Buy wooden and metal gardening tools, and avoid the plastic ones. What to do with all those plastic tools that you already own? Don’t keep them outside because they will break down over time and those harmful tiny pieces, called microplastics, will leak into the environment.

Buy a metal watering can and refuse the plastic one, it looks cooler and it’s more environmentally-friendly. As a general rule, do not leave plastic items around your garden, as they will release plastic particles that leak into the environment.

If you have a garden, do not use artificial turf (or synthetic grass), use real grass. It will take more maintenance but it is better for your plastic footprint and for your health!

Keeping a garden organized can be a difficult task. When you have to use a binding wire to arrange your plants, trees or flowers, make sure you don’t use the plasticized ones. Over time, the plastic coating around the wire will break away and all those plastic pieces will end up in your garden soil. Use a natural rope instead!

You might need a division to separate different areas in your garden. Avoid plastic fences and plastic lawn edges and use stone, concrete, metal or wooden ones.

When you need to choose the furniture for your garden, backyard or terrace, go for wicker, iron or wooden options.

Growing tomatoes or any other kind of vegetable is definitely fun and rewarding. If you have a vegetable garden and you want to cover it, make sure you use natural materials like husk or bark and not plastic. Plastic coverings break easily and can be blown away by the wind. Also, with the sun and other weather conditions, additives might leak from the plastics to your vegetables.

If you’re going to compost your food, check that there are no plastic pieces left in the organic waste before you compost it. And if you buy compost, be aware that there is hardly any plastic-free compost available in the market. Make sure you ask your retailer about it. But remember, if you make your own, you will know exactly what’s in it!

When planning on growing new plants, try to not buy the seedlings in a plastic pot. When buying seeds, buy them without packaging. Plant them directly in the soil or use pots made of clay or other natural materials.

When synthetic fibers go down the drain after separating from synthetic clothes during the washing process, they cannot be filtered through wastewater treatment plants because of their tiny size. Consequently, microplastics end up in rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. In order to minimize that risk, avoid long washes: long periods of washing cause more friction between fabrics, which cause more tearing of the fibers.

Every time you do your laundry, more than 9 million microfibers go down the drain and pass undetected through wastewater treatment plants. In order to avoid this, do your washing at a low temperature (30º), because when clothes are washed at high temperatures, some fabrics are damaged, leading to the release of fibers.

Having clothes with glitter for you or your kids is as bad as having glitter anywhere else. Why, you may ask? Because glitter is plastic! You might have noticed that glitter comes off easily when you put your clothes on or when you simply touch them. Imagine putting glittery clothes in the washing machine. The plastic glitter goes directly down the drain, polluting our oceans, and eventually our bodies.

An acrylic scarf sheds up to 300,000 fibers, and if you have a look at your closet, you will realize that most scarves are made of acrylic. If you’re planning on washing them, make sure that you use washing liquid instead of powder: the “scrub” function of the grains in the powder results in the loosening of clothing fibers. Fibers are more likely to come loose with powder than with liquid detergents.

You’re done with your workout and you plan on washing your sport clothes. Do they include a pair of nylon socks? Well, just this pair will release 136,000 fibers in one wash. Check if you’re using detergents with a high pH and oxidizing agents and try to avoid them so you reduce the amount of fibers released as much as possible!

Among the most common types of bedding fabrics and blankets, we can find polyester or some sort of cotton blend (cotton/polyester or cotton/rayon). Pillow covers can sometimes be made of vinyl, which may contain chemicals (like phthalates) which are known to cause serious diseases. You can easily avoid synthetic fibers by choosing natural fabrics for your bedding.

Higher revolutions increase the friction between clothes, resulting in higher chances of fibers loosening. Do the environment, animals and yourself a favor by minimizing the amount of fibers that are released while drying your clothes in a dryer. And, if you can, avoid dry cleaning your clothes — just hang them!

