---
title: Reducing the Single-Use Plastic Consumption at Home
description: Easy ways to reduce your plastic use at home or in the office and recommendations for some of our favorite finds.
image: https://www.whygoodnature.com/hubfs/Sustainable%20Swaps%20Bathroom%20Zero%20Waste%20Products.jpg
---
[](https://www.whygoodnature.com/)
[ ](https://www.whygoodnature.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKGr%2FEHUg625vG40KTMDJxWI4%2FJJMl2Ct69gO5xYeNAfL6nXQcIOEoz%2BJ2CBtoxyFdZeE2%2Bmmfgfh5FAGDDSsucKg45TI0C9oeGCYxsKHju5oh5WGqwhwCAvs1VpPlDga0K6MKpZOcFpOpTW6MLCPwOsxI54TTWsgQe19yhDJ2agsgFnJwd6SbjuCiBVegiOvlSSxE%3D&webInteractiveContentId=204364224527&portalId=4747654)
[ ](https://www.whygoodnature.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKWVd7YbupJrV9oHxN%2BX45n8P4tZrIR%2BwuDngey1gwSSY8e6hO%2Bz%2Bd5h6oXQgsQykKyrPVl8ljhnYchjOMV2jBulixUjztktyaxrurXHvjV6Xn6Pl30ACAITxgOQYctfV%2FiF1BX4uJjn%2FtTv1SF1vjfoBmYxKYsf61l33n2jtJ7addRtFae7IM%2FrQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=204364224412&portalId=4747654)
**
** **
[](https://www.whygoodnature.com/)
[ ](https://www.whygoodnature.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKGr%2FEHUg625vG40KTMDJxWI4%2FJJMl2Ct69gO5xYeNAfL6nXQcIOEoz%2BJ2CBtoxyFdZeE2%2Bmmfgfh5FAGDDSsucKg45TI0C9oeGCYxsKHju5oh5WGqwhwCAvs1VpPlDga0K6MKpZOcFpOpTW6MLCPwOsxI54TTWsgQe19yhDJ2agsgFnJwd6SbjuCiBVegiOvlSSxE%3D&webInteractiveContentId=204364224527&portalId=4747654)
[ ](https://www.whygoodnature.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKWVd7YbupJrV9oHxN%2BX45n8P4tZrIR%2BwuDngey1gwSSY8e6hO%2Bz%2Bd5h6oXQgsQykKyrPVl8ljhnYchjOMV2jBulixUjztktyaxrurXHvjV6Xn6Pl30ACAITxgOQYctfV%2FiF1BX4uJjn%2FtTv1SF1vjfoBmYxKYsf61l33n2jtJ7addRtFae7IM%2FrQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=204364224412&portalId=4747654)
**
** **
**Menu**
** **
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/c05b654c-0c09-4af6-9eb3-09a124003909)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/fa9f3135-e0f9-4297-9c69-c22a3f07887a)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/672c1294-35e1-4aaa-b688-c91abb082d80)
[**Good Nature Blog](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog)
# Reducing the Single-Use Plastic Consumption at Home
by [Maureen Wise](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/author/maureen-wise), on July 12, 2022
Plastic is everywhere. What are you reading this article on? It definitely contains plastic. Look around your home and try to find a room that doesn’t contain plastic. It surrounds us. The material has changed the way we live. It has lots of sanitary benefits for the medical and food industry, but we’ve overused it. Plastic pollution in the ocean is a [major concern](https://www.ehn.org/ocean-plastic-pollution-2654378379/how-much-of-ocean-pollution-is-plastic) and we’re also finding [microplastics in our drinking water and food supply.](https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/generalissues/Pages/Microplastics-in-food-.aspx#:~:text=Microplastics%20are%20eaten%20by%20fish,can%20enter%20our%20food%20chain.) As a species, we need to cut down our plastic consumption. Today, we’re sharing some plastic-free alternatives to everyday items you use at home. What will you swap? Do you have a favorite plastic-free alternative that we missed?
## Food Storage
Instead of plastic bags or plastic wraps, try beeswax wraps for food preservation. We like [Bees Wrap Reusable Food Storage](https://www.beeswrap.com/). You can fold them on top of each other to make bags or cover a plate or bowl.
In addition to beeswax wrap, there are lots of reusable plastic bags to directly replace single-use plastic bags. Some are made of silicone, some of cloth. There are many varieties on the market. One brand we have enjoyed with great success is [Stasher](https://www.stasherbag.com/).
Old fashioned mason jars are great for keeping fruits and veggies fresh in the fridge, no need to actually seal them as you would when canning, they just need to be closed tightly. [Masonjars.com](https://masonjars.com/) offers lots of fancy tops, accessories, and sizes of jars.
