The world has certainly heard and responded to the devastating effects of plastic straws on our ocean wildlife; and while the fierceness of our collective response – with the rise of straw-less cocktails, sip-lids and reusable straw alternatives – is something to be awed and admired, there are still several day-to-day single-use plastics we have to address with the same vigor.
We at Well.ca love hearing stories of people breaking up with plastic. And although we know it’s not always a seamless process, the Canadian government will soon be forcing this break-up upon us, with a mandate to ban single-use plastics as early as 2021. This is a huge move that will mean even the most reluctant of consumers will have to start changing their habits.
Like any necessary break-up, we may miss the convenience and familiarity of these products, but we know our long-term health – as well as that of our families and planet – depends on creating new habits that cut toxicity from our lives. Below are our top seven single-use plastics to start banning today!
Water Bottles
Most obvious first and foremost; we almost don’t believe plastic water bottles still exist, especially with all we know about their effect on our health and the world around us. If you’re not sure where to begin on your plastic-ban journey, this is a great place to start. From stainless steel, to glass, to compact and beyond, there is quite literally a water bottle for every lifestyle and personality!
A few of our faves:
Plastic Bags
With endless reusable options, plastic bags and produce bags are another great first step to eliminating plastic from your life. For small grocery runs, try nixing the individual produce bags altogether or reach for the Flip & Tumble Produce Bags!
If you’re the type that never seems to remember your grocery bag (we’ve all been there), purchase a few totes and keep them in your car, your purse, or hanging on your doorknob so you’ll never leave home without them!
A few of our faves:
To-Go Coffee cups
Even if the cup and sleeve at your favourite café are recyclable, the lid usually is not, and with a morning coffee or tea being one of Canada’s most universally enjoyed traditions, you can imagine how much those little lids add up! We’d never want to deprive anyone of their morning bev, so we recommend opting for a reusable hot beverage tumbler! Making your own hot beverage at home will save you money as well, but if buying a cup from your preferred café in the morning is part of your ritual, insist your barista use your reusable cup, we almost guarantee they won’t refuse.
A few of our faves:
Single-Serve Coffee Pods
Single use coffee pods have developed a bit of a cult following over the last few years, and while we understand the convenience, the cost to your pocketbook and the environment is quickly adding up. Commendably, some companies are working toward zero-waste pods, but we’re not there yet and with so many other delicious coffee options available to us, it’s a quick and easy switch to cut down on your environmental footprint.
A few of our faves:
Plastic Wrap
Did you know that plastic wrap can spoil food faster than its eco alternatives? With options like sticky beeswax and cotton pouches, we promise you won’t think about your plastic wrap ever again.
A few of our faves:
Menstrual Products
Many traditional pads, panty liners, and tampons are full of harmful chemicals (think chlorine and plastic!). They’re a massive contributor to our single-use waste epidemic. The menstrual cup is making waves, lasting hours longer than pads and tampons. Menstrual cups take some getting used to, we’re not denying that. But once you get the hang of them, they offer not only a low waste, eco option, but a more affordable and safer one as well!
A few of our faves:
Sandwich Bags
Reusable sandwich bags are the answer to all our prayers. Before these magical inventions, even the most plastic-conscious consumer was at a loss when it came to securing the high-risk-of-spill items for travel! Even those eco warriors who would wash and reuse sandwich bags multiple times knew they eventually would end up in a landfill.
Now we have multiple options in materials that are not only healthy and safe for your food, but completely wash-and-reusable
A few of our faves:
What are the ways you’re reducing single-use plastics?
Shop our Everyday Picks for Reducing Waste!
Kathy is the E-mail & Content Manager for Well.ca. In addition to creating engaging emails and web content, she’s passionate about writing, traveling and trying new food and restaurants.
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