Plastic can be hard to avoid in everyday life. But there are some easy swaps you can make in order to reduce your everyday plastic consumption. Here are 13 easy swaps:

1. Travel mug
If you stop for coffee on your daily commute bring your own travel mug instead of using a disposable cup. Not only will your coffee stay hot for longer but also most cafes these days give you a discount for bringing your own mug. So, in the long run, you’ll save money!

2. Bamboo toothbrush
Did you know that a plastic toothbrush could take up to 400 years to decompose? Switching your plastic toothbrush to a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush is an easy swap you can make to stop contributing to plastic pollution and to insure your toothbrush doesn’t outlive you. Bamboo is a great option because it is extremely regenerative and requires no pesticides to grow making it a very sustainable material.

3. Straws: There are many reusable straw options these days including collapsible straws, stainless steel straws and even glass straws. Since they are so small they don’t take up much space in your bag making them easily portable.
 

4. Reusable bag: This is an easy swap to start with. If you have a car pop some in your boot so they’re always available to you. Or fold a couple and place them inside your everyday bag so they’re easily accessible. If you doforget your reusable bag opt for paper bags instead of plastic. If paper bags aren’t an option see if your grocer has a cardboard box!
 

5. Reusable water bottle: Remembering your reusable water bottle can be tricky! A great tip is to buy one you actually love and will remember to bring! Refill them at water fountains around your city. If you can’t find a water fountain try asking local restaurants and cafes.
 

6. Bar soap: The branding of colorful body wash in plastic bottles can be tempting! If you’re looking to reduce your plastic in the bathroom opt for a bar soap instead. They usually last longer and are easy to travel with when flying. You won’t have to deal with liquids at the airport!
 

7. BYOC (bring your own container): Bringing lunch back to the office? Ask the restaurant if they can fill your own container instead of a plastic one. If you always have a container on you it’s also easy to bring home leftovers if you don’t finish a meal at a restaurant.
 

8. Buy loose fruits and veggies: Buying your fruits and veggies plastic free will keep them fresher for longer because plastic quickens the ripening process. You can store them in reusable net bags which are available online or in health food stores.
 

9. Ear buds: Unfortunately ear buds are considered to be a single use plastic. Opt for bamboo ear buds because they biodegrade easily and you can pop them in your compost afterwards.
 

10. Switch your tea bags: Did you know most tea bags contain plastic? Not only is this bad for the environment but it’s also harmful to your health! If you drink tea on the daily find a brand that is plastic free and compostable.
 

11. Cloths: Synthetic plastic sponges are made from very unsustainable materials like plastics, dyes and synthetic disinfectants. Opt for a cloth or bamboo scrubber. Cloths are reusable and can be easily washed with your weekly towel load.
 

12. Beeswax wraps: Instead of wrapping your snack in plastic wrap try a beeswax wrap. They’re reusable and can be a fun DIY project especially for kids!
 
13. Cutlery: These days you can find cute little cutlery sets suitable for travel. If that’s not an option for you then take a knife, fork and spoon from your kitchen and keep it in your everyday bag. That way when you’re getting food to go you can say no to plastic cutlery.