How to reduce plastic waste at home

When it comes to environmental responsibility in the consumer chain, the onus mostly falls on the everyday shopper.

To make the best sustainable choices, you may have to exchange the most convenient short-term options for novel but practical alternatives.

Making a sustainable switch from consumer plastics

Natural toothbrushes

Trade your old toothbrush for a non-plastic version with natural bristles. When it’s time for a replacement, the old toothbrush can be left to biodegrade.

Wood is also more hygienic, as it doesn’t harbour as much bacteria as plastic.

You could use this opportunity to make your oral hygiene routine more sustainable:

• Switch to bamboo or silk dental floss
• Choose powder or toothpaste tablets in glass
• Use metal containers in your bathroom, in place of non-recyclable plastic tubes.

Wooden hairbrushes

Wooden-handled hairbrushes and combs can be used along with bar shampoo and conditioner (sold in cardboard packaging) to free your entire haircare routine from plastic manufactured goods.

Non-plastic toiletries

Switching to zero-plastic toiletries reduces the consumption of household plastic, brought about through wasteful packaging.

However, there are other associated benefits. For example, opting for natural deodorant will mean avoiding the harsh chemicals present in standard products, which can irritate skin.

Non-plastic cleaning products

Old plastic or disposable cloth implements used for household cleaning can be replaced with reusable cloths and wooden alternatives.

Cleaning tools made from natural materials do not release microplastics into the sewerage system.

Natural sponges and scourers, made from coconut or walnut, can be composted once finished with – so long as you don’t use harsh chemicals while cleaning with them.

Cleaning agents sourced from natural materials are more often available in zero-plastic forms, e.g. as powders or crystals, or as refillable options that cut packaging waste.

Update your wardrobe

Many of the clothes manufactured for sale on the high street are made from unsustainable artificial fibres, such as polyester, acrylic, or similar plastic-based synthetics.

When washed or subjected to friction, the man-made fibres in these clothes will release microplastics into the water supply and environment.

You can help avoid this by investing in a few quality pieces of clothing made from sustainable natural materials, such as wool or organic cotton, and combine these for different outfits.

Create a ‘sustainability-on-the-go’ pack

Keep a set of commonly needed items with you, ready for use, e.g.

• a reusable travel mug
• a couple of reusable bamboo straws
• some disposable wheat straws
• a set of natural birchwood cutlery.

Having these with you in a bag will allow you to turn down plastic-based options if you need to eat or drink while out and about.

Plan ahead to reduce waste

It’s a good idea to create recipes using plastic-free products. However, be prepared to change your shopping list based on whether ingredients are available without plastic packaging.

If you have access to a garden or allotment, you could consider starting a vegetable patch for a reliable supply of seasonal, zero-waste produce.

Before planning an event or day out, stock up on eco-friendly alternatives to disposable plates and bowls. Natural palm leaf tableware can be composted with food waste when finished with, meaning the only waste that remains is compost in two–three months’ time.

Additional tips for an eco-conscious domestic lifestyle

• Take reusable bags with you when shopping, including cloth bags for produce.
• Visit local and independent shops.
• Avoid buying loose items in plastic packaging where possible, e.g. fruit and veg.
• Retain existing plastic products and use them until they reach the end of their useful lives, then recycle or repurpose them where possible.

Not all ‘biodegradable’ products can be discarded by throwing them onto a compost heap. For additional advice, refer to our guidance on careful disposal of biodegradable items.

Make the switch to reusable and compostable eco-friendly dinnerware

Our range of sustainable palm leaf tableware is responsibly manufactured. Made from the discarded leaves of areca palm trees, they hold oily, sticky foods and liquids without issue, are robust and durable, and exude a chic, natural aesthetic.

Our bagasse range is produced from the by-product of sugarcane. They are microwave and refrigerator safe, biodegradable, and sturdy ⁠— holding a range of food types. 

If you’d like an opportunity to experience the quality of these natural alternatives to plastic plates and cutlery without making a significant commitment, we also provide sample packs for you try.