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 in the food we eat. It is used in every sector, including packaging, construction, agriculture, automobiles, electronics, textiles, and healthcare.

Plastic pollution is an important global environmental issue affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and potentially human health.

In 2022, more than five million tonnes of plastic waste was thrown away in Canada, of which only 6.5% was recycled into new products.  Much of the plastic waste ends up in landfills and the environment, littering parks, beaches, streets, and other places we value.

By preventing and reducing plastic waste and pollution while improving how plastics are made, used, and managed, we can:

• strengthen sustainable and circular 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

Reduce plastic waste from toothbrushes

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 garbage and recycling programs
• When buying a new toothbrush, consider one that uses less plastic, such as a reusable toothbrush with replaceable tips

Trade plastic bottles of body wash and shampoo for bars or reuse the bottles to refill them with new product

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 to refill them with a new product or recycle them, according to your local garbage and recycling programs
• Instead of bottles, look for bars of soap, shampoo, and conditioner at your local grocery or health-food stores
• Try buying these products 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 garbage and recycling programs
• Consider other hair removal methods that have less plastic waste like an electric razor that will last for years 

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:

• Menstrual cups
• Tampons without a plastic applicator
• Washable and reusable period underwear
• Pro tip: Some cities such as Montreal and organizations like Food Banks Canada,  have programs that offer to repay a portion of zero-waste menstrual products 

Trade high-waste single-use beauty products for reusable options

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

Try this:

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

Kitchen swaps

Swap your disposable dish and cleaning cloths for eco-friendlier alternatives 

Disposable sponges and cleaning cloths can be made of plastics that can break down into microplastics through wear and tear and make their way down the sink and eventually even to the environment.

Try this:

• Replace your single-use and disposable plastic sponges with reusable, washable natural fibre options
• Turn old clothes or towels that can’t be repaired or donated into cleaning cloths to extend their life

Drink tea? Try loose leaf

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

Try this:

• Switch to loose-leaf tea and a reusable strainer

Replace disposable plastic wrap with a reusable alternative

Flexible 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 saving money and reducing plastic waste by gardening and cooking the food you have grown 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
• If ordering food, opt out of sauce packets or other single-use plastic items that you may already have at home, like napkins, cutlery and condiments

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? The good news is 96% of shoppers are always or often bringing their own reusable bags or containers when shopping.

Try this:

• Get some reusable bags second-hand or make some yourself
• Keep reusable bags with you or in your car for your next store visit
• Reach out to your local stores to suggest they start a reuse or take-a-bag/leave-a-bag program for checkout bags or bins. It is easy to implement and allows reusable bags to be used over and over again
• 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:

• Bring a reusable bottle for your “on-the-go” beverages
• If you have to use a single-use plastic bottle, recycle it according to your local garbage or recycling programs, or return it to a local Deposit Return Program to get money back
• Many cities have water refilling systems across towns. Look them up to know where to refill your water bottle

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
• Many coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery stores are now offering free or low cost deposit reusable containers and mugs for your use that can be returned later to avoid fees or get your deposit back. Ask your local retailers to see if they offer this option   
• Try reusable rather than single-use coffee/tea pods or capsules or skip them all together and make a pot of coffee

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

Of the 5.2 million tonnes of plastic waste generated in Canada in 2022, 42% was packaging, which is primarily single-use. Cut back on packaging and help move toward zero waste by buying in bulk. Buying in bulk might even help you save money.

Try this:

• Find bulk stores in your community or use the bulk section in your grocery store 
• Shop bulk with your own reusable containers to avoid plastic packaging and reduce waste
• Choose products with reduced packaging or no packaging 

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
• Save costs and be green by borrowing items used less frequently, buying items second hand, or purchasing items that are more durable and can be repaired
• 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. It will also help them save costs

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

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 and consider supporting their efforts.

Be mindful of how your drinks are packaged

In Canada, single-use plastic ring carriers are banned. 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 packaging according to your local garbage and recycling 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, which can eventually enter the environment. While wastewater treatment plants can capture over 95% of microfibres, Canada and the United States collectively release about 878 tonnes of microfibers into our waters after wastewater treatment every year. 

Try this:

• Wash your clothes in colder water and wash less frequently. This will help to reduce the shed of microfibres, prolong the life of your clothes, and you will save money using less water and energy. When it is time to replace your washing machine because it can no longer be repaired, consider purchasing a front-loading machine—it is gentler on your clothes, reduces microfibres, and uses less water
• Consider using an aftermarket filter for your washing machine to catch microfibres
• Purchase eco-friendly 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 detergents and cleaning products in bulk and bring your own reusable containers
• Participate in your local garbage and recycling programs when disposing of your detergent bottles

Put a lid on it!

Did you know that wind and animals can unintentionally spread plastic waste? In Canada, in 2022, 74,000 tonnes of plastic entered the environment as pollution, which is equivalent to 44 million garbage bags of 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 
• Check with your local garbage and recycling programs to see if you can add a bungee cord to keep your bins closed, so bigger animals can’t open the lid. If necessary, remove the bungee cord on the day of collection

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. Disposable wet wipes contain plastic and when flushed can clog pipes and release microplastics into waterways
• Consider a natural-fibre pacifier, such as natural rubber or medical or food-grade silicone
• 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 reusable water bottles
• Purchase a water treatment device 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 concerned that your food will go bad if you do not have a cooler, dehydrating is a solution. Properly dehydrated meals take up less space and 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

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

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:

• Consider whether you can reuse other toys before purchasing a new one
• Repair broken toys. Stuffed animals can be sewn back together
• Swap toys with your friends. If your furry companion does not like a toy, try exchanging, donating, or selling it to avoid throwing out a usable item that another furry companion could enjoy
• Donate the excess toys and pet supplies to a local animal shelter
• Purchase durable, quality toys that are built to last and can be repaired

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! 

Try this:

• Search online or check your local community news to find cleanup groups or upcoming events in your area. If none are available, consider organizing a neighborhood cleanup event — get your neighborhood, school, workplace, or friends involved
• Organize or join a clothing or goods swap. Pick a date, ask participants to bring clean donated items, and create a free ‘shopping’ experience. Donate any leftover items to local charities or municipal programs

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 when littered in the environment. Find more sustainable ways to hold your memorable celebrations.

Try this:

• Use homemade decorations from recycled materials and natural items like wildflowers
• Strive for a zero-waste event—use reusable napkins, cutlery, plates, cups, and containers
• Reuse your decorations for many celebrations
• 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. Unfortunately, balloons aren’t recyclable—dispose of them in the garbage once deflated 

Prioritizing waste prevention

As a first step, we can refuse single-use, disposable and unnecessary plastics.

Try this:

• The most effective way is preventing the generation of waste in the first place. If you don’t need it, don’t use it
• 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 reducing, reusing, repairing and refurbishing items 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:

• Before buying a needed electronic product, check reviews from trusted sources and choose refurbished products or products designed with durability and repairability in mind
• Repair broken products instead of purchasing new ones
• Give or sell your old electronics to someone who might need them or look into takeback programs and other options in your area that can give your unwanted devices a second life
• 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

Circular economy

Reducing municipal solid waste

Nanoplastics: Small Particles With Big Impact

Ocean Plastics Charter