The Conscious
Consumer
In this society, the short-term has taken control. The mindset of buy now and think later has led to an unavoidable need and use of plastic, which has become such a big part of life because of its convenience, but an even bigger problem for the environment because of its longevity.
Written by Julia Greene
Photographed by Ellie Hueneke
Illustrated by Emily Morales
Designed by Elsa Brydalski
The EPA reported that over 35 million tons of plastic were generated in 2017, with almost 27 million tons going to landfill. This plastic never decomposes—instead it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces called micro-plastics, which will persist in the environment forever.
So, the question is: How can you live life with less plastic or waste in general? And how can you make changes that work for you?
When you first buy something, you don't normally think about throwing it away. But that thought is the key to living a low-waste lifestyle. Yes, you can recycle plastic, but only about 8 percent of plastic is actually recycled.
So in the future, consider products like the ones in this list that will lessen your waste and impact on
the environment.
On the Go: Being prepared saves money, time, and the planet.
Every plastic fork or straw you've ever used still exists today. Swapping plastic cutlery for this bamboo utensil set or a metal straw can help divert millions of pieces of plastic from landfill every day, and you never have to hunt down a fork again.
In the last minute, about a million plastic bottles have been purchased around the world. Carrying a reusable water bottle or mug saves you money and time, and plastic from landfill. Many cafes are also happy to fill your cup for you instead of giving you a disposable one.
While beeswax wrap is a great alternative to plastic containers or bags, it's not always the best to travel with. Reusable food bags like this one or a Stasher bag are great for when you're on the go and don't want to buy food out.
Living Room: Share your sustainability with the world.
The EPA estimates that around 1.6 billion plastic writing utensils are thrown away each year. Since most of these things are made up of small plastic pieces, end of life is a huge concern. So why not use the end of something to grow something new? Both this greeting card and pencil have seeds in them that can grow wildflowers or a variety of herbs, respectively.
Kitchen: Clean, cook and store without plastic.
This dish soap block is made from vegan ingredients and contains no fragrances or dyes that are harsh on the user or the environment. Its only packaging is a paper wrap that can be recycled.
Every year, the average American uses 500 plastic food bags. And while plastic food containers are reusable, there is the question of end of life. Beeswax wrap like this is easy to use (just use your fingers to melt the wax and make a seal) and is reusable for up to a year, after which it can be composted.
Bamboo sponges like this one are a great replacement for plastic dish brushes or sponges that are made of artificial polymers that never biodegrade and sometimes contain the chemical triclosan which is believed to destroy aquatic ecosystems like algae and coral.
In the United States alone, 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used each year. Swedish dishcloths like this one replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels and can absorb up to 20x its weight. You can wash it with other towels and compost it when you're done with it for good.
Bathroom: Clean yourself and keep the environment that way, too.
Humans are estimated to replace around 300 plastic toothbrushes in their lifetime, which are not recyclable because of their small parts. Bamboo toothbrushes like this one are compostable and probably one of the easiest switches you can make in terms of both cost and accessibility.
Toothpaste tubes are another necessity that cause a lot of waste. This toothpaste comes in a glass jar with an aluminum top that can be reused or recycled after you're done using it. There are lots of other brands out there that make toothpowder or tablets that come in recyclable/refillable jars, as well.
Floss is normally packaged in plastic and made of nylon, both of which will never biodegrade. This biodegradable dental lace comes in a refillable glass container and every part of its packaging can be recycled or composted.
Laundry Room: Make big changes in small spaces.
Every time clothing is washed, millions of small fibers escape from the fabrics and enter wastewater. The Cora Ball catches these microfibers, prevents them from entering waterways and can be used for many years.
Bedroom: Keep plastic off and out of your body.
This deodorant, like the toothpaste, comes in a glass container with an aluminum lid that can be recycled or reused when you're done with the product inside. Most deodorant sticks are made up of small plastic pieces that are hard to recycle and normally get sent straight to landfill.
Most vibrators are made of porous materials like jelly rubber or latex that often contain phthalates, which have been found to have a toxic impact on aquatic environments, causing long-term adverse affects on the ecosystem. This vibrator's outer shell is biodegradable, which saves one more thing from going to landfill.
The majority of makeup comes in plastic packaging that's not always easy to recycle. This brow gel comes in a tin that can be reused or recycled, and the wand has a bamboo handle that is compostable. The cosmetic industry is also full of brands that use harsh chemicals or animal testing, but this brow gel only has three ingredients: pine resin, beeswax and shea butter, so it's better for the earth and
for you.
The first step to reducing waste is being aware of it. Look at everything you throw away in one day and start there. Is it mostly food? Is it wrapping or packaging? Knowing what you throw away is the best way to stop producing so much waste. After that, you can make changes to reduce that waste.
This list may seem overwhelming, but its goal is to help you realize some small changes you could make. And while it might not feel like it, the little things matter, and they add up. Being low-waste isn't about being trendy; it's about helping the earth. It's not about being perfect; it's about trying.