8 Easy Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics

Our modern lives cannot nearly be the way it is without plastic. But it’s creating a bigger environmental problem behind the scenes, which in the long-run, may just outweigh its supposed benefits. Given the noticeable changes in our ecosystem, there is no excuse not to examine our own daily habits and cut our plastic usage wherever possible. This can be cutting out single-use plastics, which are thrown away after one use. There are many simple, worthwhile, sustainable alternatives to these everyday plastic items. They are also good for both your wallet and the environment!

1. Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Bags: Reusable Tote Bags

I carry these reusable totes in my purse everyday, whether or not I have a planned or an impromptu purchase. While most grocery stores now charge a small fee for plastic bags, retail stores still give them out for free. This tote alone made a great difference in my plastic consumption.

2. Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Bottles and Coffee Cups: Stainless Steel or Glass Bottles and Mugs

Coffee mugs are a no brainer, but are we making the most use out of them? When ordering out drinks from a coffee shop, most people have mugs at their disposal, but still use disposable single-use cups. And these usually end up in landfills due to a lack of proper recycling. If we take 5 seconds out of our lives to throw a mug in our bag before we leave the house, we can keep MANY disposable cups and plastic lids away from landfills. In the beginning, it was hard for me to remind myself to do that, but with time, it turned into a habit. I don’t find it inconvenient at all. Some brands that you can purchase from are Keepcup and Swell, but very likely, there are many available at your local home goods store.

3. Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Film Wrap: Silicone Lids and Beeswax Food Wraps

I am proud to say that plastic wraps are no longer an item on my shopping list and switched to beeswax food wraps and silicone pot lids. These wraps (shown above) are from Shopetee. And you can easily find microwave safe lids on Amazon. I can see these becoming increasingly popular thanks to their convenience and the potential for great savings! Instead of throwing out the plastic wrap, it takes a few seconds to wash the beeswax wraps for the next use. If you consider it as part of your kitchenware like cutlery and plates, washing them will be more instinctual. You can read a more in-depth review of these on my Instagram account @theminimalspin.

4. Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Straws: Stainless Steel or Bamboo Straws

While I can get by without using a plastic straw, some people prefer drinking from straws. Switching to a portable, stainless steel or bamboo one can make all the difference. But beware straw biters!
This brand called Bambaw sell bamboo straws and other zero waste essentials. I bought my stainless steel straws from Amazon. And I love using them at home when drinking my morning smoothie. If you’re on the go, FinalStraw makes these portable, collapsible keychain straws which are so convenient.

5. Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Plastic Cutlery: To-Go Stainless Steel or Biodegradable Utensils

Plastic forks, spoons, and knives are favourites of event planners, picnic amateurs and excursion lovers. If you recognize yourself in those but have an equal desire to protect the environment, biodegradable and reusable cutlery has got you covered. You can find, on Amazon, a variety of portable, compact cutlery kits made of materials like wood, bamboo, and stainless steel.

6. Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Snack and Produce Bags: Reusable Textile Pockets and Bags

This one is a great solution to the plastic problem! I seriously think that no one should ever go back to using single-use plastic produce bags after reading this. For a few bucks, you can get these reusable textile bags and never have to buy them again. You simply have to wash and reuse. I use them for many purposes, e.g. to store my beans, to carry snacks or to pick up fresh produce at the grocery store. Supporting local brands is also very important; for eco-friendly reusable bags, the ones made in Montreal from Credo Bags have a great variety for your every bag needs!

7. Sustainable Alternative to Tampons and Pads: Reusable Cotton Pads and Silicone Menstrual Cups

Twenty billion single-use pads, tampons and plastic applicators are thrown out each year and cause serious land and water contamination.

I recently made the switch to reusable pads made by a Quebec company, OKO creations. They are super comfy and made with absorbent hemp for light, everyday use. They can also be used in conjunction with the menstrual cup (e.g. the Diva Cup or Lunette), which are now found in all pharmacies. You do need to find the cup that works best for you as they come in different shapes and sizes. The cups take a bit of practice and getting used to, in the beginning. But I am now totally comfortable with handling it, and it seriously represents a huge saving on menstrual products!
I also heard of this anti-leak underwear brand called Thinx, which also seems revolutionary and I look forward to trying it soon. It will definitely be an experience!

8. Sustainable Alternative to Disposable Razors: Safety Razors

According to the American Environmental Protection Agency, the USA alone is responsible for approximately 2 billion disposable razors thrown away each year.

I’m still on my last disposable razor but I have been eyeing this safety razor made of brass from the brand Bareaya. If you are in the market for new shaving solutions, I recommend getting a safety razor that will last you a lifetime.
You will, however, need to change the blades depending on your individual usage and comfort. To dispose of the blades in a responsible manner, you can keep them in a jar and bring it to your municipality’s recycling centers. They will be recycled through metal recycling. N.B. Not all municipal recycling companies accept used razor blades. Make sure to research centers that do accept these and check what are their criteria for proper disposal.

On this journey to reduce my personal plastic waste, I really am enjoying this process of learning about and trying out new sustainable alternatives. Since making these switches, I have also saved considerable money that would otherwise go to my monthly bills. Please keep in mind that these switches will have the most impact through proper care and through proper disposal. Please ensure that they are disposed of through appropriate channels when they reach their “expiration date”.

After a better understanding of the plastic epidemic, not for a second do I regret making these changes. Although they require a bit of research and getting use to, their end benefits will be increasingly evident for all parties involved (the producer, the consumer, and the planet). That is kind of the point, isn’t it?

Lei’s Instagram: @theminimalspin