Earth Day 2024: 8 Tips for Reducing Plastic Consumption Starting at Home

April 22, 2024

This year’s Earth Day theme is Plastics vs. Planet, with a goal to slash plastic production by 60% by 2040.

With Chattanooga currently vying for the first-ever #NationalParkCity, it’s safe to say our residents care about the health and beauty of our hometown area. With studies showing plastics affecting wildlife, human health, and disrupting ecosystems across the world, we’re passionate about living thoughtfully to keep our home safe and beautiful. After all, we live here, too. Fortunately, there are some excellent ways to prevent using plastic in the first place, starting with hardly-noticeable swaps that are easy to do at home. In many cases, these tips these save a significant amount of money, too!

1. The first way to save money and dramatically reduce plastic use is to make the switch from bottled water to reverse osmosis (they even have counter-top ones!), filtered pitchers, or regular tap water. The U. S. population spends at least 11 billion dollars annually on bottled water. Typically, each person on average spends around $2,227 on bottled water, compared to tap water, which is just $2. Many may not realize that especially in cities like Chattanooga, water municipalities have much higher standards for water than water bottling facilities, which often simply filter and bottle tap water. So grab your Stanley, Yeti, Swell or a good ole’ fashioned Mason jar and drink up! Cheers!

2. Bring your own shopping bag. Although plastic bags are easy to pile up, there are hardly any recycling facilities for them outside of Publix or Walmart. Save yourself the trouble by getting a beau coups of cute canvas or cotton bags you can reuse, then toss without having to worry about the biodegradability.

3. Carry your own Mug. Plastic-lined paper cups and plastic lids to hot coffees and teas are more sneaky culprits that really add up over time. Unfortunately, many of these plastic types can’t be recycled locally. An easy solution is to bring your own mug and ask for it to be filled, or worst case skip the lid and pour your beverage into the thermos later.

4. Find reuseable lunch containers. Talk about a triple-bottom line shift! Packing lunch at home can not only save on materials, but is one of the easiest ways to save time and money, too. In most cases, it’s a great way to ensure healthy options, too!

5. Make the switch from soap bottles to bars. Average use can be up to 24 bottles a year according to UNICEF, so it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of skin-friendly soaps that are made or sold locally, too. A few of our favorites can be found at Good Fortune Soap, High Road Soap, and of course there are plenty of options at The Chattanooga Market.

6. Store leftovers in jars or with silicone covers. Who else loves looking at those perfectly organized refrigerators on Pinterest and YouTube? Consistent containers add to an organized home aesthethic, and save the plastic wrap, lunch bags, plastic bags that can all be part of a typical takeout or storing leftovers process.

7. Consider skipping the confetti – or making your own. Hole-punching flowers or construction paper is a great alternative that’s just as cute but without the tiny plastics.

8. Simplifying your cleaning routine. Baking soda, lemon juice, and old-fashioned vinegar are staples for a green-cleaning arsenal. Plus, these items can easily be stored in reusable or recyclable glass jars.

9. Swap your sponge. This is a simple swap that’s so easy to do. Most sponges are made of plastics that can break apart and get flushed down the sinks. Natural sponges are a great alternative.

10. Enjoy the dog park with biodegradable bags. Fortunately, our communities tend to have spacious yards that can be fenced that are perfect for Fido to roam, but for visits to our dog park, compostable bags like these can cut back on plastics over time.