How to Eliminate One-Time-Use Products From Your Home

Single-use products can be convenient. When you’re finished using them, you can throw them away rather than having to wash or store them in your home. However, convenience comes at a cost. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year, contributing to a significant marine pollution problem that’s showing no signs of slowing down. 

You might be able to reduce your impact and help the environment by taking some of the following actions.

Start slow

Trying to make better decisions about the products you buy and how you dispose of waste can be overwhelming. You might think it’s impossible to change your ways and it’s easier not to do anything at all. 

However, by starting slow and making one change at a time, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come. For example, you might start by reusing the packaging from products you purchase from Secret Nature CBD and other businesses. Rather than throwing away a box, you can use it to store items in your home. You might also learn about recycling businesses in your area or watch tutorials on how to upcycle traditionally single-use products in your home. 

Use reusable serveware

Whether you have a large family or will be welcoming guests into your home, purchasing single-use serveware can be tempting. Rather than washing dishes, you can throw away the plates, cups, and cutlery and reduce your chores.

However, single-use serveware contributes to our growing waste problem. A better solution would be to use the plates etc that you already have or, if you need more, purchase a few extra from a thrift store. Not only might you be helping Mother Earth, but you might also save money by buying something you can use countless times. And if you have to go single-use, consider buying the many compostable options that now exist.

Carry reusable bags in your vehicle

Most of us don’t think twice about requesting plastic bags from businesses we visit to carry our goods. While convenient, plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill, and we’re recycling fewer than one in seven because, well, they're hard to recycle. Put reusable bags in your vehicle to reduce how many single-use plastic or paper bags you bring home from a shopping trip. 

Purchase reusable coffee mugs

A cup of coffee in the morning can be an excellent way to start your day, especially when you can stop by your favorite coffee shop or café on your way to work. However, most plastic-lined paper and polystyrene cups can only be used once, and you can end up with a collection in your car or office. Eventually, your cups will end up in landfills across the United States along with more than 50 billion others. Fortunately, reusable coffee mugs are an easy solution. Purchase a single reusable mug, and your local barista can fill it whenever you visit. Most coffee chains happily do this now.  

Read packaging carefully

We need product manufacturers’ help to eliminate one-time-use products from our homes. The next time you visit your local grocery store, pay attention to which businesses are leading the way. Look for logos relating to recyclable products and sustainable materials. A few simple product swaps might be all it takes to start making a difference. 

Eliminating single-use products from your home won’t always be easy, nor will it happen overnight. However, you might be surprised by how much less waste leaves your home by taking these straightforward actions above.