Plastic Isn’t Going Anywhere—But We Can Still Make a Change
Have you ever heard of Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polypropylene, or High-Density Polyethylene? If you have—great! You’re ahead of where I was when I started this research. If not, welcome to the club of learning something new today.
- PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Found in water bottles and food containers.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Common in milk jugs and detergent bottles.
- PP (Polypropylene) – Used for items like yogurt containers and straws.
These names may sound complex, but they’re all part of something we encounter daily: plastic. Specifically, they’re categorized under Resin Identification Codes (RIC), the triangle symbols you see on the bottom of bottles and containers that help indicate how plastics should be recycled.
You might be wondering: why does this matter? Because these plastics aren’t just around us—they’re in us. Studies have shown plastics are entering our food supply and staying there, which can lead to long-term health concerns if we don’t start making changes.
We Can’t Eliminate Plastic—But We Can Do Better
While it’s unrealistic to get rid of all plastic overnight, we can be smarter about how we use and replace it. On average, each person generates nearly five pounds of waste per day. That may not sound like much—until you consider that adds up to 35 pounds a week, over 1,800 pounds a year per person. In a household of five? That’s nearly five tons annually.
Plastic is in everything—from our phones and toothbrushes to our clothes. It's unavoidable. But making small, mindful swaps can help reduce our reliance on plastic over time. Change doesn't have to be drastic—it can start with everyday items.
Sustainable Swaps: Easy Alternatives for Daily Use
Here’s a handy list to help you begin transitioning to more sustainable options:
| This | For That |
| Paper towels | Swedish cloths or reusable towels |
| Plastic dish brush | Bamboo hand brush |
| Plastic grocery bags | Reusable cotton or recycled bags |
| Dish soap in plastic | Dish soap bar |
| Plastic containers | Glass containers |
| Plastic utensils | Wooden or bamboo utensils |
| Plastic body loofah | Organic loofah |
| Plastic water bottle | Resuable water bottle |
| Disposable batteries | Rechargeable batteries |
| Bleached coffee filters | Brown/unbleached filters |
| Plastic shampoo/body wash bottles | Bar soap & shampoo bars |
| Plastic toothbrush | Bamboo toothbrush |
| Plastic-covered planners | Zero-waste planners |
| Dryer sheets | Wool dryer balls |
| Plastic cleaning spray bottles | Glass spray bottles |
| Plastic wrap | Plant-based wax wrap |
| Aluminum foil | Silicone baking mats |
| Makeup wipes in plastic | Reusable cotton pads |
| Plastic cotton swab container | Bamboo cotton swabs |
| Cotton rounds in plastic | Hemp cotton rounds |
| Candles made with paraffin wax | Soy candles |
| Regular greeting card | Greeting cards with plant seeds |
Not all swaps will work for every household—start small, and build from there. Even one swap can lead to lasting impact.
Why It Matters
Plastics don’t break down easily. Over time, they become microplastics, which are now showing up in our oceans, our food, and even our bodies. These tiny particles have been linked to health issues like infertility, hormone disruption, and cancer.
By switching to sustainable alternatives, we’re not just protecting our environment—we’re protecting our health. And it goes beyond individual choices. Sustainable farming methods promote biodiversity, reduce pesticide use, and protect our food supply.
These decisions—small as they may seem—help preserve our planet and resources for future generations.
How to Make Sustainable Living Stick
Every bit of waste we cut down matters. Leading by example in your own home can inspire others—your family, friends, neighbors—to do the same. One household can ripple into a whole community.
But keep this in mind: everyone’s journey is different. Instead of telling someone to “go green,” offer support. Share your swaps, your budget-friendly finds, and your why. Sustainability should be inclusive, accessible, and practical.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. And it all starts with a single switch.
