We are not perfect, and we are still learning about ways to eliminate plastic from our lives. We have spent many years blindly purchasing products with unnecessary plastics, and we continue to make mistakes.
We aren't here to judge or to preach, but simply to show you some practical ways you can live with less plastic. We even have an article full of eco-friendly travel products.
Here are some simple and actionable tips to help reduce the plastic in your life, whether you're traveling or you're at home. Bonus: Many of these tips can save you money too!
1. Stop buying plastic bottles of water
Invest in a sturdy water bottle that you'll be able to use for years to come. We love our Hydro Flask water bottles because they come with a lifetime warantee and they keep our water icy cold.
Stop buying bottles of water, and unless it’s necessary, politely decline them when they are given to you.
Instead, fill up at the tap. If you’re privileged to live in a place where the water is drinkable, great. If not, invest in a filter system.
If you're traveling in a place where the water isn't potable, consider packing a Steripen to make the water safe to drink.
2. Consider buying solid toiletries
We’ve gone to solid shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, face wash, perfume, and eye makeup remover, to name a few. These items usually come without any packaging, or they come in refillable glass containers. (Let us know if you want any specific recommendations — we’re happy to share our favorites!)
We certainly still have toiletry items in plastic containers, but we're trying to phase some of them out little by little. Plastic-free containers for sunscreen and toothpaste are what we have our sights set next! (Any recommendations?)
You could also try to DIY toiletry items so you don't have to purchase new containers each time you run out. And bonus points because doin' it yourself usually saves you money!
3. Try plastic free deodorant
That’s right, you can buy it in a glass jar, or you can make your own. Plus, it’s natural and free of any harmful chemicals. I’ve had great luck with Piper Wai, but I want to try making my own soon. Recipes welcome :)
4. Travel with backup
Responsible travel is super important to us, and we have made it our mission to create as little waste as we can even when we're far from home.
We've found that when traveling, it is so much easier to say no to plastic items like straws, bags and cups when we are prepared.
Check out our eco-friendly packing list so you can be more prepared on your next trip and save lots of plastic.
5. Bring reusable bags to the store
Everyone know this by now, but one of the top reasons people don't use their bags (us included) is they forget to bring them. Stash them in your car or your purse or your pockets so you don’t forget.
When they pack up this small, you can have them everywhere. (Psst! When you use our code TWOWANDERINGSOLES15 you'll get 15% off Tree Tribe).
6. Don’t use produce bags at the grocery store
All those veggies and fruit have already been touched by many hands… Gross, I know, but a plastic bag isn’t going to help protect them much. Just sayin'! Ditch those pesky (and unnecessary!) bags and just be sure to wash your produce extra well!
Alternative Tip: If you just can't bring yourself to not put produce in a bag (or you want to buy a bunch of potatoes and don't want them rolling all over your shopping cart!), try a reusable cloth bag or at least reuse the plastic kind until they can't be used anymore.
And while we're on this topic, avoid buying the veggies on Styrofoam trays wrapped in plastic when possible. So much unnecessary waste!
7. Say no to disposable straws
There’s just no need for them. 'Nuff said.
Buy a sweet reusable straw instead.
We’ve tried a bunch, but these are our favorite! Here’s another straw option that gets great reviews.
8. Invest in reusable utensils & containers
Bring your own take away containers, cups and utensils with you so when you get coffee or food to-go, you won’t waste any packaging. Likely, the restaurant will thank you for saving them the cost of to-go containers.
And just like with reusable bags, store a set of to-go containers in your car so they're handy when you need them.
9. Try a bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic
Did you know plastic toothbrushes are a very common piece of trash to find in the ocean? Yeah, I know... we've been using them for years, so we're no saints.
But we recently made the switch to bamboo toothbrushes and we're happy with this much more environmentally friendly alternative.
Alternative Tip: If you love your plastic toothbrush and can't give it up, repurpose used ones by using them to clean around your house. This will extend its life!
10. DIY cleaning products
Cleaning products can be super simple to make yourself with common items like vinegar and essential oils. Do a little research and experimenting, and you'll find a solution that works for you. Making your own cleaning products means buying less plastic, plus, you'll eliminate harmful chemicals from your home.
