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Additional Guides for Cutting Back on Plastic

The most complete guide for the individual: 100 Steps to a Plastic Free Life

How Can I Reduce My Plastic Footprint?

There are many ways we can reduce our plastic footprint. While the problem may seem overwhelming, the solutions don't have to be. Start by picking just 3 actions from the list below and see how they work for you (baby steps). Once you get the hang of it and start changing your behavior, you can pick 3 more and so on...

• Say "paper, not plastic" at the grocery store
  
  
• Bring your own cloth bags to the grocery store (or any store)
  
  
• Don't buy beverages bottles in plastic; glass is great
  
  
• When ordering drinks, say "no straw please!" Check out straws made from glass available from GlassDharma
  
  
• Carry your own reusable steel or ceramic beverage container for to-go coffee or hot drinks
  
  
• Carry your own reusable utensils when you get take-out food
  
  
• Purchase fresh fruits and veggies not packaged in plastic
  
  
• Don't buy convenience foods packaged in plastic
  
  
• Buy bread from bakeries that package in paper
  
  
• Clean with baking soda and vinegar instead of cleaners packaged in plastic
  
  
• Buy laundry detergent in boxes, not liquid in plastic containers
  
  
• Give up chewing gum. Did you know almost all chewing gum is made from plastic?
  
  
• Store all your food in glass containers instead of plastic
  
  
• Bring your own containers to restaurants to package leftovers
  
  
• Buy milk in paper cartons
  
  
• Buy cloth diapers instead of disposable ones
  
  
• Buy peanut butter, mayo, ketchup, etc. that is packaged in glass containers rather than plastic
  
  
• Use matches instead of plastic encased lighters
  
  
• Talk to your local grocery store and tell them to stop wrapping vegetables in plastic and to carry more items in glass than in plastic bottles

Eco-friendly laundry tips