It’s been said “if you want to make a difference in the world you must first begin at home.” I’ve always found this saying to be the best approach to solving any conflict in the world. My resolution was switching from domestic plastics products to sustainable alternatives. But what started as a simple decision turned into an eye-opening journey which challenged me to break lifelong habits for a bigger cause. But, is it possible? Can anyone live a plastic-free life?
One day, I noticed the amount of recyclables in my trash. Various items of different sizes had been consistently filling up the trash. More specifically, plastic containers used for my salads, fruits, soaps, shampoos and general food storage was causing an overflow. Sometimes they’d fall off to the sides of the trash can.
Realizing this was becoming a serious problem, I began to brainstorm ways to fix it and reduce the load. But when I kept looking in my trash, I realized it wasn’t just about my spending habits. I began to think about the amount of plastics in every household which throws out their trash and gets taken to landfills. I came to the realization we’re unknowingly destroying our environment.
Landfills gather a great number of plastics which take years to degrade and polluting our air and soil the longer they remain there. Only 9% of plastics are recycled, making reducing it at the source crucial. A 2025 study at the University of New Mexico also revealed microplastics can easily break down and enter our bodies. This means any plastics squeezed or damaged can increase chemical intake into the body.
So, from that day forward I pledged to reduce plastics in my home. After examining various household items, I identified unnecessary plastics and changed my shopping habits. I replaced bottled products and plastic sponges with sustainable alternatives, switched to bar soaps, cotton dishcloths, cotton washcloths and cardboard cartons. I bought glass food containers, too.
Admittedly, I found myself struggling to adjust to these new changes specifically with the cotton cloths. After washing the dishes, I never knew what to do with my clothes and used to hang them on the dish rack. I decided to buy a little towel rack, but even after, I kept forgetting to hang them and grew tired of having to rinse them out again. Then in the shower, I could never quite tell if my cotton washcloths were actually cleaning me and changing them frequently became annoying.
But, after a year of going on this plastic-free life journey, I can honestly say the results are better than I hoped. The reduction in my recycling has significantly improved. I barely have anything in my recyclables now. But I’ve also noticed the physical and mental differences since this journey began.
The more I use bar soap and cotton washcloths in the shower, the less irritated my skin becomes compared to when I was using my loofah. The material in my loofah compared to the cotton in my cloth was actually softer on my skin and worked well with the soap. Then, I noticed by eating more fresh and whole foods my digestion improved. I had less stomach issues and kept a steady weight. I’ve now considered new ways to do my laundry because of this. Going from the big plastic containers of detergent to switching over to cardboard boxes of detergent instead.
I feel a sense of accomplishment reflecting on these positive changes in my life. It was hard at first to stay on track, but knowing this was helping the environment kept me motivated. I honestly believe if others join in this cause it can make a significant impact in reducing plastic waste. So, can anyone live a plastic-free life? I believe we can!
Featured image by EKM-Mittelsachsen from Pixabay
Edited by James Sutton
Excellent article. Good to hear from the perspective of lived experience.