How to reduce plastic waste and pollution in your everyday life

Plastic is everywhere. It is found across the world in the air, water, soil, and even in the food we eat. It is used in a wide range of sectors, including packaging, construction, agriculture, automobiles, electronics, textiles, and healthcare.

Plastic pollution is a key environmental issue worldwide. Of the almost five million tonnes of plastic waste that was thrown away in Canada in 2021, only 7% was recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and the environment, littering parks, beaches, streets, and other places we value.

Plastic pollution harms wildlife and damages habitats. By reducing plastic pollution and improving how we make, use, and manage plastics, we can:

• Strengthen sustainable economies
• Create jobs
• Help fight climate change
• Protect biodiversity and the environment

So, what can we do? We can rethink how we use plastic in our daily lives and take the #BeatPlasticPollution Challenge!

The Challenge

We challenge you to choose earth-friendly alternatives to everyday single-use and disposable plastic items, such as reusable and plastic-free alternatives.

Bathroom swaps

Replace worn toothbrushes with an earth-friendly alternative

According to Statistics Canada, almost 40% of Canadians brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. If toothbrushes are replaced every three to four months, this can add up to millions of toothbrushes being disposed of every year.

Try this:

• Reuse it as a home cleaning tool after you’re done with it.
• Use your current plastic toothbrush until it wears out and dispose of it according to your local waste programs.
• When buying a new one, consider an eco-friendly option, such as a reusable toothbrush with replaceable tips.

Trade plastic bottles of body wash and shampoo for bars

Many skincare products, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners come in solid form that can reduce the need for plastic packaging.

Try this:

• First, use up your body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in plastic bottles. You can repurpose the bottles or recycle them, according to your local waste programs.
• Look for bars of soap, shampoo, and conditioner at your local grocery or health-food stores.
• Try buying these materials in bulk, using a local reuse or refill program.
• Pro tip: Many soap and shampoo bars are sold with zero-waste or plastic-free packaging!

Phase out disposable razors for a reusable one or other methods

Certain razors are another form of disposable plastic that is found in many homes.

Try this:

• Once you are ready to change your old disposable razor, replace it with an eco-friendly, reusable option.
• Participate in company take-back programs or dispose of razors according to your local waste management programs.
• Think about skipping a shave or two from time to time. Bonus, your skin will thank you!
• Consider other hair removal methods that have less plastic waste.

Phase out disposable menstrual products for reusable alternatives

Menstrual products are often made of or packaged in plastic. In recent years, companies have started going green and now offer more zero-waste and eco-friendly options.

Try this:

• Period underwear
• Menstrual cups
• Tampons without a plastic applicator
• Pro tip: Some cities and municipalities have programs that offer to repay a portion of zero-waste menstrual products.

Trade high-waste beauty products for eco-friendly options

Makeup wipes, cotton swabs, loofas, and sponges often come in plastic packaging or are made of plastic.

Try this:

• Washable and reusable cotton rounds
• Face cloths
• Reusable cotton swabs
• Natural fibre loofas

Kitchen swaps

Drink tea? Try loose leaf

Many tea bags are made of bleached paper and/or nylon that could release microplastics and nanoplastics into your cup of tea.

Try this:

• Consider purchasing ethically sourced loose-leaf tea in a reusable or recyclable container.
• Try tea bags made from organic materials or reusable strainers.

Replace disposable plastic wrap with a reusable alternative

Plastic food wrap is very hard to recycle and often becomes waste.

Try this:

• Buy or make your own food wrappers using beeswax or repurposed fabric, like old napkins or tea towels.
• Store your lunch or leftovers in washable and reusable containers with lids.
• Avoid buying fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic, especially if they already have natural protective skins, like bananas and oranges.

Grow and cook your own food

Instead of purchasing food wrapped in plastic or ordering food packaged in plastic, try gardening and cooking at home!

Try this:

• Repurpose an old storage bin. Drill some holes at the bottom and add small branches or rocks for drainage before throwing in garden soil. Plant your herbs and vegetables! A 30-gallon bin can hold one cucumber plant and one tomato plant.
• Search for community gardens in your area.
• Plant your soon-to-be-rotten veggies to grow new ones. It’s possible to do this with almost every fruit and vegetable.
• Compost your food and yard waste and use the soil for your garden.
• Try cooking at home to reduce plastic packaging waste.
• If ordering food, opt out of sauce packets or other single-use plastic items that you may already have at home.

Shopping swaps

Reuse your reusable checkout bags

In Canada, single-use plastic checkout bags are banned. But did you know that reusable bags and bins must be reused several times to maintain an environmental advantage over single-use plastic bags?

Try this:

• Get some reusable bags second-hand or make some yourself.
• Keep reusable bags with you or in your car for your next grocery store visit.
• Reach out to your grocery store to suggest they start a reuse program for checkout bags or bins.
• If you find yourself with more bags than you need, consider donating them, as some charities may be able to reuse them.

Avoid single-use plastic drink bottles or cups

Did you know that over 2.4 million bottles of water are sold in Canada every year? That is a lot of plastic bottles!