If you have a dryer, don’t flush the lint down the drain when cleaning the filter, throw it in the bin. If you flush it, all the fibers released during the drying process will end up in the environment.

Wooden laundry clippers are a better alternative to plastic laundry clippers because the former can easily get lost and end up breaking down in the environment.

Try not to use single-use diapers for your baby, use reusable clothing diapers instead. It’s good for the microfiber release from your laundry and good for your baby’s skin!

How can you clean up after your dogs? With paper poop scoops! That way you and your dog can be plastic-free together!

When buying a new sofa or a mattress, try to avoid the ones that contain polyurethane (or poly foam). Chemicals like these are also found in cushions and similar products and have been linked to cancer, obesity and a decrease in sperm count. Always look for 100% natural latex cushioning.

Many startups and small companies are working on solutions to prevent microfibers from polluting our oceans, such as the washing machine filter from Planet Care. Donate a small amount to support crowdfunding campaigns and other small entrepreneurs.

“All that glitters is not gold” or, for that matter, environmentally friendly. We all love to put on some glitter when attending festivals and parties, but it turns out that glitter is actually just a bunch of small shards of shiny plastic that washes down the drain and never disappears — just ask any kindergarten teacher. Remember, glitter is litter!

Are you planning a BBQ? Then get ready to say goodbye to single-use, throw-away plastic plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, straws, and the list goes on. Build your stash of reusable party-ware. If not, use paper and bamboo alternatives.

What would a BBQ be without meat? It’s time to pay a visit to the butcher near you. Food-packaging is a substantial contributor to plastic pollution. You should avoid it whenever possible. So go to the butcher with a container and get yourself some juicy cuts.

Single-use BBQ or disposable grills are easy and convenient, but they are, needless to say, also the least environmentally-friendly… They come completely wrapped in plastic. Imagine how much plastic waste you are producing every time you buy a single-use BBQ!

Eating finger food is fancy, but not when it comes with a plastic skewer. Why don’t you go for a toothpick or a wooden option? It’s a very easy and widely available switch.

When getting ready for a picnic with friends or family, plastic-wrapped sandwiches are a usual suspect in the picnic bag. Why don’t you replace that plastic cling film with reusable containers or a cloth pouch to carry your sandwich? Or even better, bee’s wax wrap!

Cigarette butts were the most found item worldwide of this year’s World Cleanup Day. They are made of plastic and are thrown away very irresponsibly. Now is the time to quit smoking! It’s better for you, everyone around you, and the environment. If you must, don’t throw your cigarette butts on the ground.

Single-use cigarette lighters are found on almost every beach around the world. According to the Ocean Conservancy Coastal Cleanup Report, all the cigarette lighters collected during cleanups performed in 2017 together would have stood 10 times higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Get yourself some good old matches made of wood or a metal lighter!

People would not release balloons if they knew what happens to them after we let them go in the air… What goes up, must go down! Records of collected beach rubbish show that increasing numbers of balloons or balloon pieces and ribbons are being found, and the consequences for animals are terrible. So try to not use balloons and, if you do, do not let them go!

Did you know that most chewing gum contains synthetic rubber which does not biodegrade? Well, you must have looked under an old school desk — chewing gum stays there forever… Go for a non-synthetic rubber chewing gum instead! Yes, they exist!

You want to have wine at your dinner with friends, with your significant other, or even just by yourself after a long day at work. Have you checked the stopper? Is it cork or is it plastic? More and more companies choose to use plastic stoppers since they are cheaper than real cork. Don’t let them fool you! Check the stopper when you buy your next bottle!

Chemicals in plastic can be toxic for our bodies. Besides, if these plastic toys are lost in the ocean or the environment, they can be really harmful for animals and birds. Buy higher quality plastic toys or try to use alternatives made of wood when traveling or going on holidays; there are endless choices out there. Keep the environment clean everywhere in the world!

