Reduce Your Plastic Use With These Products

Join The Plastic Free Movement

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people around the world be part of the solution to plastic pollution. The plastic free movement is not only something we should practice in July, but throughout the year. July is the time to teach and inspire others to follow along on the journey and help bring an end to plastic pollution. We use plastic everyday. We use it when we shop, eat, clean, work, etc. The goal is to get rid of single-use plastic and items that will end up in landfills for years to come.

There are thousands of plastic alternative products on the market. Some work great and some do not. We are going to review some of our favorite reusable products that will not only help our environment, but will also save you money in the long run.

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1. Stainless Steel Straw

I guarantee everyone has heard about the fight against plastic straws. It all started with a turtle and then people started to realize that plastic straws are a huge waste. There are many alternatives for plastic straws but we rate the Stainless Steel Straw with a Silicone Flex Tip as our favorite. Compared to the paper straws, edible straws, and many out there on the market, these do not dissolve in liquid and are dishwasher safe. You can also easily carry it with you in a bag to use wherever you go.

2. Reusable Water Bottle

This may be a no-brainer to some but replacing your plastic water bottle with a reusable one if a great first step to giving up plastic. Reusable Water Bottles will hold more water, provide insulation, and can be stylish. You will also save a ton of money by giving up plastic bottle. You can purchase a reusable water bottle basically anywhere but this is one of our favorites, and it even fits the stainless steel straw.

3. Reusable Wine Glass To-Go

Speaking of reusable water bottles, we also love reusable wine glasses! Yes, we know wine glasses are reusable, but what happens when you want a cocktail to-go? Fill up your glass before you leave the house and it will stay insulated until your glass is empty. Now you have no need for plastic cups.

4. Mason Jars

Skip the Tupperware and Styrofoam containers and use a mason jar. Mason Jars are perfect to store your leftovers or bring food or snacks on the go. If you don’t it for food you can use it for any general storage. They are microwave safe so you can bring any food to work with you including salads, smoothies, and soups. The Wide Mouth ones are our favorite because they’re easier to eat out of.

5. Stasher Bags

Stasher Bags are a great replacement for zip-loc plastic bags. They are dishwasher safe, oven safe, freezer safe, and non-toxic. You can use them to store food, cook food, or store personal items. They are great to bring snacks to the beach, or store your items that you do not want to get wet. Stasher bags are available in a variety of colors and sizes.

6. Reusable Shopping Bags

If you are from one of the many places across the country who banned plastic-bags, I’m sure you have one of these. Here in Suffolk County, NY, we have to pay 5 cents to use a plastic bag. Although that’s not much, why not just bring a reusable bag to help reduce plastic pollution. Reusable Bags are also available at many stores in a variety of sizes, color, and insulation.

7. Reusable Plastic Wrap

Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil is a necessity in some kitchens, so a perfect alternative is Bee’s Wrap. They are washable, reusable, and compostable, and will save you tons of money. Cover a bowl or a snack wherever you go with Bee’s Wax.

8. Makeup Eraser

How often do you buy makeup removing wipes or cotton rounds to clean your face everyday? The Makeup Eraser is the perfect solution to save you money and decrease pollution. It removes all of your makeup with just a bit of water, and it is machine washable and reusable.

9. Reusable K-Cup

Majority of K-Cups used to make coffee in your Keurig are single-use plastic. Save yourself some money and reduce your plastic use and use Reusable K-Cups. All you need to do is to purchase your favorite coffee grinds and you’re good to go.

10. Dryer Balls

Naturally soften your laundry with Dryer Balls, the eco-friendly and reusable alternative to dryer sheets.

Leah Vallario