Try this:

• Find a reusable bottle or jar for your “on-the-go” beverages.
• If you have to use a single-use plastic bottle, recycle it according to your local waste programs.

Get your coffee in a reusable cup or mug

Canadians love their coffee, drinking on average just over two cups per day.

Try this:

• Bring a reusable cup from home to your favourite coffee shop—some places even offer a discount for that—and enjoy your drink at the café or take it to go.
• If they don’t already, ask your coffee shop to offer reusable mugs for drinking in-store or to fill reusable mugs brought from home.
• If you must use a single-use cup, avoid using a plastic lid and dispose of the cup according to your local waste programs.

Skip unnecessary plastic packaging and try the bulk bins for dry goods, cleaning products, and more

Cut back on packaging and help move toward zero waste by buying in bulk.

Try this:

• Find bulk stores in your community or use the bulk section in your grocery store.
• Make a list of the items available in your bulk stores or bulk aisles.
• Shop bulk with your own reusable containers to avoid plastic packaging and reduce waste.

Buy second-hand items to extend the life of products and avoid waste

It’s easy to find well-made and affordable second-hand goods at a store or online—the hard part is deciding how to choose what’s right for you! Make a list and explore!

Try this:

• Avoid buying new items if you can.
• Swap items with friends or try local and online marketplaces to buy used goods.
• Donate your gently used goods, where accepted.

Shop at your local farmer’s market

As farmers’ markets grow in popularity, the opportunities to find plastic-free packaging or refillable containers are also growing.

Try this:

• Find your local market and shop with reusable bags and containers.
• Encourage your favourite vendors to cut down on plastic packaging and waste.

Buy meat from a local farmer or butcher

Meat packaging is often made from polystyrene, which is difficult to recycle.

Try this:

• Talk to your local farmer or butcher about using reusable or locally recyclable containers.
• Bring your own containers.

Support and say thanks to businesses phasing out single-use plastics

Businesses with eco-friendly practices are growing in popularity, and you can influence what companies do and sell through your purchasing power.

Try this:

• Say thank you by purchasing products that can be reused, repaired, repurposed, or recycled.
• Talk to your favourite stores about what they are doing to reduce plastic waste.

Find out which Canadian and international businesses signed the Ocean Plastics Charter.

Be mindful of how your drinks are packaged

In Canada, single-use plastic ring carriers are banned. You will find that beverages are now packaged using alternatives made of more sustainable materials. Did you know that the most sustainable option remains avoiding the use of any kind of single-use packaging?

Try this:

• Use your own reusable beverage container to enjoy your favourite drink.
• If you’re buying in bulk, choose beverages that are packaged in a locally recyclable tray or box, or use a reusable carrier.

Laundry and cleaning swaps

Simplify your cleaning products

Cleaning supplies often come in plastic containers.

Try this:

• Make your own cleaning products and store them in a reusable container. Hot water, white vinegar, and dish soap can do wonders! Using baking soda is also a safe and affordable way to remove tough stains and unwanted odours.
• Recycle and dispose of your cleaning products and containers according to your local waste management programs.

Clean up your laundry habits and go green

Every time you wash your clothes, plastic microfibres—small, plastic threadlike pieces—are released and enter the wastewater stream. The average household in Canada and the United States releases over 500 million microfibres from laundry every year. Up to 99% of that is captured by wastewater treatment plants, but a lot of microfibres still enter our water.

Try this:

• Wash your clothes in colder water, and wash less frequently.
• Try a front-loading washing machine.
• Consider using a filter for your washing machine to catch microfibres.
• Purchase laundry detergent strips or boxed laundry powder instead of liquid detergent in a plastic bottle.
• White vinegar, baking soda, Epsom salts, and wool dryer balls are effective alternatives to dryer sheets and laundry softener.
• Buy in bulk and bring your own reusable containers.
• Participate in your local recycling and waste management programs when disposing of your detergent bottles.

Put a lid on it!

Did you know that wind and animals can unintentionally spread plastic waste?

Try this:

• Put a lid on your garbage and recycling bin to prevent the wind from blowing waste away and stop animals from spilling or moving it.
• Live in the countryside? Add a bungee cord to your bins, so bigger animals can’t open the lid.

Baby product swaps

Make space for eco-friendly baby products

Even the youngest members of the family can help Canada to #BeatPlasticPollution Challenge!.

Try this:

• Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.
• Opt for washable and reusable baby wipes.
• Consider a natural-fibre pacifier.
• Try buying second-hand items to extend the life of products and reduce waste.

Outdoor and road trip swaps

Every summer, families from across the country head out on road trips or to their favourite campsite. Reducing plastic can be more challenging when you are away from home, but we have some tricks!

Make your own ice cubes at home instead of purchasing bags

Every year, thousands of bags of ice are purchased throughout the country. These bags are made of plastic and are hard to recycle.

