And you can save 30% on your first two weeks with Milk & More with my refer a friend link.
Glass Condiment Bottles
It makes sense to choose glass for condiments, instead of single-use plastic ones. Be honest – do you ever clean out your squeezy ketchup or honey bottle to recycle? It’s quite a task!
My spices, honey, peanut butter and jam are all house in glass, and I either reuse or refill them at a refill shop.
I also stopped using butter in plastic tubs a few years back, and now have a butter dish and block butter. It’s not perfect as it still has a wrapper, but it’s certainly reduced our single-use plastic waste.
Brew Tea with Plastic-Free Tea Leaves Instead Plastic-Laced Tea Bags
Did you know that many tea bags contain tiny particles of plastic? Some mainstream brands have gone plastic-free in their actual tea bags now, but they often have a single-use plastic wrapper. ARGH!
I’ve been enjoying loose leaf tea from Brew Tea Company for a few years now. It not only tastes much better, but is plastic-free, with cardboard packaging and compostable inner wrapping. I use a teapot and strainer, or a stainless steel tea infuser, buy similar here, for single cups.
Follow this link for ยฃ10 off your first order of ยฃ25 or more and I’ll also get ยฃ10 off my next order. They have the most gorgeous teapots and other accessories too.
Head to a Refill Shop to Cut Down on Single-Use Plastic Packaging
I am a huge refill shop fan – they are such treasure troves, full of ways to cut down on single-use plastics and other waste. Their other name of ‘Zero Waste Shops’ lets you know that too! As well as cutting your plastic consumption, they can also save you money.
From baking goods, to pasta, seeds, and nuts, and cleaning products, there are so many ways to cut down your single-plastic use. I was gutted when our local ones shut down so please do use yours if you are lucky enough to have one!
Use Refillable Cleaning Products and Washing Up Liquid to Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Now that our local refill shops have sadly closed down, I’ve been using Miniml for my eco-friendly cleaning products and washing up liquid. They sell big 5 litre containers and smaller 1 litre pouches, which you can send back for reuse or recycle. You use these if you have your own containers to refill. Or you can buy a reusable container, and refill pouches you can refill again and again.
I have the washing up liquid, which I pour into a glass pump container that I already had. It smells great and works well. I use the toilet cleaner, and bought their reusable bottle (which is plastic, but reusable not single-use) and refill pouch, and the lavender surface spray and refill. We also use the orange hand soap. They all work well with no single-use plastics.
You get a free paper envelope to send back your Miniml pouches for reuse. Just pop them in and send them back for free.
Use Plastic-Free Kitchen Brushes, Cloths, Scourers and Sponges
There are loads of plastic-free cleaning goods to to help you avoid single-use plastics noawadays. Pop over to my blog post to see how easy it is to swap to plastic free kitchen items. I’ll never go back to sponges and brushes made of plastic!
SHOP PLASTIC-FREE KITCHEN THINGS
Use Plastic-Free Toilet Roll Instead of One Wrapped in Single-Use Plastic Film
Another way to avoid single-use plastic at home is with sustainable recycled toilet roll, kitchen roll and tissues that come in a cardboard box rather than wrapped in single-use plastic film.
I’m impressed with the Serious Tissues products I’ve been sent – they are nice and soft and strong, produced in the UK to minimise transport emissions, and no bleach. The company plant trees with Veritree – have a look at how many they’ve planted here. There’s no plastic at all, and they’re carbon neutral.
If you prefer bamboo toilet paper, you might like Who Gives a Crap.
You can save ยฃ5 off your first Who Gives a Crap subscription here when you use the code PINKSCHARMING5
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Choose Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Strips Instead of Liquid from a Single-Use Plastic Bottle
I’ve been through plenty of big plastic bottles of laundry liquid in my life, and although I always put them in my recycling, it’s so much better to not use it in the first place. But if you have one already, why not get it refilled at your local refill store? If not, I have a great plastic-free laundry solution for you.
I’ve been curious about concentrated laundry sheets for a while but the cost has put me off. But I’ve found an option that is reasonably priced, and works. It also smells really lovely. Serious Laundry sent me some of their plastic-free, zero-waste laundry detergent strips to try. Just pop an ultra-concentrated strip in with your washing, and they dissolve into liquid detergent when the water comes in to the washing machine.
