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6 Easy Swaps to Start Living with Less Waste

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6 EASY & SUSTAINABLE SWAPS FOR “SINGLE-USE” ITEMS YOU PROBABLY USE EVERY DAY

Plastic Bags -> Trade for any other reusable bag (this one is from the Package Free Shop)

You already own them, trust me: Ever gotten a free bag from a store, an event, a cause, a show, or just generally anywhere? Make a pile and use them at the grocery store, the farmers market, or even at target! I keep a set in my car for whenever I might need one.

Single-Use Water Bottles or Boxes -> Trade in for a reusable glass or stainless steel one, and look for water fountains or re-filling stations.

Fav brand: Klean Kanteen - I love these because they come in a variety of sizes, top types, and colors. I use the “cafe top” on my wide-mouth bottle as a combined water bottle and travel coffee/tea mug.

Other greats: S’well, Hydro Flask, Life Factory, Mason Jars (I find all sizes of the jars at Christmas Tree Shops, Target, or any big supermarket like Whole Foods or Wegmans)

For the traveler who worries about filtration: Grayl

Also: If you want to keep plastic but go reusable: Nalgene & Camelbak have BPA options (some stadiums or other event venues don’t allow metal bottles, here’s looking at you Yankee Stadium, so having another option can be helpful for those specific trips).

Plastic Produce Bags at the grocery store -> Trade in for reusable mesh or cotton ones

Fav Brands: purifyou (I’ve had the above set for over a year and they work great, are machine washable, and include a tare weight on the tag) & Eco Bags (for the fabric ones)

Bonus uses: These are great for organizing when traveling (store dirty shoes, power cords, socks, and anything else you want to categorize). Also fill them up with to-go snacks like dried fruit & nuts… or maybe even a cookie.

Plastic Cutlery -> Trade out for bamboo or stainless steel utensils for eating on the go. (You can even take the bamboo knife on the plane!)

Fav brands: To Go Ware, Life Without Plastic

Another option: Just wrap some cutlery from home in a fabric napkin or get a pouch from Vicbay on Amazon and take anywhere (just leave the knife at home for plane travel!)

Single-Use Coffee Cups -> Trade out for reusable glass, stainless steel…. or even sturdy plastic ones. Or better yet, just bring your favorite ceramic mug to your local coffee shop or the office!

Fav brand: I use my Klean Kanteen wide-mouth bottle as a dual-purpose hot beverage holder.

Other Greats: My Byta, Keep Cup, Yeti, Hydro Flask, Mason Jars (there are add-on tops with sips or straw holes!)

Also: Big Brands like Dunkin & Starbucks offer a lot of reusable branded products in stores, so if you’re going there anyway, pick up a reusable option!

Plastic Straws -> Trade for a reusable one… or better yet ditch the straw altogether.

We don’t really need straws…. but if you love to save your lipstick or just like using one, check out these alternatives from Package Free Shop & Amazon: stainless steel, glass, silicone, or bamboo (and don’t forget the cleaning brush… most sets come with one and you need it!)

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