Birthdays and Christmas have one thing in common: presents! Did you know that most wrapping paper has a plastic lining that makes it impossible to recycle? Yes, calling it wrapping “paper” is definitely misleading! And what about the tape you use to wrap the “paper”? Also plastic! Go for actual wrapping paper and paper tape or natural rope and make your presents plastic-free and hipster at the same time.

Shooting a confetti cannon for a birthday party, graduation, anniversary or just because it’s fun… why not? Well, a lot of confetti is actually plastic. Don’t make the world a bigger mess than it is — if you really need to then choose paper confetti for your celebrations.

Garlands and other party decorations can also be made of plastic and are usually the cheaper option. Even when they are made of paper they will come wrapped in plastic. You can make your own paper garlands and decorations and turn them into a very fun activity to do with family or friends.

Ice cream containers might be made of styrofoam or paper cups that have a plastic lining to prevent the cardboard from getting soggy. Plastic spoons are made of the same type of plastic as other disposable cutlery, which is difficult to recycle. This one is an easy one to avoid… order your ice cream in a cone!

When you go to a festival and you bring a tent, make sure you take it with you when the festival is over. It’s devastating to see all these abandoned tents when festivals are over, tents which are not made to be single-use! Invest in a good tent that you can reuse over and over again. As for cooking? Make sure you bring your own utensils so you don’t need to depend on single-use plastics!

It’s very easy to lose your flip-flops when you’re going into a lake or the ocean. Millions of plastic flip-flops end up polluting beaches and shores around the world every year. Not only that, marine animals mistake them for food which could make them starve. Furthermore, many additives in plastic are toxic. So, go for natural rubber or hemp flip-flops and try not to lose the plastic ones you already own.

Millions of tons of plastic waste is generated by the takeaway food industry, and not even 5 percent of it is reused or recycled. On your lazy days, try to take your own reusable container to your favorite take-out restaurant. Or support your local businesses that are trying to go plastic-free.

Another way to avoid plastic-wrapped food is to take your own reusable cloth sandwich bag with you. When buying food at your local deli, provide them with your sandwich bag and tell them why you don’t want to use plastic packaging. A great conversation starter!

Whatever happened to the good old handkerchiefs? Continue to use handkerchiefs and you will save money and plastic waste production. After all, the plastic wrapped around your paper tissues is single-use!

Single-use plastic forks, spoons, knives and chopsticks? Who needs them when you can almost have them all in one, just like the metal folding sporks! These tiny, all-in-one beauties can fit right into the smallest pocket in your bag and they are fun to eat with. Why wait, get yours today!

It is very convenient to buy little bottles of shampoo, soap or toothpaste when you travel. But it’s a huge inconvenience for the environment. Always try to go for solid options, or refill small, reusable containers with the products you already have at home.

Everyone gets hungry while traveling; whether it’s a short or a long trip, we often end up buying snacks packed entirely in plastic. All you have to do to prevent this is bring your own snacks with you while you’re on-the-go. This way, you can also avoid the plastic-packaged food that airlines provide. This simple change will help you go far without plastic.

Many times when you are traveling, airlines or buses provide you with earphones which are often low quality and short-lived. Carrying your own headphones or earphones can help you avoid the unnecessary plastic.

Are you often annoyed by the earplugs that are given to you in planes, buses or at concerts? Did you know you can have your own reusable earplugs that can be a part of your keychain, so you never forget them? There are many cool alternatives available in the market, give them a try!

Your luggage does not need plastic wrapping. It is a very unnecessary use of plastic which ends up in the trash after one use. The plastic that is used in wrapping your luggage is very difficult to recycle. Strictly refrain from using plastic wrap for your luggage if it’s not necessary.

If you say no to the free gift bags or giveaways sometimes provided by airlines (which will end up in the bin sooner rather than later), you put the right message across to the airline and avoid useless plastic at the same time.

