Plastic is complicated. There’s 7 different types, (yep, that’s what the number etched inside the mobius loop is all about) and some are better than others. Aside from plastics questionable effects on our health is the simple fact that it is so quickly disposed of and often incorrectly so.

Not all plastic is to be feared, though. There are some that are tested to ensure complete safety - think baby bottles or your blender. Those are, generally, sturdy, reliable plastics. But unfortunately, so many other aspects of our everyday lives are riddled with potentially toxic plastics: takeaway coffee cups, shampoo bottles, water bottles, egg cartons, menstrual care products. Should we continue? 

The key to ditching plastic is making it convenient. Plastic is everywhere and the majority of the time we are using it because it’s easy and it’s the norm. You can make it convenient by always having plastic alternatives on hand.

Here are some easy ways to ditch plastic:

• Use mason jars and glass Tupperware— stores like Costco, BJ’s, Target, and Walmart have bulk glass Tupperware. Stainless steel works too! Alternatively, shop non-toxic, tested plastic containers. Our friends at INKA sell them in 5 colors. Um, yes please. 
• Get silicone bags. Amazon has a variety of silicone bag options that you can reuse for years.
• Keep reusable shopping bags on hand and invest in reusable produce bags. You can find these on Amazon and easily wash with your regular laundry.
• Get beeswax wrap to replace plastic wrap (and often foil)— you can also use this to store food.
• Get a stainless steel water bottle or glass water bottle.
• Keep reusable utensils with you when you travel. Our favorite is INKA's stainless steel set. 
• Get stainless steel or glass straws.
• Use a glass french press or stainless steel coffee maker— you’d be surprised how many chemicals can leach out of hot plastic.

Ditching plastic can feel hard at first, but you will save money in the long run and are doing something great for the Earth.

Read more about Eliminating Toxins from your life on our blog, Period Matters. 

This is an excerpt from a post written by Amanda Montalvo, RD, FDN-P, an Integrative Dietitian that runs Your Non Toxic Life: a blog, nutrition consulting service, and Facebook group that helps women detoxify their minds and bodies and balance their hormones. Abridged content curated and edited by Nayla Al-Mamlouk.