Using Less Plastic

I try to stay away from overusing plastics. They have a poor rap sheet for the environment, my family and my health. Without getting into all the technical reasons why we should steer away from plastic as much as possible, let’s simply talk about how to use less plastic when buying personal care items such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant and cosmetics.

Make it yourself

The best way to use less plastic is to make personal care items yourself. In this day and age, making these types of items may seem like a daunting task, but they are surprisingly easier than you might expect. If you get a small co-op going among friends, you can make laundry detergent, your friend can make bar soap and your mom can make a facial cleanser. Check out Simply Cooking and Cosmetics at Home to gather information on how to make it yourself.

Buy eco-friendly products

There are countless storefronts and websites selling eco-friendly products. These products pay special attention to ensuring the reduction of plastic usage in packaging. For example, many eco-soap companies will package their products in recycled paper or cardboard, eliminating plastic all together. Some eco products still use plastic, but reduce the amount needed in the packaging.

Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk will save on the over usage of plastic. For example, if every time you need new shampoo you have to purchase an 8-ounce bottle, you will have gone through eight bottles, compared to the single 64-ounce bottle you can buy at a wholesaler. Buy in bulk and simply reuse bottles you already have.

Using less plastic in your personal care items is very easy. It may take a bit more time, but in the end, you’ll know what’s going into the products and how much plastic you’re preventing from being manufactured and filling landfills.