Whenever you travel to another country, learn the phrase “No plastic, please” or “No plastic bag, please” in the local language to help you avoid misunderstandings and useless single-use plastic. It’s a fun way to learn the language and spread awareness about the issue!

Did you know that microplastics from tires are the second biggest source of microplastic pollution in our oceans? While there are no absolute solutions or alternatives available for this issue, we advise you to use public transport wherever possible.

When you’re traveling, you probably need to take a towel with you that doesn’t take up a lot of space. Did you know that lightweight towels, also known as microfiber towels, are made with a polyester blend? Carry a cotton towel instead. Even if it takes a bit more space, you can be sure that you will be contributing a little less to the microplastic menace.

Did you know that tea bags which appear to be made of only paper sometimes also contain plastic? The added plastic, however, is rarely mentioned on the packaging, and the consumer remains blissfully unaware. Plastic tea bags are just another way for microplastics to end up in the environment, and also in the human body — without the tea-drinkers’ knowledge. Go for loose tea leaves and brew your own tea on the stove! Fun!

Did you know that the chemicals which are added to a plastic wrap to make it more “clingy” make it harder to recycle? On top of that, plastic cling films are largely single-use plastic. What are the alternatives? Bees wax wraps which work equally well, are 100% recyclable, reusable, and come in pretty designs!

Convenience food, whether ready-to-eat or frozen, could be a significant participant in your plastic waste footprint. Putting plastic-packaged meals in the microwave is the worst thing you can do to your food and to yourself, as, when heated, plastic leaks chemicals into your food and your body. Preparing fresh meals is a way to avoid this. When it comes to frozen food, you can always freeze at home: buy the fresh fruits and veggies you want to freeze, cut them as you like and freeze them, easy!

Yes, we know that plastic bottles are tempting as they are lightweight and inexpensive, but they sometimes release endocrine disruptors which can potentially mess up hormones in our bodies — young children are especially vulnerable. Try to avoid plastic baby bottles, even the “BPA-free” ones as there are many substitutes to BPA which are just as bad, if not worse. So get your baby a metal bottle!

The same problem exists with plastic nipples on the plastic baby bottles. Make sure you are buying a natural rubber bottle nipple. Your baby is worth it!

Are you a coffee enthusiast who loves having a cup of coffee at home? Do you use coffee capsules? Then you are participating in the single-use plastic crisis. Coffee capsules are one of the sinners of the single-use, non-recyclable, plastic problem. Institutes and offices around the world are voluntarily giving up on single-use coffee capsules and it’s about time that you do too. Try local stores that provide crafted coffee beans and ground coffee without plastic-packaging, or try the reusable coffee capsules!

Most plastic scrub sponges and brushes are not recyclable, which add up to the heaps of plastic waste that will survive the end of times. Using wooden brushes to clean your dishes is yet another way to bring plastic objects to a bare minimum in your life. Got stubborn stains and burns on your dishes? Use copper scrubs!

Plastic spatulas and ladles usually contain flame retardants and other plastic additives which are believed to cause cancer and birth defects. By using them on hot surfaces, these additives may leak into your food. Always go for wooden or metal spatulas.

This one is another very easy and widely available swap. Just use wooden chopping boards. They are much better for your kitchen, both in terms of quality and aesthetics. You don’t need to use the thin plastic boards which can be easily scratched and sliced with your knives, this way, you don’t have the risk of tiny plastic shavings getting into your food!

The same goes for your plastic cutlery. Over time, it wears and tears, losing tiny microplastics here and there or leaching chemicals and additives when exposed to heat. We do not need microplastics in our bodies and these quick switches will get you a long way.

Although the non-stick pans have made our lives easier and they are kind of plastic-free, they do come with a price, also known as PFOS/PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid). They are the first to leach into your food. Why is that a problem? Because PFOS/PFOA are used as plasticizers and can cause harm to kidney, lungs, liver and reproductive systems. Alternatives to non-stick pans are cast iron pans or steel pans.

