Where are you struggling to eliminate or reduce single use plastics?

My approach is I avoid buying things with lots of single use plastics in their packaging. If you shop Amazon you can opt to prefer paper/cardboard packaging (it’s not always used though). I use reusable or no bags at the grocery store. Don’t use straws or use metal / silicone. But that just scratches the surface of common sources of single use plastics - I’m also into 3D printing which can be a bear to reign in plastics use, luckily more companies are moving to cardboard spools for example.

Shampoo and conditioner in liter bottles, same with kitchen hand soap.

Paper bags for sandwiches and cheese.

Reusable glass containers (but we do have to replace the freaking plastic lids sometimes).

Reusing produce bags over and over until they tear.

We have not found a replacement for trash bags, doggie poop bags, plastic wrap is irreplaceable for some tasks.

You aren’t personally responsible for the market of single use plastic crap. Do what you can. Over time you figure out some strategies.

By not buying bottled water. Where I live water is clean, so I have a coffee thermos that I refill.

We replaced liquid laundry detergent with powered , replaced shampoos and soaps in bottles with bar soap etc. And bought netting bags to replace plastic bags

If you can find one in your location we have been trying to shop more at a package free stores. We have found that the cleaning products which we have purchased are generally similar in price and work just as well if not better than we used to use. After living in a city that charged for bags at the grocery store we have gotten used to using a reusable bag for all grocery trips even though lots of items still have the single use plastics in packaging. For those we try to reuse that plastic as small garbage can liners or other uses but most get thrown away.

We have been trying to reduce our consumption in general (the high costs of goods has helped with this). We have been trying to only purchase the high quality long last version of any item instead of the cheapest one available. This has been difficult since the high quality is more expensive and its difficult to find what items are actually worth it instead of a brand name. Overall it difficult but being mindful of it has been helpful

If plastic grocery bags could be considered single use, then I think I have an interesting method to share.

Since I was young, probably in the 2nd grade or so, my mom and I were trying this project where we’d take plastic bags and cut them into strips. We’d then feed these into her sewing machine, which used one of its functions to stretch the plastic until it was about the same with as a thin strand of rope or thick yarn. We’d quite literally roll them into balls of plastic yarn.

She’d then knit them into all sorts of things. Drawstring bags, coin purses, and her favorite- tote bags. They were very pretty and had unique feel to them as well. The best I could describe it was it felt like a fake leather purse, but more bumpy due to being knit. It might not be the most efficient method of reducing single use plastic waste, but given that we still have the bags we made back then, I’d say we did a pretty good job of keeping them out of the landfill!

I have a few water bottles, I take my bags for life when I go shopping and I try hard to buy things in recyclable packaging. This has really helped reduce the amount that goes into my general waste.

I work in in-home health care and I go through so many pairs of gloves in a day…

But there’s no more hygenic option for cleaning up human waste so… just screwed.

Don’t order take out and touch as little plastic as possible in the grocery store

I have metal silverware in my desk at work. No more plastic spoons for eating my morning oatmeal.