20 Ways To Reduce Plastic Usage

Plastic pollution is a huge problem and one that’s not going to disappear overnight, even with our best efforts. 

Many plastics never fully decompose, and tiny particles of plastic are left both on land and in the sea. 

I was shocked when I first watched the documentary A Plastic Ocean and realised the full scale of this devastating issue, and although some things have changed, perhaps not enough? In the documentary, even though the sea looked clear from the boat, a scoop of the water proved it was not.  It was full of tiny bits of plastic that will never totally degrade. 

These bits of plastic are then swallowed up by fish and birds, poisoning them, if not killing them.  This plastic poisoning is then passed on to the many humans who eat these fish. 

Plastic waste ending up in the ocean has huge consequences for the health of the planet, animals and humans.

I get frustrated on an almost daily basis with the amount of non-recyclable packaging that exists.  It drives me crazy, especially as there are plenty of alternatives that can be recycled and even packaging that can be composted. 

Some companies are now using plant-based, compostable packaging that looks like plastic but breaks down naturally. Isn’t that amazing? What baffles me is why the government aren’t enforcing this. 

Why aren’t they banning non-recyclable packages and passing a law that only recyclable and compostable packages can be used? 

It’s crazy that we’re still seeing signs on the back of packets saying ‘currently not recycled.

I hate the fact that we have to throw these non-recyclable products into our waste bin for landfill.  I always feel guilty. 

Instead, I think all the councils should have to collect it and store it somewhere until there’s a way to reuse it. 

People are constantly coming up with new ways to use plastic waste, such as turning it into diesel fuel and even making roads from plastic bottles and carrier bags.

Innovators around the world are now recycling plastic bottles and bags into asphalt mixtures to produce roads that are stronger and kinder to the environment.

Isn’t that incredible?  It’s about time we made use of all our waste and reckless consumption instead of burying the problem in a landfill or washing it out to sea.

Luckily, everyone can begin to play a part in the reduction of plastic waste and the often needless creation of more and more plastic that rarely gets used and then tossed out. 

Here are 20 ways you can reduce your plastic consumption at home:

1.     Use reusable straws­­

There’s no need to buy plastic straws that only have one use.  Grab a pack of stainless steel reusable straws that last a lifetime instead. This is one of the ways to reduce plastic usage.

There are now many alternatives to plastic straws, including stainless steel, bamboo, and even silicone options that are dishwasher-safe. By making this simple swap, you avoid contributing to the billions of plastic straws thrown away each year, most of which end up in landfills or pollute oceans.

2.     Carry a reusable water bottle

Stop buying countless bottles of water from the store and refill your own reusable one.  Choose one with a filter to purify the tap water or distil your own water at home.

Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest contributors to single-use waste. A high-quality reusable bottle will last for years and can be refilled anywhere. Not only is this one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic usage, but it also saves money compared to constantly buying bottled water.

3.     Buy loose produce

Veg and fruit have so much unnecessary packaging.  Shop at markets instead, or choose the loose produce.  Try a pick-your-own centre and encourage the kids to eat healthier and have fun.

Supermarkets often wrap fruit and vegetables in unnecessary plastic packaging. Choosing loose produce is a practical way to reduce waste and encourage a healthier, more sustainable shopping routine. Supporting local markets and farm shops helps cut down on packaging while backing local growers.

4.     Order an organic veg box

To cut down on fruit and veg packaging even more and support organic farmers, have a veg box delivered with little to no plastic packaging at all.

Veg boxes are a brilliant way to support small-scale organic farmers who often avoid unnecessary plastic. Many schemes deliver vegetables in reusable or recyclable packaging, making this one of the simplest eco-friendly swaps. It’s also a way to encourage seasonal eating and reduce food miles.

Click for a Riverford voucher code if you’re a new customer in the UK and try one of their delicious organic vegetable boxes!

5.     Choose glass over plastic

See if your favourite food items come in glass bottles or jars and opt for these instead.

Glass jars and bottles are endlessly recyclable, unlike many plastics that are downcycled or thrown away. Opting for glass packaging helps create a circular economy where materials can be reused time and again. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic usage in the kitchen.

6.     Use a jute shopper

Stop using throw-away carriers and get a strong reusable jute shopper.  Many are even made from recycled materials.

Reusable jute, cotton, or hemp bags are strong, durable, and far better than single-use plastic carriers. They can carry much heavier loads, last for years, and prevent hundreds of plastic bags from being used. Keep one in the car or by the door so you never forget it.

7.     Carry a hot drinks flask/cup

So many coffee cups are wasted each year, as they can’t be recycled due to a plastic lining.  Get your fave coffee shops to fill your own cup instead.

Coffee cups often look like cardboard, but they are lined with plastic, making them difficult to recycle. Bringing your own reusable cup helps cut down the millions of takeaway cups wasted each year. Some cafes even give a discount if you bring your own, so it’s good for your wallet too.

8.     Use paper folders

Choose paper folders for filing instead of plastic.

Stationery is an overlooked source of plastic. Switching to paper folders or recycled cardboard files instead of plastic ones is an easy, office-friendly swap. This small change adds up over time, especially if you use lots of filing materials at work or home.

9.     Take your own cutlery to work

Skip picking up the plastic cutlery from the salad bar and take a set of your own cutlery to the work canteen.

Plastic cutlery is another item that often goes straight into the bin after just one use. By taking your own set of metal cutlery or a reusable travel set, you help cut down on this needless waste. It’s hygienic, practical, and far more sustainable.

