Start where plastic meets heat, fat and daily use: food storage you reheat in, cooking utensils, your water bottle and your coffee cup. Then move to the bathroom and cleaning cupboard as products run out. Use up what you already own rather than throwing it away, and replace items one at a time with durable alternatives.
You do not need to replace everything at once. Change the items you use most, starting with those that touch hot food and drink.
Order of swaps
| Priority | Swap | Replace with |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Containers you reheat food in | Glass containers |
| 2 | Water bottle | Stainless or glass bottle |
| 3 | Coffee cup on the go | Steel or ceramic travel mug |
| 4 | Cooking utensils | Wood or stainless steel |
| 5 | Cling film and zip bags | Beeswax wraps, cotton bags, steel tins |
| 6 | Cutting boards | Wood |
| 7 | Dish brushes and sponges | Wooden brushes, compostable sponges |
| 8 | Shampoo and soap bottles | Bars and refills |
Rules that keep it sustainable
- Use up first. The greenest product is the one you already own.
- Buy once. Choose items that last for years.
- Check materials, not labels. “Eco” and “natural” are not material descriptions.
- One room at a time. Kitchen first, then bathroom, laundry and bedroom.
Browse food storage or the full on-the-go section.
Common questions
Should I throw away my plastic containers?
No. Use them for non-food storage or until they wear out, and stop heating food in them. Replace them gradually with glass or steel.
Is going fully plastic-free realistic?
For most households, cutting the everyday, high-use plastic is realistic. Some items, such as electronics and medical products, will still contain plastic.
Are bamboo products plastic-free?
Solid bamboo items are. Some products sold as bamboo are mixed with resins or melamine; check the material list.
What about non-stick pans?
Many plastic-free cooks switch to stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel, which last for decades with care.