The easy swap for kitchen paper tissues that come wrapped in plastic is cotton tea towels, or just turn your old t-shirts into kitchen towels.

When buying eggs, make sure that you buy them in cardboard containers instead of a plastic one. It’s a very simple fix that can reduce your plastic consumption by a lot!

Buying your food in bulk will save you from a lot of plastic waste. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce the plastic in your kitchen, and it will get your plastic footprint down by a lot, as plastic packaging is the biggest contributor to our plastic waste problem. While you go on your bulk shopping spree, don’t forget to take your glass jars and cotton produce bags along!

Throughout your lifetime, you are estimated to use about 300 toothbrushes, which are made of plastic that is often difficult to recycle. Imagine how much non-recyclable plastic you would avoid if you bought a wooden or bamboo toothbrush.

Metal tongue cleaners work just as well and are made to last. You don’t need a plastic tongue cleaner!

Dental floss is an example of a single-use plastic that ends up in our waterways. Animals may mistake it for food and starve. Easy alternatives such as silk or beeswax floss are widely available on the market!

Disposable menstrual pads and tampons may contain plastics and are often flushed down the toilet. On average, a woman is estimated to use and dispose about 10,000 of these menstruation products in her lifetime. Considering that half of the population of our planet is female, imagine all the non-recyclable single-use waste we are generating. There are simple, widely available solutions for this problem, for instance menstrual cups, which are a one-time investment which lead to virtually no plastic waste or exposure. Or, use reusable cloth pads. There are plenty of alternatives available for you to make your periods green!

Plastic ducks and other bathtub toys are usually made of PVC which is a type of plastic that may leak chemicals. You don’t want your kids to chew on them — so why would you want your kids to bathe with them? Make sure you have plastic toy-free bathtubs!

What can we say about them: just don’t flush them in your toilet! There are no long-term alternatives to disposable contact lenses, so try to use the longest lasting contact lenses available to you and dispose of them responsibly.

More often than not, the answer is NO! DO NOT FLUSH! Wet wipes, cotton buds, tampons and pads, dental floss are some of the many examples of the trash that is polluting our waterways. Only toilet paper is supposed to be flushed. So make sure you and your family dispose of bathroom waste responsibly.

Your shampoo bottles are more recyclable than you think. Do not throw your bathroom plastic in the general waste, put it out for recycling instead.

Yet another piece of plastic ruffled together that you don’t need. You can use a wooden brush or a pumice stone to scrub that dirt away. Easy!

Your grooming regime might be contributing to the 2 billion razors and cartridges disposed of each year. That’s only if you are using disposable razors! There’s a quick fix: a metal razor. Yes, they have existed since the beginning of times, and you can use them till the end of times.

Coconut oil is a magical eco-friendly product, full of vitamin E for your skin & hair and it works wonders as a make-up remover. The best part is that it’s easily available in glass jars across supermarkets. You can save so many plastic containers from being used while giving your skin the natural nourishment it needs!

There are endless options available for plastic-free combs and hair brushes made of bamboo or wood. When your old one is up for replacement, it’s an easy way to minimize your plastic footprint.

Plastic shower curtains are an often-overlooked but very easy-to-eliminate source of plastic in the bathroom. Simply swap your old one with naturally water resistant fabrics like burlap or hemp shower curtains. They can be easily washed in your washing machine and they do not release plastic microfibers, a win-win situation!

Although plastic toilet brushes are not single-use, they are made for short-term use. So YES! You can brush up your toilet with a wooden brush. What a great way to reduce your plastic footprint and have a greener toilet. You can find one at a local store near you!

We have finally arrived at a difficult object: toilet paper, which is usually wrapped in plastic. There are, however, alternatives available. Plastic-packaging-free toilet paper is slowly catching up. Support initiatives and businesses that are trying to bring plastic packaging free toilet papers in your regions. It will bring your plastic consumption to an absolute low!