There is so much focus on plastic consumption at the moment that many people are looking at ways to reduce their plastic consumption in their homes. Recycling is a hot topic of conversation right now but not everyone recycles responsibly or does it all. Reducing your plastic consumption is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some of the ways you can reduce your plastic consumption in your home. 

Make the switch to shampoo and soap bars

Plastic bottles filled with shampoo and soaps can be one of the biggest uses of plastic in a home. However, making a switch to shampoo or soap bars that often come in cardboard packaging is a great way to cut this plastic usage in your home. It can also be very economical as well. 

Rethink your deodorant 

Deodorant bottles and containers are also common household items that we use that aren't recycled as well as they should be. However, you can buy a reusable deodorant container and just invest in the refills as and when you need to. 

Try bamboo products as a plastic alternative 

There are some great bamboo alternatives to plastic items and one of the common ones you could try is a bamboo toothbrush. You can also use bamboo cutlery instead of plastic cutlery in picnics or takeout foods. 

Change up your toothpaste

Toothpaste containers are not recyclable. This is because it is impossible to ensure they are completely emptied and clean on the inside. So changing your toothpaste to toothpaste tablets or powder can be a great way to be more economical with your usage and also reduce your plastic consumption. Although if you find one that tastes great, please let me know.

Make changes to your laundry routine

No matter what your laundry routine is, you likely use some form of plastic within it. First of all, it might be the bottles in which your detergent or liquids come in. Even if you use the liquid tablets they still arrive in plastic packaging. So it could be time to make some changes to the products that you use. First of all, you could look at powder detergent instead of liquid. This usually comes in a cardboard container. You can also buy eco-friendly products such as the ecoegg. They are a reusable washing tool that you fill with detergent tablets that you can buy refills for. 

Avoid wet wipes 

Wet wipes are another common household item that is not recyclable. Not only do they come in plastic packaging that isn’t recyclable but they also contain elements of plastic within them. Instead, try using reusable cloths. 

Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup

Many people drink water from plastic bottles that they then throw away or head out for take-out coffee only to discard the cup in a general rubbish bin once used. So if you are conscious of your plastic usage then why not invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. This way you can use and refill as many times as you need. 

Seek out plastic-free items when shopping 

Finally, when shopping try and buy the loose items in the fruit and vegetable aisles rather than the pre-packaged items. Seek out plastic-free items so that you can avoid bringing the extra plastic into your home. 

We are all looking for ways to reduce our plastic consumption (not to mention our energy use and carbon footprint) and small steps all add up to a big impact.

You just have to start somewhere.

Disclaimer : This post includes some links, however all products included I have purchased myself and am not being paid to advertise.

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