Wacky and wild is the world of plastic pollution. 

The Earth, once drenched in green habitat, is now a planet where plastic straws party in the oceans, plastic bags dance in the wind, and plastic bottles play hide-and-seek in landfills. Flashy colors and convenient designs swooped into our lives with the facade of convenience. 

The United Nations dedicates June 5 to awareness and action on plastic pollution. 

Here’s how you can do your part! Green Living Magazine has you covered with five ways to ditch plastic and choose the environment every day!

1. Refill and say no to landfills

Many personal care products like deodorants, shampoos, and lotions, are packaged in single-use plastic containers. However, some brands provide refills as an alternative to a constant purchase. For instance,

Bite Cosmetics provides refillable deodorant tubes, reducing the need for disposable plastic packaging. By using only recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials, they are able to replace products that would otherwise end up in landfills and oceans. Their Edible Bits are packaged in glass bottles with aluminum lids that are meant to be reused by customers with their compostable refill pouches. 

Plaine Products: Plaine Products offers refillable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles. Once empty, you can return the bottles for cleaning and refilling, reducing the need for single-use plastic containers.

2. Beeswax is your best friend

Single-use plastic items like cling wrap, zip-lock baggies, and aluminum foil contribute to plastic waste and pollution. A sustainable alternative is beeswax wraps. These reusable, biodegradable wraps are made from cotton fabric coated with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil. Beeswax wraps can be used to cover bowls, wrap sandwiches, or store leftovers, reducing the need for disposable plastic wrap. They can be easily cleaned and reused, significantly reducing plastic waste in the kitchen.

Stasher: Stasher Bags offers silicone food storage bags that are reusable, airtight, and safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer. 

Bee’s Wrap: Bee’s Wrap are made from organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. These wraps can be used to cover food bowls, wrap sandwiches, or preserve fruits and vegetables.

3. Glass Water Bottles and Metal Straws

Switch to glass water bottles and metal straws, to reduce your plastic footprint. Glass water bottles are durable, reusable, and do not leach harmful chemicals into your drink. Metal straws, such as those made of stainless steel or bamboo, can replace plastic straws. Keep a reusable straw in your bag or opt for restaurants and cafes that provide alternatives to single-use plastic straws.

Klean Kanteen Klean Kanteen offers durable glass water bottles with protective silicone sleeves. They also provide stainless steel straws that are durable, dishwasher safe, and come with a silicone tip for a comfortable drinking experience.

FinalStraw: FinalStraw provides collapsible metal straws that come in a portable case, making it convenient to carry them wherever you go. These reusable straws are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic straws.

4. Shop and Reuse

A simple way to reduce your plastic footprint is by using reusable shopping bags. Opt for sturdy, reusable bags made of materials like cotton, canvas, or jute. Many brands offer stylish and durable options. For example:

Baggu: is a popular brand known for its reusable nylon bags that fold into a compact pouch, making them convenient to carry. 

Earthwise: Earthwise provides reusable mesh produce bags made from premium-quality mesh material. They can be used to store fruits and vegetables, replacing single-use plastic produce bags.

Simple Ecology: Simple Ecology offers organic cotton mesh produce bags that are washable and durable, making them a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bags.

5. Stainless steel keeps kitchens clean, contained and plastic free

Stainless steel containers are durable, easy to clean, and free from harmful chemicals found in plastic. Once you develop a habit for reusable steel containers, you’ll never go back to the old plastic ones!

LunchBots: LunchBots specializes in stainless steel lunch containers and bento boxes. They offer different compartment configurations and sizes suitable for packing lunches and snacks for both kids and adults.

U-Konserve: U-Konserve offers a range of stainless steel food containers, water bottles, and other eco-friendly products. They focus on providing reusable and sustainable alternatives for packing food and reducing waste.

EcoLunchBoxes: ECOlunchbox is a purpose-driven company dedicated to raising awareness, igniting inspiration, and empowering individuals to bid farewell to plastic for the sake of both personal well-being and the environment. They offer stainless steel boxes, containers, cups, lids parts and more.