10. Buy larger quantities

Choose to buy in bulk and large packs instead of several smaller packs.  This will save money in the long run and reduce waste in the kitchen.

Bulk buying reduces the amount of plastic packaging per portion, helping to minimise waste in your home. It’s also one of the easiest 20 ways to reduce waste in the kitchen. Choose products with recyclable packaging or refill stations where possible to cut down even further.

11. Don’t chew gum

Yup, chewing gum contains PLASTIC!  Gross.  Stop chewing or search for natural alternatives.

Most people don’t realise that conventional chewing gum contains plastic. Switching to natural gum or simply avoiding it altogether is a simple way to reduce plastic usage every single day. Look out for biodegradable gums made from natural chicle instead of synthetic polymers.

12. Use concentrated cleaning solutions or make your own

Make your own home cleaners and reuse bottles, or buy heavily concentrated solutions to mix with water.

Cleaning products often come in bulky plastic bottles. Concentrated solutions require less packaging and can be mixed at home. Even better, homemade cleaners in reusable spray bottles eliminate the need for new plastic. This helps reduce both waste and harmful chemicals in your home.

13. Replace wipes with cloths

Stop buying cleaning wipes and use spray or water with washable cloths instead.  The plastic wipe packets are often non-recyclable.

Disposable wipes usually contain plastic fibres that don’t biodegrade. Switching to reusable cloths not only cuts waste but also saves money over time. Simply wash them after use and keep reusing. This is one of the easiest household swaps to reduce plastic usage every day.

14. Make your own

Make more of your own everything.  More food for less ready meal packaging waste.  More cleaning products to reduce cleaning bottle waste.  More beauty products to reduce packaging waste.

Homemade food, cleaning products, and skincare items naturally cut down on unnecessary plastic packaging. By making more from scratch, you avoid single-use plastics and control the ingredients you use. This is one of the most empowering ways to reduce waste while living a healthier lifestyle.

15. Leave clothes hangers at the store

Don’t take the clothes hangers home if you’re only going to throw them straight in the bin.  Leave them at the clothes store to be reused.

Clothes hangers are often made from cheap plastic and end up in landfill when discarded. Leaving them in the shop allows retailers to reuse them instead of wasting resources. It’s a small step that reduces plastic clutter in your home while supporting recycling in retail.

16. Use a rechargeable razor

Disposable razors are only used a few times and thrown out.  Find ones with eco-friendly handles or use an electric razor.

Disposable razors are a major source of plastic waste. Choosing an electric razor or a reusable safety razor with replaceable blades means you’ll never have to throw away another plastic razor handle. It’s a long-term investment that saves money and cuts down on landfill waste.

17. Shop at markets

Shop at markets to buy beauty and food products with no packaging, such as soaps and shampoo bars.

Markets are fantastic for buying unpackaged goods such as loose fruit, vegetables, soaps, and handmade beauty products. By avoiding supermarkets, you avoid unnecessary packaging. It’s one of the most practical ways to reduce plastic usage while also supporting small businesses.

18. Make your own takeaway

Takeaways come with so much waste wrapping, boxes and plastic bits.  Reduce how many takeaways you order or make your own instead for no extra plastic waste.

Takeaway meals come with plastic tubs, cutlery, bags, and sachets that go straight in the bin. Cooking your own version at home avoids all this packaging while still enjoying your favourite foods. This is also one of the most budget-friendly 20 ways to reduce waste at home.

19. Use a vegan “milkman”

Plant-based milk often comes in tetrapaks, which are difficult to recycle. To reduce waste, you can make your own oat milk at home or try a delivery service.

Companies like Riverford now offer organic Rerooted plant-based milks in classic glass bottles, which are collected on your next delivery day, washed, and reused. It’s a simple and sustainable swap that avoids unnecessary packaging.

20. Light with matches, not lighters

Use matches instead of lighters and throw the used ones into a log burner.  Don’t buy plastic disposable lighters.  If you need a lighter, then choose a refillable one and refill it.

Disposable lighters are made from plastic and rarely recycled. Matches are biodegradable, compostable, and often come in cardboard packaging. If you prefer lighters, opt for a refillable one to avoid constant plastic waste. This is another small but effective way to reduce plastic usage.

Final Word

Tackling plastic waste can feel overwhelming, but every small action matters. These 20 tips show that there are practical, everyday steps you can take to cut down on unnecessary plastic in your home and lifestyle.

By adopting these 20 ways to reduce waste and focusing on ways to reduce plastic usage, you not only protect wildlife and the planet but also create healthier habits for yourself and your family. Together, these small changes build up to make a big difference in the fight against plastic pollution.

Quick Recap: 20 Ways to Reduce Plastic Usage

1. Use reusable straws
2. Carry a reusable water bottle
3. Buy loose produce
4. Order an organic veg box
5. Choose glass over plastic
6. Use a jute shopper
7. Carry a hot drinks flask/cup
8. Use paper folders
9. Take your own cutlery to work
10. Buy larger quantities in bulk
11. Don’t chew gum
12. Use concentrated cleaning solutions or make your own
13. Replace wipes with cloths
14. Make more of your own food, products, and cosmetics
15. Leave clothes hangers at the store
16. Use a rechargeable or reusable razor
17. Shop at markets for unpackaged goods
18. Make your own takeaway meals
19. Use a “milkman” or make plant-based milk at home
20. Light with matches or use a refillable lighter