Try this:

• Plan ahead and make your own ice cubes using reusable trays and storing them in reusable containers.
• Use reusable ice packs. If you stop in a hotel, put them in the freezer so they last longer.
• Freeze your reusable water bottles before leaving. You’ll have cold water to drink for a little while and you won’t need ice.

Bring a water jug or water filter instead of single-use bottles

Single-use water bottles are an easy solution when away from home, but they are often littered in the environment.

Try this:

• Bring a water jug so you can refill your bottles.
• Purchase a water filter so you can drink lake or river water without getting sick. You might be surprised at how good the water tastes!

Skip the fast-food restaurants and make your own food

Food wrappers and beverage cans or cups are other very common types of litter in our environment.

Try this:

• Plan the meals and snacks you will eat during the day or on vacation.
• Bring the right amount of food. Repackage in reusable containers if necessary. This will generate less waste.
• Try dehydrating your meals ahead of your trip. If you are scared your food will go bad if you do not have a cooler, dehydrating is a solution. Properly dehydrated meals can be stored outside the fridge from four to 12 months. Look online for delicious recipes!

Borrow adventure items instead of purchasing new

Are you new to outdoor adventures? If so, you probably need to gear up.

Try this:

• Borrow items from friends and family.
• Rent technical items from a local store.
• Purchase second-hand items if needed.

Skip the toilet paper and pick eco-friendly alternatives

Toilet paper is an everyday essential that we cannot live without. However, it is often packaged in layers of plastic, and it may contain harsh chemicals.

Try this:

• Bring a portable bidet.
• Choose an eco-friendly brand of toilet paper.
• Use a washable cloth.

Pet accessory swaps

Did you know our furry friends can also contribute to reducing plastic waste and pollution? Of course they will need your help!

Skip the doggie bags

This is a plastic swap you might not have thought about before! Of course, we are not asking you to leave your dog waste on the ground.

Try this:

• Use a trowel or a few layers of newspaper instead of a bag.
• Transform old bread bags, or even milk bags, into a poop bag. You can even wash them and reuse them over and over again.
• Use paper bags or any other eco-friendly options.

Less is more when it comes to toys

We are often guilty of purchasing too many toys for our furry companions. But sometimes, our pets can also be quick to destroy their brand new stuffies.

Try this:

• Repair the broken toys. Stuffed animals can be sewn back together.
• Swap toys with your friends. Pets can have one type of toy that they prefer. If you tried something they did not like, try exchanging, donating, or selling it to avoid disposing of a usable item that another furry friend could enjoy.
• Donate the excess to a local animal shelter.
• Purchase quality toys and eco-friendly options.

Go for homemade treats instead of purchasing them in a plastic bag

Nothing beats a home-cooked meal, so why not try this approach with your pet’s snacks!

Try this:

• Freeze fresh fruits, such as watermelon, apples, bananas, and blueberries. Make sure to remove all the seeds.
• Make your own jerky using a dehydrator or a freeze dryer.
• Look online for recipes to make delicious treats.

Other swaps

Get your community involved! Organize or join a neighbourhood cleanup event

Is there a better feeling than a clean house? How about transposing this feeling to your community?

Try this:

• Get your neighbourhood, school, work, or friends involved and organize a community cleanup.
• Search online or check your local community news to see if there are cleanup groups or upcoming events in your area.

Host a plastic-free party and skip the balloons!

Balloons, while not always made from plastic, are a form of litter that can harm wildlife. Find more sustainable ways to hold your memorable celebrations.

Try this:

• Use homemade decorations from recycled paper, wildflowers, and non-toxic candles.
• Strive for a zero-waste event—use reusable napkins, cutlery, plates, cups, and containers.
• Use a washable and reusable tablecloth.
• If you can’t go without balloons, use them indoors only and make sure they don’t get released into the environment. Dispose of them according to your local waste management programs.

Recycle as a last line of defence

As a first step, we can refuse single-use (and other unnecessary) plastics. When needed, choose sustainable alternatives.

Try this:

• If you have a plastic item that you no longer wish to use, but it is in great condition, there are lots of people in your community who may need that item. Consider donating it to charity, a second-hand shop, a friend, or a family member.
• Repairing damaged items or repurposing plastic items is another good way to extend the useful life of plastics and demonstrate real creativity and ingenuity.
• If you’ve explored reduce, reuse, and it is time to recycle, learn about what can be recycled in your community, school, or work, and participate in your local recycling programs.

Keep your device for a longer period of time

Plastic is everywhere, including in electronics.

Try this:

• Repair what is broken instead of purchasing a new one.
• Give your old electronics to someone who might need them.
• Make sure to properly dispose of e-waste.

Turn this challenge into a lifelong commitment

Did you have fun trying those challenges? If so, why not take it a little further and #BeatPlasticPollution Challenge! every day by gradually shifting to a zero plastic-waste lifestyle? Big or small, every action counts!

Related links:

What are Microplastics?

Are Bioplastics Really Biodegradable?

Plastic Waste and Pollution Reduction

Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations – Overview

What Is the Circular Economy?

Nanoplastics: Small Particles With Big Impact

Ocean Plastics Charter