These eco-friendly laundry strips are:
- Non-bio
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan-friendly 🌱
- Free from parabens and SLS
- Plastic Free and fully biodegradable
- Carbon Neutral 🌎
- Free of added dyes, phosphates and chlorine bleach
Serious Laundry also recover 1kg of ocean plastic for every pack sold. That’s the equivalent of 50 plastic bottles!
SERIOUS LAUNDRY ECO-FRIENDLY DETERGENT SHEETS COST:
ยฃ14 for 50 sheets (50 washes at 28p per load) (or save 10% when you subscribe for ยฃ12.60)
Or if you buy more, you save money, for example 150 sheets is ยฃ27 (150 washes at 18p per load when you subscribe.) Delivery is free when you spend over ยฃ20.01.
Choose Plastic-Free Dishwasher Tablets
I’ve also been using plastic-free dishwasher tablets from and UK B Corp company Bower Collective for a while now and really rate them. They work perfectly for us.
They arrive in an FSC recycled cardboard box, which can of course then be recycled again. These eco dishwasher tablets are plastic waste free, and have a water soluble film, so you just pop them straight into your dishwasher drawer. Made using 87% naturally derived ingredients, they have a faint lemon scent, plus they’re vegan and carbon neutral.
I think Bower Eco Dishwasher Tablets are good value. You get 72 tablets in a box, and a subscription is ยฃ15.49, making them 22p a wash, however unless you spend ยฃ40 you have to pay ยฃ3.99 for delivery, so overall they come out to ยฃ27 a wash unless you buy other things from them.
Use Paper Tape Instead of Single-Use Plastic Tape
I use paper tape instead of single-use plastic tape for all my tape needs now! It’s stronger than plastic tape, and when packaging up things in cardboard, it makes it so much easier to recycle as you don’t need to seperate it.
I like basic plain brown paper tape for sending parcels. And for gifts, I use pretty patterned tape like this one. It looks so nice with recycled brown paper.
Personal Care Without Single-Use Plastics
Our bathrooms are mostly crammed full of plastic – from shampoo and shower gel bottles, to toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes. Going totally plastic-free is a huge challenge (we certainly haven’t managed it!) but even one or two swaps would make a big difference.
Banish Make-up Wipes and Use Reusable Flannels and Bamboo Rounds
I have always hated make-up wipes, as even before I started to consider the environmental impact, I could tell they were no good for my skin. So I’d only use them at festivals. But I did use disposable cotton pads for eye-make-up for a long time. Whilst they aren’t as bad, they do come in plastic bags that are single-use, and disposable. Now I am a reformed character and use reusable bamboo pads for my eye make-up, and flannels or muslin wash cloths, with a clean one every night to remove my balm cleanser. My skin is happier and there’s zero waste.
Use Bamboo Brushes and Refillable Toothpaste Instead of Plastic
I know not everyone is a convert to bamboo toothbrushes but we really get on well with them. When you remember that every plastic toothbrush and tube of toothpaste the human race has ever used is still hanging about on Earth, it’s a wake up call.
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the earth. It’s renewable, as bamboo forests can be grown in a few years. As well as reducing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, it also consumes a lot of nitrogen, which can help reduce water pollution. Bamboo also biodegrades, unlike plastic.
And when it comes to plastic tubes of toothpaste, I doubt many get recycled. We’ve been trying Life Supplies Toothpaste, which is refillable! It tastes nice and we are getting on with it well, although it is a little runny.
Use Natural Deodorant in a Jar, Instead of One in a Single Use Plastic Container
I’ve been using plastic-free deodorant from Natural Deodorant Co for years now, and it’s never let me down.
These natural deodorants from the Natural Deodorant Co actually WORK, even though itโs made of all natural, non toxic ingredients. You don’t need to use much, so one jar lasts about three months for me.
The glass jar and tin top are easily recyclable and reusable. They make great containers for homemade candles!
I love the Active version, that’s perfect for busy days.
Use Reusable Period Products Instead of Ones Made from Single-Use Plastics
These are the things I use every month that don’t have any single use plastics at all.
Reusable Period Pants
Period Pants have been a game changer for me. WUKA are my favourite brand of reusable period underwear because they are , sustainably sourced, ethically made and carbon neutral.
SHOP ALL WUKA REUSABLE PERIOD PANTS HERE
These period pants are comfortable and less bulky than wearing normal pants and a disposable sanitary pad.
Youโll need a few pairs, so you can have time to wash and dry them. Even if you use disposables like tampons or pads for some of the time, using these pants once or twice a month will cut down on single-use plastics.
I’ve answered all your questions about single-use plastics-free reusable period pants. Read Everything You Need To Know About Reusable Period Pants.
