Recently on Facebook, Moms Clean Air Force posed the question, “What have you done to reduce plastic in your daily life?” We were overwhelmed by responses, which totaled a whopping 167 comments.
Our members’ suggestions echoed what Moms’ staff reported when we asked them a similar question. They’re switching to glass storage containers for food, buying as little plastic as possible, and reusing every type of bag they come across. We love to hear this!
Here are the 8 most creative ideas our members shared. These practical solutions offer a fresh approach to tackling plastic pollution and can inspire us all to embrace sustainable living.
1. I have never bought a ZipLoc bag in my life. There is no real need for them, yet anytime someone gives me something it’s in one. So, I just wash them and reuse theirs. —@christine.zagami
2. I’m buying a lot of my protein where they use old fashioned butcher paper. —@cheryl.ciccarelli
3. Donate empty Rx bottles to the local veterinary clinic. Use laundry sheets and wool balls for softeners. Reuse glass jars… Use aluminum or steel beverage containers and straws. Avoid synthetic fabrics. Decline fast food straws and lids. Avoid artist’s acrylic paint on canvas. Decline plastic utensils. —@kathy.dunback
4. Waxed paper instead of baggies. Beeswax to cover containers instead of plastic wrap. —@ellen.hargrove.7
5. I just put veggies in my shopping cart without the bags. Seriously, we all wash them before we cook them. The plastic is useless & lasts forever. —@tony.cope.52
6. Grow and can my own food so I’m not buying frozen vegetables in plastic bags anymore… Thrift store my clothes. Fast fashion is a huge pollutant. —@kathy.thomas.98871
7. Use refill store for laundry, dishes, hair care… And vote/contact legislators about things! —@kristel.rietesel
8. Buy from bulk bins… Buy used household items whenever possible…. We have ready to go bags in our car. —@francesca.serra.1460
As we work toward a future free of plastic trash, it’s reassuring to see just how much Moms’ members are doing to curb their plastic use. But we know we can’t stop the plastics crisis on our own. The most viable solutions are systemic—like citywide ordinances to ban plastic bags, denial of federal permits for new and expanded petrochemical facilities, and a Global Plastics Treaty. Join Moms in fighting for large-scale change.
Tell President Biden: Negotiate a Powerful Global Plastics Treaty