Last updated on March 12, 2025
Let’s face it – plastic is everywhere. From kitchen cabinets to closets, this permanent material is woven into almost every aspect of our daily lives. But as we learn more about how plastics affect both our health and our environment, many of us are trying to make a difference.
Good news? You don’t have to throw everything in your home overnight (don’t do it!).
Instead, I share my top 10 plastic-free swaps ranked from the simplest to the most challenging, along with practical suggestions on what to do with your old plastic items.
It’s not only about reducing plastic exposure, but also about buying new ones, but also about making thoughtful choices that benefit both health and the planet.
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Why reduce plastic? It’s not just about saving turtles
When I started cutting plastic a few years ago, my motivation was not environmental. It was personal. I learned about BPA and estrogen phthalate estrogens that lie in plastic containers.
Even though “BPA-free” labels are becoming more common, many plastics currently contain similar harmful compounds such as BPS and BPF. These chemicals can be transferred to our food and drink, especially when exposed to heat, fat or acid.
More and more research shows the emergence of microplastics in our bloodstream, and the health effects are not yet fully understood. But you don’t have to panic everything. Instead, we can take a measured, practical approach.
10 Impact Plastic Fleece Swap (Easiest)
1. Bring your own bag, bottle and mug
Difficulty: As easy as a pie
This is a gateway exchange with a plastic-free living room. Put your reusable shopping bags in your car, wallet or backpack. Carry a stainless steel or glass water bottle. Bring your own mug to the coffee shop.
What to do with old plastic:
Plastic shopping bags wash away your washing machine or dog poop bag as a washing machine or dog poop bag and store one plastic water bottle as your dedicated garden watering bottle until you donate clean plastic water bottle to school for your art projects
2. Throw away the tea bag
Difficulty: Surprisingly easy
Many tea bags contain plastic that releases billions of microplastic particles into cups. Plus, loose leaf tea often tastes better!
What to do with old plastic:
You can go to compost (although the plastic won’t break) tea bags with plastic, and use tea bags with plastic, and use tea leaves with your own strainer.
3. Replace the plastic wrap
Difficulty: Small habits change
Plastic wrap is usually not needed in the kitchen of your home and contains plasticizers that can be leached into food. Please replace:
What to do with old plastic:
Hold one roll for any application you really need, such as covering raw meat in the fridge. Use existing plastic wrap to seal paint cans or protect items while moving
4. Replace plastic food storage bags
Difficulty: A little more plan
Disposable plastic bags are not just wasteful. It also leachs into chemicals, especially fatty and acidic foods.
What to do with old plastic:
Keep some for freezers to clean and reuse existing bags to store dry items such as buttons and screws.
5. Switch to a plastic-free tea towel and a washing cloth
Difficulty: Medium
Many “microfiber” cleaning cloths are made from polyester (plastic). Natural fiber alternatives such as cotton, linen and linen work the same way without eliminating microplastics.
What to do with old plastic:
Continue to use synthetic fabrics for non-food cleaning until they are reused as rags for truly dirty jobs like car maintenance
6. Replace the plastic cutting board
Difficulty: Medium
Each time you slice it onto a plastic cutting board, it creates small plastic particles that can be finished in the food. Wood or bamboo boards are more hygienic and environmentally friendly.
What to do with old plastic:
Use old plastic boards for crafting, or if the plant tray is concerned about dispersion, reserve one to cut raw meat.
7. Move away from plastic cooking utensils
Difficulty: Medium
When exposed to heat, plastic spaturas, spoons and whisks can leach chemicals into food. Wood, bamboo, or stainless steel tools are a safer alternative.
What to do with old plastic:
Store plastic cooking utensils for cold foods Reuse only as a craft tool to use to clean garden markers, paint agents, or jar shaving tasks
8. Plastic Tupperware Phase Out
Difficulty: Investment is required
Plastic food storage containers can leach chemicals, especially when used with high temperature, fatty or acidic foods.
What to do with old plastic:
Reuse to store dry products such as rice, beans, or pasta for craft supplies, office items, garage screws, and nail arrangements
9. Replace Scratch Teflon Cooking Equipment
Difficulty: Large investment
Scratching Teflon Cookware can release harmful chemicals such as PFOAS. Cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware are healthier alternatives that last longer.
What to do with your old frying pan:
Seriously scratched Teflon frying pans should be lightly thrown out responsibly Painted breads can be relegated to non-food use like paint drips, which have special recycling of food, such as catching paint drips – check locally
Related: 11 Non-Toxic Cooking Utensils Brands for Healthy Kitchen
10. Wardrobe overhaul
Difficulty: Long-term projects
Most “fast fashion” contains polyester, nylon, and other plastic-based fibers that release microplastics in all washes and can cause skin irritation.
What to do with old plastic:
Keep wearing what you have until worn for items in good condition, donate or sell for worn synthetic clothing, and look into textile recycling programs
Related: Over 50 Best Ethical and Sustainable Clothing Brands
Find the balance
I have reduced plastic exposure for over 10 years, but I still use plastic. The key is to keep in mind how and where you will use it.
The key is to prioritize swaps that make the biggest difference to your health and lifestyle. Don’t drive madness trying to eliminate all the last bits of plastic. It’s not practical or necessary.
Instead of responding from fear and throwing fully usable items into the landfill, think about ways to reuse what you have while gradually moving towards healthier alternatives.
Remember: sustainable living is not perfect, it’s about making better choices one at a time.
What is the next plastic-free swap?
Have you tried any of these plastic-free swaps? Which is the most viable for you right now? I’d love to hear about your plastic-free journey in the comments below!
What do you think about these plastic-free swaps? Want tips for a more sustainable lifestyle? Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly advice on waste reduction, saving money and creating a healthier home.