## More Food Related
If you use plastic single-use straws at your house for smoothies or fancy drinks, there are lots of zero-waste options for you to consider. You can try reusable straws made of [silicone,](https://www.madewell.com/gir-five-pack-silicone-standard-straw-set-99106674585.html?source=googlePLA&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search%7CShopping_Brand%7CGoogle%7CMWGGBS00002_99106674585_8144285706_87194350467_293946777986_c_pla_online__9015346&gclsrc=aw.ds&) [stainless steel ](https://www.netzerocompany.com/products/stainless-steel-straws-with-cleaning-brush)or [glass](https://www.worldmarket.com/category/dining/bar/bar-accessories.do?template=PLA-2&plfsku=585253&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=660&mrkgen=&mrkgbflag=&mrkgcat=&camp=ppc%3Agoogle%3Apla%2BSmartShopping%7CDecAcc%2BDecAcc&acctid=21700000001660222&dskeywordid=92700066413411238&lid=92700066413411238&ds_s_kwgid=58700007405942057&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007265821&dsproductgroupid=431703752355&product_id=585253&merchid=5165106&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=local&storeid=CP114&device=c&network=u&matchtype=&locationid=9015346&creative=545837562905&targetid=pla-431703752355&campaignid=14648490664&adgroupid=127291718836&gclsrc=ds). Additionally, bamboo or paper straws can be [composted](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/reducing-food-waste-with-the-vitamix-foodcycler).
When shopping at the grocery or farmer’s market, skip the single-use produce plastic bag. Instead, use a reusable, washable [mesh bag](https://www.crateandbarrel.com/produce-bags/s307136?localedetail=US&a=1552&campaignid=10461646755&adgroupid=103999389299&targetid=pla-1459833400774&pla_sku=307136&pcat=HSW&ag=adult&scid=scplp307136&sc_intid=307136) to carry your produce. These bags weigh next to nothing and won’t change the price of your purchase. Do be sure to wash them regularly.
## Cleaning Swaps
Consider compostable scrubbers instead of plastic-based. We’re talking sponges, brushes, or mops. Opt for dishwashing scrubbers made of [walnut](https://www.publicgoods.com/products/walnut-scouring-pad?variant=34054575521930&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PG_Shopping_Prospecting_All-Products&utm_term=&matchtype=&utm_content=15001455538_125949615102_554411183990) or [coconut shells](https://fullcirclehome.com/products/zero-waste-coconut-scrubbers) - both of which can be composted when they’re too beat up. When buying a new scouring brush, find one with a wood handle that you can compost and that has a [replaceable](https://shop.freetheocean.com/products/wooden-dish-brush?currency=USD&variant=31727992799283&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping) or [compostable](https://humbleearthco.com/products/xl-agave-cleaning-brush?variant=42114376990943¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic) head.
We’ve recently switched our office cleaning supplies to [Blueland](https://www.blueland.com/). It’s a cleaning product company with a focus on reusable and fully recycled bottles. When the cleaning product is used up, they send plastic-free refills in 100% compostable containers.
Instead of dryer sheets or PVC dryer balls, switch to compostable (although rather indestructible) [wool dryer balls](https://www.tru.earth/Store/Wool-Dryer-Balls-by-Tru-Earth-4-Pack-XL-Premium-Reusable-Natural-Fabric-Softener). Dryer sheets look like they’re made of cloth, but most are really plastic-based and plastic dryer balls don’t last as long as wool dryer balls.
## Bathroom
Take a second look at the container of floss in your bathroom. The entire thing from the container to the floss itself is bound for the landfill. Floss picks create even more waste. Consider a compostable floss made of [bamboo](https://ecoroots.us/products/zero-waste-floss?variant=23675075461178¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic) or [silk](https://packagefreeshop.com/products/package-free-plastic-free-dental-floss/?variant=39541731328097&utm_campaign=&utm_source=&utm_medium=) with a reusable or recyclable container. Many brands sell refills of floss so that you can reuse the container.
Toothbrushes too are fully plastic with some rubber or silicone. There are many models on the market that can reduce waste. Some companies, such as Tom’s of Maine or Preserve, will accept toothbrushes back for recycling. There are many [fully compostable](https://getmintly.com/collections/all/products/eco-toothbrush) options that are made of wood and compostable bristles.
## Other Stuff
Also, think about your tape. Do you use a lot of clear gift wrap tape, painter's tape or packaging tape? They’re all plastic. Where you can, consider switching to thumb tacks or sticky tack for adhering stuff to the walls. Also look into [gummed paper tape](https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-14419/Carton-Sealing-Tape/Pressure-Sensitive-Kraft-Tape-1-x-60-yds?pricode=WB0824&gadtype=pla&id=S-14419&gclsrc=ds&adlclid=ADL-d5b5d555-57e0-43e0-8334-f6efc7f21eee) instead of packaging tape, masking tape, or clear tape.
This list could go on and on. Don’t feel overwhelmed or guilty. We just want to offer some suggestions and ideas for greener living, which benefits us all.
Note that we linked to lots of products for this article. None of them are affiliate links.