Reusable Menstrual Cups
Another easy plastic free swap is using a menstrual cup. They are are worn internally like a tampon, but they collect blood, rather than absorbing it. The Mooncup is probably the best-known menstrual cup, which is ยฃ17.95 at Ethical Superstore. Ethical Superstore also sell the OrganiCup, which is ยฃ18.95.
Both makes come in two different sizes. They are free from bleach, glue, perfume, and chlorine, unlike most tampons and sanitary towels.
Easy Single-Use Plastic Swaps When You’re Out and About
I find at home it’s easier to avoid single-use plastics, as I have all my swaps already. But going out for the day, or on holiday is where it’s easy to slip into using single-use plastic. So I try to actively plan to take reusables with me when I leave the house, so I don’t need to buy anything. This also saves money so it’s a win for the planet and for my purse.
Use a Reusable Drinks Bottle Instead of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
Single-use plastic water bottles are my nemesis. You’re not actually paying for the water – you’re paying for a single-use plastic bottle that may be recycled if you’re lucky, but will most likely get thown into landfill or end up in the ocean. YUK!
So taking a reusable bottle like this one from Ohelo is a no brainer. This reusable bottle is 100% leak proof, double walled, so it keeps your water nice and cold even in hot weather, and it’s lightweight.
The blossom pattern is etched into the bottle, so it hasn’t faded or peeled off even though I’ve had it for years. The wide neck means you can add ice cubes if you like.
Take a Reusable Cup Instead of Using Single-Use Take Away Cups
Did you know that the majority of takeaway drinks cups are lined with some form of plastic? Even the compostable cups aren’t suitable to put on your own compost heap. So a reusable cup is better all round! It saves so much waste and the drinks taste better too.
I have a few and one of my favourites is this Huski cup made of upcycled rice husks that would otherwise have been burned (gifted years ago). Once you’ve finished your tea, you can use the white flip-up part as a carry handle. It’s even dishwasher-proof and doesn’t absorb the flavour of the drink (however I do have a seperate reusable cup for coffee as I find that has lingered in cups in the past).
Take Reusable Bags To Avoid Single-Use Plastic Bags
Using reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones is a super-easy way to avoid single-use plastic, as long as you remember to take them when you go out. I love the ones that pack down really small, like string bags and Kind Bags made of recycled plastic bottles, so you can pop one in your handbag.
Sometimes I go out not planning to buy anything, but end up getting something, so the habit of having one in my bag means I don’t get caught out. I also leave reusable shopping bags in my car.
Avoid Produce Packed in Single-Use Plastics with Reusable Produce Bags
Buying fruit and veg tends to be a single-use plastic nightmare. So taking some reusable net bags make it easier to shop without single-use plastics. They work really well and are such an easy zero waste swap at the green grocer too!
Plus, you can pick your own produce and not have that nasty surprise of bruised apples when you get home.
Take A Lunch Box or Sandwich Wrap Instead of Single-Use Plastic Sandwich Bags
An old-skool lunch box a great way to cut your reliance of single-use plastics. This one’s a Tupperware lunchbox from the 90s, and yes it’s made of plastic, but it’s been used hundreds or even thousands of times. And Thea has a Keep Leaf sandwich bag to keep her sandwich fresh and separate from the other food. It’s reusable and washable and works perfectly.
We also use the Huski Lunchboxes, which have a little tray that’s perfect for sandwiches – no wrapping needed at all! They have handles that pop up to make them easy to carry, and are made of rice husks and are dishwashable.
Or you could try plastic-free Stasher Bags (previous ad)- they are super versatile, but we use them instead of sandwich bags, or for keeping food fresher for longer in the fridge. They are lightweight and durable and pack down small, which makes them great to take out with you.
You can also make popcorn in them, in the microwave, which is a plastic-free snack.
Try Beeswax Wraps Instead of Single-Use Plastic Clingfilm
Although clingfilm has its place, where possible, I try to use re-useable Beeswax Wraps instead. Made from cotton with a beeswax coating (or you can get vegan versions too!) they’re breathable and flexible, with no nasties to leech into the food. Just wrap up whatever you want to protect, and the warmth from your hands moulds them to that shape.
Just give them a quick hand wash in cold water with eco-friendly washing up liquid, let dry and use again. If they start to crack, you can reactivate them a warm oven and when they eventually wear out, just pop it on the compost heap. We save so much single-use plastic by using wax wraps every day!
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