We Eat A Credit Card's Worth of Plastic Every Week
Jan 07, 2025 09:21AM ● By Jen Gennaro
Many sources say we eat the equivalent of a credit card of plastic every week. Even if you're not a health nut or a green freak, you're probably feeling a little uncomfortable with just how ubiquitous all this plastic is in our lives. If your New Year's Resolution is to reduce your consumption (of goods in general, not of eating plastic), here are a few easy swaps that you can make.
Compostable Garbage Bags I recently discovered a compostable kitchen garbage bag, and there's no turning back now. These things are sturdy, and large enough for my kitchen garbage can.
Ditch the Plastic Tea Bags Those convenient tea bags often contain hidden plastic that ends up in our waterways. Try TEALEAVES loose leaf tea instead. Brewing loose leaf tea is simple. All you need is a mesh tea infuser. I like this one from Williams Sonoma but there are lots of options on the market. Just make sure you look for one that's 100% plastic free!
Say Goodbye to Plastic Shampoo Bottles A single shampoo bar can replace three plastic bottles. Ethique's bars come in compostable packaging and leave your hair just as clean and soft. Lush also offers great-smelling bars that make shower time feel luxurious while helping the planet. You can also find bars that replace everything from lotion to perfume to even mascara.
Quit Buying Cheap Apparel! In the documentary, we learn that donated clothing is sent to places like Ghana. There are 30 million people in the country, and 15 million pieces of clothing coming in every week. Worse still? A good portion of these clothing castoffs are made of, you guessed it, plastic!
The alternative? When something wears out and it's time to replace it, consider a high-quality upgrade. Yes, the wool or cashmere sweater will cost more than the polyester version initially, but if it lasts you ten winters, you'll save money in the long run. There are also sustainable clothing companies like Quince that are dedicated to using high quality materials but keep costs low thanks to simple designs and minimal packaging and corporate overhead.
Eventually, the goal is to create a high-quality, sustainable capsule wardrobe that keeps you looking fashionable for less.
Give Your Kitchen a Natural Upgrade Those bright yellow sponges are made of plastic that never breaks down. Switch to Public Goods' walnut scrubber sponges - they're tough on dishes but gentle on the earth. Or try Zero Waste MVMT's bamboo dish brushes that look great on your counter and eventually return to the soil.
You should also ditch your cut up plastic cutting board for a wooden variety. While wood can't be tossed in the dishwasher, the good news is that it has antimicrobial properties that make it safe to wash with just plain ol' soap and water.
Make Your Sparkle Sustainable I hate to be the one to ruin the magic, but regular glitter is just tiny pieces of plastic. For your next craft project or festival look, try EcoStardust or Today Glitter's biodegradable options. They shine just as bright but eventually break down naturally.
Remember - you don't have to change everything at once. The point is to reduce consumption, so the best strategy is to make these swaps as the old item wears out. But, if you're just itching to get something going for the new year, start with one swap that feels easy and build from there. Every small change adds up to make our world a little cleaner and greener and you a little less full of plastics.