Topics:[Environmental Issues](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/topic/environmental-issues)[Do It Yourself Organic Lawn Care](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/topic/do-it-yourself-organic-lawn-care)
## Comments
### About Good Nature
Good Nature is an Organic Lawn Care company dedicated to providing you with the best services and information to have a healthy, chemical-free lawn and landscape.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/ae4cb0df-f6c5-43bc-be95-83ede13c8503)
- [Recent](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/reducing-the-single-use-plastic-consumption-at-home#recent)
- [Topics](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/reducing-the-single-use-plastic-consumption-at-home#topics)
- [Archive](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/reducing-the-single-use-plastic-consumption-at-home#archive)
- [Careers (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/careers)
- [Choose A Lawn Care Company (13)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/choose-a-lawn-care-company)
- [Do It Yourself Organic Lawn Care (48)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/do-it-yourself-organic-lawn-care)
- [Environmental Issues (38)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/environmental-issues)
- [Lawn Aeration (9)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/lawn-aeration)
- [Lawn Chemical Issues (12)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/lawn-chemical-issues)
- [Lawn Diseases (4)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/lawn-diseases)
- [Lawn Grasses & Seeding (11)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/lawn-grasses-seeding)
- [Lawn Pests (17)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/lawn-pests)
- [Lawn Weeds (13)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/lawn-weeds)
- [Organic Lawn Care (76)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/organic-lawn-care)
- [Organic Tree & Shrub Care (6)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/organic-tree-shrub-care)
- [Organic Weed Suppression (12)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/tag/organic-weed-suppression)
[More...](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/reducing-the-single-use-plastic-consumption-at-home#)
- [March 1, 2013 (7)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2013/03)
- [January 1, 2012 (4)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2012/01)
- [April 1, 2026 (4)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2026/04)
- [April 1, 2013 (3)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2013/04)
- [April 1, 2019 (3)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/04)
- [March 1, 2023 (3)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2023/03)
- [March 1, 2025 (3)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2025/03)
- [January 1, 2013 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2013/01)
- [January 1, 2014 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2014/01)
- [November 1, 2015 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2015/11)
- [June 1, 2019 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/06)
- [August 1, 2019 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/08)
- [August 1, 2020 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2020/08)
- [December 1, 2021 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2021/12)
- [March 1, 2022 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2022/03)
- [May 1, 2022 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2022/05)
- [June 1, 2022 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2022/06)
- [November 1, 2023 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2023/11)
- [March 1, 2024 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/03)
- [October 1, 2024 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/10)
- [March 1, 2026 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2026/03)
- [May 1, 2026 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2026/05)
- [June 1, 2026 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2026/06)
- [July 1, 2026 (2)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2026/07)
- [May 1, 2013 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2013/05)
- [July 1, 2013 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2013/07)
- [March 1, 2014 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2014/03)
- [April 1, 2014 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2014/04)
- [July 1, 2014 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2014/07)
- [August 1, 2014 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2014/08)
- [August 1, 2015 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2015/08)
- [February 1, 2016 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2016/02)
- [March 1, 2016 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2016/03)
- [September 1, 2016 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2016/09)
- [July 1, 2017 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2017/07)
- [November 1, 2017 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2017/11)
- [March 1, 2018 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2018/03)
- [April 1, 2018 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2018/04)
- [July 1, 2018 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2018/07)
- [November 1, 2018 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2018/11)
- [May 1, 2019 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/05)
- [September 1, 2019 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/09)
- [October 1, 2019 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/10)
- [December 1, 2019 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2019/12)
- [January 1, 2020 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2020/01)
- [March 1, 2020 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2020/03)
- [April 1, 2020 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2020/04)
- [June 1, 2020 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2020/06)
- [October 1, 2020 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2020/10)
- [January 1, 2021 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2021/01)
- [April 1, 2021 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2021/04)
- [August 1, 2021 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2021/08)
- [November 1, 2021 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2021/11)
- [July 1, 2022 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2022/07)
- [August 1, 2022 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2022/08)
- [November 1, 2022 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2022/11)
- [July 1, 2023 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2023/07)
- [September 1, 2023 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2023/09)
- [December 1, 2023 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2023/12)
- [January 1, 2024 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/01)
- [June 1, 2024 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/06)
- [August 1, 2024 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/08)
- [September 1, 2024 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/09)
- [December 1, 2024 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2024/12)
- [April 1, 2025 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2025/04)
- [October 1, 2025 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2025/10)
- [December 1, 2025 (1)](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/archive/2025/12)
[More...](https://www.whygoodnature.com/blog/reducing-the-single-use-plastic-consumption-at-home#)
### Ask Us Anything
### Subscribe to Updates
[](https://www.whygoodnature.com/)
#### OUR LOCATIONS
#### ORGANIC YARD SERVICES
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/c05b654c-0c09-4af6-9eb3-09a124003909)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/fa9f3135-e0f9-4297-9c69-c22a3f07887a)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/672c1294-35e1-4aaa-b688-c91abb082d80)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747654/7f0ab1d8-ccc1-49c1-bee2-e099aee30c13)
[](https://whygoodnature.com)
[](https://whygoodnature.com)
[](https://whygoodnature.com)
Copyright © 2025 Good Nature Organic Lawn Care, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.whygoodnature.com/privacypolicy)