Plastic Free Book Review

I recommend Plastic Free by Beth Terry. In a country where plastic is everywhere, this is a great guide for reducing our plastic consumption.

This book shows how plastic is harmful to animals and sea life because they think it’s food. It also gives great information as to why plastic is harmful to the planet in other ways. For example, oil, a non-renewable fossil fuel, is used to make many plastics. The energy needed to produce and transport all of the single-use plastic is also wasteful. As crazy as it sounds, nearly every piece of plastic ever made still exists today.

I love the fact that scientists are designing more biodegradable and compostable plastics that aren’t made from fossil fuels. Until those become more mainstream, reducing our plastic use is vital for the health of so many creatures on earth, including humans.

Here are a few changes I’ve personally made since reading this book.

Pencils vs. pens

I’m using more “old school” pencils. Pens are still good for times when you might need to write a lot and don’t have time to sharpen, but I’m enjoying using standard pencils more often.

Snack cheese

My kids love snacking on cheese. There are some brands that sell cheese cubes instead of individually wrapped pieces of cheese.

Scotch tape

I’ve started buying the individual rolls that can be refilled into a reusable dispenser.

Reusable containers and water bottles

Instead of single-use zippered baggies, I try to use as many reusable containers as possible. The containers are sometimes plastic, but at least they get used over and over. Reusable water bottles can also have a great impact.

Straws and lids

When I self-serve my drink at a fast food restaurant, I skip the straw and lid and drink straight from the cup. If I end up taking the drink to go, I’ll grab a lid and straw as I head out the door.

Forks

For parties I’m hosting, I’m being deliberate about what disposable items I buy. Using forks from my drawer instead of plastic forks has been an easy switch. If I don’t have enough metal forks, I use plastic and wash them for another time.

Going completely plastic-free doesn’t appeal to me. But, finding more ways to be less wasteful is worthwhile. We owe it to animals, ocean life, our kids, and people in other countries who aren’t contributing to the problem as much as we are.

I’d love to hear, in what ways do you try to reduce your plastic use?

~ Carrie

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