19 Top Ways to Cut Plastic Waste at Home in 2024

In the UK, households toss out around 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging every year, according to a 2022 Greenpeace report. Shockingly, only 12% of this single-use plastic even makes it to a recycling plant, and even less is actually recycled.

Most of the food, cleaning products, and toiletries we use come wrapped in single-use plastic, so it’s everywhere in our homes. The BBC documentary War on Plastic revealed just how serious the problem is, finding 7,145 plastic items in kitchens on just one street in 2019.

It’s time to make a change. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cut down on plastic waste at home. From rethinking how you shop to choosing reusable products, you can make a real difference.

At CleanHub, we help brands reduce their plastic waste and improve their environmental impact. Want to see which brands are working with us to fight plastic pollution? Check out our brand directory to find out which businesses are committed to making a positive change.

Reducing plastic in the kitchen

Kitchens are often filled with single-use plastic, mainly from food packaging, cleaning products, and storage containers. Sadly, a lot of this plastic ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans.

But don’t worry—there are simple ways to cut down on plastic in your kitchen. Here’s how you can start.

1. Bulk buy ingredients 

Buying ingredients in bulk can greatly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. It’s also more cost-effective.

When you buy in bulk or make larger purchases, you use less packaging compared to buying many smaller products. Some stores are even packaging-free, allowing you to fill up your containers and cut waste completely.

Bulk-product stores and online shops offer a variety of food and cleaning products for large purchases. A recent report found that packaging-free shops in the EU saved over 5,500 tonnes of plastic packaging waste.

2. Swap out plastic wrap

Plastic wrap, which we often use to cover leftover food or opened products, is tricky to recycle and is surprisingly common in our kitchens. In just six months, for instance, a survey estimated that 80 million Americans consumed at least one roll of plastic wrap. You can learn more about recycling in the US by checking out our page, The American Recycling System Explained.

Luckily, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap. You can use beeswax wraps, plant-based wax wraps, silicone lids, and cotton mesh bags instead. These options are not only affordable but also sustainable, and they help keep your food fresh.

3. Store food in old jars 

Switching to old glass jars instead of plastic storage containers is a great way to cut down on plastic and keep your food safe.

Glass jars are excellent at keeping air out, so your food stays fresher for longer and is less likely to get contaminated. Plus, studies have shown that food absorbs chemicals more easily from plastic and paper compared to glass or ceramic.

4. Ditch the kitchen sponge 

In the US, people throw away around 400 million kitchen sponges each year, and most of these are made from plastic and aren’t biodegradable.

Luckily, there are eco-friendly alternatives available, often made from natural materials like coconut coir. You can also find cotton scrubbers that break down much faster than cheap plastic ones.

These sustainable sponges, made from organic and natural fibers, are great because they don’t release microplastics into the ocean or harm marine wildlife when discarded.

5. Reconsider what to do with your trash 

In the UK, about 14 million tonnes of trash still end up in landfills each year, even though many councils provide recycling bins for households. Both authorities and individuals need to do their part to support recycling, so it’s worth thinking about alternatives to just tossing things away.

Apps like Geev let you resell or give away old items instead of sending them to landfills. This includes things like unused food, old clothes, and various household products and appliances.

You can also repurpose most plastic packaging into DIY projects, like bird feeders or gardening pots. Remember, there are plenty of alternatives to throwing your plastic straight into the trash.

6. Cut down on takeaways 

In 2021, The Guardian reported that takeaway containers were the biggest contributor to plastic pollution in our oceans. So, cutting back on takeout orders can help keep our oceans cleaner.

Cooking at home is not only healthier, but it’s also better for the environment. By preparing meals yourself—especially if you buy ingredients in bulk—you cut down on the plastic waste from takeaway containers.

If you can’t avoid takeaway deliveries, try supporting businesses that use eco-friendly packaging, like paper wrappers and bags.

Ways to reduce plastic in the bathroom

Bathrooms are said to hold about 64% of a home’s single-use plastic. Even if these items are recyclable, many still end up in landfills. But we can change that! Here’s how.

7. Use refillable products 

Each year, around 30,000 tonnes of bathroom waste ends up in landfills. To tackle this issue, refillable bathroom and cosmetic products are becoming more popular and can help cut down on single-use plastic.

These companies often offer refills at lower prices, so you can keep the original container. For instance, The Good Fill sells basic bathroom and kitchen supplies in refillable pouches.

Lush also promotes recycling through its ‘bring it back’ scheme, which gives customers discounts and free products when they return used tubs.

8. Buy natural products 

Did you know that nine out of ten cosmetic products contain microplastics? These tiny plastic particles in your bathroom products can harm your skin and negatively impact the environment when they go down the drain.

Microplastics are intentionally added to many items, like deodorants, exfoliants, shampoo, shower gel, and shaving cream. They often help with conditioning, exfoliating, or mixing ingredients.

By choosing natural products, you can instantly cut down on the plastic you’re putting into the environment. Look for products with a ‘Zero Plastic Inside’ logo and avoid anything with glitter.

9. Buy a bamboo toothbrush 

In the US, at least one billion plastic toothbrushes are tossed out each year, and most are tough to recycle. To help cut down on this plastic waste, many people are switching to bamboo toothbrushes, which are better for the planet.

Bamboo grows quickly and releases more oxygen than many other trees, making it a more sustainable choice. Plus, most bamboo products break down and compost within six months, so they won’t end up polluting our oceans.

