Going plastic free doesn’t mean you can’t buy anything! In fact, it’s the opposite. Being more conscious about the plastics we use means there are now more options than ever before when it comes to buying products that are kinder to the environment and our own personal health.

With some research and clever thinking, going plastic-free is easier than you think. From simple changes like drinking from a reusable water bottle instead of buying individual bottles of water, to slightly more challenging but rewarding endeavors like making your own condiments rather than buying them premade in single-use plastic packs.

Here is a list of common everyday items available in eco-friendly versions. These alternatives are great for anyone wanting to cut back on their usage of plastics or people looking for specific plastic free products for their home.

What is the need to use Plastic Free Products?

Plastic is non-biodegradable and is made from fossil fuels. It can take more than 1000 years for a plastic to biodegrade and even that is not a guarantee. That means that we are using up our natural resources and wasting them on something that can't be returned to nature. It's important to remember that plastic is not a sustainable material, so we need to find alternatives.

What are the alternatives to Plastic?

There are many alternatives available for everyday plastic products. Anything made from easily biodegradable and compostable materials like materials derived from plants etc. are considered better alternatives to Plastic. For example, you can use glass bottles or refillable water bottles instead of disposable ones; you can buy bamboo straws or metal straws; and reusable shopping bags instead of disposable ones.

Things to consider when buying plastic free products

You should consider how many times you will use the product before disposing of it. If your product is something like a reusable shopping bag, then consider how often you will use it before you want to buy new. You should also consider whether or not it will break easily and whether or not there are any toxic chemicals used in its production process (such as BPA).

How are you helping the environment by buying plastic free products?

Buying plastic free products helps keep plastics out of landfills and oceans where they harm wildlife or animals. As a matter of fact, Plastic never fully decomposes. Plastic bottles can take 450 years to be decomposed. Which means once you use and throw a plastic bottle it is there to stay in landfills creating pollution and when burnt it produces harmful gasses. Even taking a small step like switching to a wooden or steel bottle can create a difference when the number of people collectively doing it is larger.