How to Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Home: 5 Simple Swaps for Everyday Items

Welcome back to One Less Bag, where we explore innovative ways to reduce waste and live more sustainably. Today we discuss how each of us have the power to make small, meaningful changes in our everyday lives to reduce plastic waste—starting right in our homes!

Did you know that the average person throws away about 185 pounds of plastic each year? It’s staggering to think that most of it ends up in landfills or oceans, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. In this blog, we share some simple swaps you can make to help reduce your plastic footprint, including how Plastech's zero-plastic home compostable products can help you along the way.

Why Reducing Plastic Waste Matters

Plastic pollution is more than just an eyesore—it’s a serious environmental problem. Every year, 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans, harming wildlife and contributing to the degradation of marine ecosystems. Plastic takes centuries to break down, and as it does, it releases harmful chemicals into the environment, affecting both the planet and human health. Even scarier, studies have found that we ingest roughly a credit card’s worth of plastic each week through contaminated water, food, and air.

This makes reducing plastic waste not just a good idea but an essential step for protecting our planet and health. So, where do we start? Right in our own homes! Let’s dive into some easy swaps you can make today.

1. Compostable Garbage Bags

Traditional plastic garbage bags are a major contributor to landfill waste. Most are made from polyethylene, a type of plastic that can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. By switching to compostable garbage bags, like those we offer at Plastech, you’re choosing a product that’s designed to break down naturally, without releasing harmful chemicals. Our bags are made from plant-based materials and can be composted at home, returning to the earth without leaving behind toxic residue.

Swap: Replace plastic garbage bags with home compostable bags. This small change alone can help divert a significant amount of plastic from landfills!

2. Reusable Shopping Bags

Plastic shopping bags are used for an average of 12 minutes but can take over 500 years to break down. Instead of relying on these single-use bags, try reusable options. Our compostable shopping bags are durable enough for multiple uses but break down quickly in compost environments once discarded, leaving rich nutrients behind in the soil. Plus, they’re made from renewable resources, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

Swap: Use compostable shopping bags or sturdy reusable bags for groceries. Keep a few in your car or purse, so you're always prepared.

3. Compostable Food Storage

Plastic wrap and food storage bags are household staples, but they contribute massively to plastic waste. You can swap these for compostable alternatives, like beeswax wraps or compostable bags. They keep your food fresh without adding to the plastic pile-up in landfills.

Swap: Trade plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or wrap food in compostable bags. They’re just as effective and way better for the environment.

4. Switch to Refillable Containers

Many household cleaning and personal care products come in single-use plastic containers. Opting for refillable options is an easy way to cut down on waste. Look for shops that offer refill stations for products like shampoo, dish soap, or laundry detergent. Many companies are now providing biodegradable packaging or refill systems that cut down on plastic waste.

Swap: Ditch plastic containers and go for refillable or compostable packaging for your cleaning and personal care products.

5. Compostable Utensils and Tableware

If you’re hosting a party or picnic, it’s tempting to grab plastic plates and utensils for convenience. However, compostable alternatives made from materials like bagasse (a byproduct of sugarcane) are just as easy to use but break down quickly and naturally.

Swap: Use compostable utensils, plates, and cups instead of plastic ones for your next gathering.

Every Choice Matters

Reducing plastic waste is all about making small, intentional choices that add up over time. Whether you’re swapping out your garbage bags or choosing compostable products over plastic ones, every step you take brings us closer to a cleaner, greener planet.

At Plastech, we’re proud to offer products that help you live more sustainably without sacrificing convenience. Together, we can make a big impact—one compostable bag at a time! 🌍💚