10. Support eco-friendly brands 

One of the easiest ways to cut down on plastic waste in your bathroom is to choose eco-friendly brands. Look for companies that use recycled plastic or alternative packaging materials.

To avoid greenwashing, check for trusted labels like FSC, B Corp, and Leaping Bunny on products. These logos show that the brand is genuinely committed to being eco-friendly.

Curious about which brands are fighting plastic pollution? CleanHub has a brand directory to help you find businesses that are making a positive impact on the planet.

11. Prioritize reusable products

Many bathroom products are designed for single use, so people just throw them away after one use. But years ago, people often reused and repaired items, and that’s a practice we should bring back.

Choosing reusable items might cost a bit more at first, but they last longer and can save you money over time. They also help reduce the need for new materials and cut down on waste going to landfills. For example, think about disposable razors.

Instead of buying cheap, throwaway products, invest in reusable ones. They’ll help you cut down on waste and save money in the long run.

12. Avoid single-use wet wipes 

Most wet wipes and makeup wipes are made from synthetic materials that don’t break down naturally. In 2022, studies found that a buildup of non-disposable wet wipes in London’s River Thames actually changed the river’s course! Even biodegradable wipes can be a problem because they might release pollutants as they break down.

The best solution is to switch to reusable cotton alternatives. Simply use the cloth like you would a wet wipe, wash it when you’re done, and it’s ready to use again.

Also Read: Understanding Plastic Resin Codes: 2024 Guide

Tackling single-use plastic in other areas of your home

You’ll likely find the most single-use plastic in your kitchen or bathroom. But don’t forget that cutting down on plastic is important in other parts of your home too.

13. Make natural garden products

Many garden products, like plant food, fertilizers, and weed killers, come in single-use plastic containers and bags. To cut down on this plastic waste, consider making your own garden supplies from natural ingredients!

Homemade herbicides and plant food are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. They use less packaging and are better for your garden and wildlife.

You can also reduce plastic in your garden by:

• Reusing plastic kitchen items as sowing pots
• Turning old plastic bottles into bird feeders
• Upcycling old bins into water butts
• Buying secondhand gardening tools instead of new ones

14. Create a greener wardrobe

Washing synthetic clothes releases around 500,000 tons of plastic microfibers into our oceans every year. Even though you might not think about single-use plastic in your wardrobe, many fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are actually types of plastic that can harm the environment.

Fashion’s impact on the planet isn’t just about the materials used; it’s also about how quickly people discard clothes. During sales events like Black Friday, it’s easy to throw out old clothes and buy new ones. Instead, try donating your old clothes to local charities or thrift stores. And when you do buy new clothes, look for brands that use sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen, or hemp.

15. Stop wasting home office supplies

Every year, about 9 billion pens end up in the trash worldwide. Whether you’re at work or home, office supplies often get wasted.

Instead of contributing to this mountain of disposable pens, why not switch to more eco-friendly options? Consider using pens made from bamboo or metal. They’re better for the planet and can help keep your workspace more sustainable.

16. Opt for reusable garage products

You might be surprised to find single-use plastic hiding in your garage. Things like car oil and cleaning supplies often come in those tough, single-use plastic containers.

To reduce your plastic use, try buying garage supplies in bulk. Small changes, like using a reusable cloth to clean your car, can also make a big difference.

Reducing plastic on the go 

The problem with plastic isn’t just about what we throw away at home; it also comes from outside activities that bring more plastic into our lives. Here’s what you should keep in mind to help cut down on that extra plastic.

17. Ditch single-use plastic bags

To cut down on waste, one of the most important things we can do is stop using single-use plastic bags.

Every year, around 100,000 marine animals die because they mistake plastic bags for food. These bags are tough to recycle and can be very harmful to wildlife, so it’s best to avoid them completely.

Even though charging for plastic bags has helped reduce their use in many countries, including the UK, we need to keep pushing for less plastic overall. A simple way to make a difference is to carry a reusable tote bag with you, even if you’re not planning to shop.

18. Carry a refillable bottle 

Each year, Americans throw away about 25 billion non-recyclable Styrofoam coffee cups.

But there’s good news! More people are trying to cut down on plastic, and many companies now offer reusable drink flasks that keep your drinks hot or cold while keeping you hydrated.

By using a reusable bottle for your water or coffee, you help cut down on the number of single-use plastic bottles and cups. Plus, many coffee shops are happy to fill your flask instead of giving you another disposable cup.

19. Use a lunch box 

Switch out plastic sandwich bags for a sturdy lunchbox to make your lunch prep more eco-friendly.

Brands like EcoLunchBox and HydroFlask offer lunchboxes made from sustainable materials. They keep your food fresh and help you reduce your environmental impact.

How much plastic waste do households consume? 

In 2022, the Big Plastic Count found that each UK household threw away about 66 plastic items every week, adding up to around 96.57 billion pieces a year. Similarly, The Guardian reported that in 2021, 95% of US household waste ended up in landfills or the ocean.

Clearly, this is a global issue.

Tracking plastic waste around the world is tough, too. While the UK and the US have recycling systems, many developing countries still don’t have the infrastructure for home recycling.

What can you do with plastic waste at home?

We know it’s tough to completely eliminate plastic waste at home. Plus, most plastics can only be recycled a few times before they’re no longer useful. So, it’s time to get creative with repurposing and reusing plastic waste.

For instance, old plastic bottles can be turned into DIY bird feeders or garden irrigation systems. You can even repurpose shampoo bottles into phone holders or plant pots.

By being mindful of the waste we produce, we can use these simple ideas to reduce our impact on the environment.