August of this year was when we officially started doing the monthly plastic-free challenges. We are now entering the 6th month of challenges and I thought this would be a good time to reflect on what we’ve learned so far, and how to move forward with our plastic-free goals. The main point of the challenges was to see what it would take to reduce plastic dependency in our daily lives. It’s been interesting trying out different advice to see what works. In doing so, I’ve gained insight on what is practical, and realistic, when it comes to cutting out plastics in my daily life.
Plastic-Free Challenges Thus Far
Month 1 – Deli Meats and Cheeses
My key takeaway from the Deli Meat and Cheese Challenge was that the only way to really eliminate the plastics from meat was to go vegetarian. That is, unless you live somewhere with a butcher/deli that lets you bring in your own container, which I was not able to find. But if you do have a butcher/deli that will do that, then you actually have the option to eliminate plastic from your deli meats. The same goes for cheeses. Otherwise, the only options I found were to reduce plastic by using more plant based protein or using canned and freeze-dried meats.
In the future, I’m going to separate the deli meat and cheese challenge. In retrospect, there are more aspects to be covered when it comes to acquiring meat in general, not just deli meat. And the cheese felt like a whole topic on its own. So splitting the category next time around will allow me to better focus on strategies for them.
Month 2 – Bread and Baked Goods
The plastic-free Breads and Baked Goods ended up being more of a challenge than I had anticipated. The dilemma came with being gluten-free. If not for that, I would have had plenty of plastic-free options for bread. For regular bread you can buy from a bakery and bring your own bread bag. Or, you can bake your own bread to cut down on plastic. This is where another problem came up, regular flour comes in paper bags, making this a good plastic-free alternative. However, the gluten-free flour comes in plastic bags. So, whether I make it or buy it, the GF flour uses plastic.
I was also very surprised to find that the plastic bag the GF flour came in weighed the same as the plastic bread bags that my GF store-bought bread came in, which meant I wasn’t even reducing plastic with this method. Please see the GF bread article for more detail on all this. Quick note – I was able to find GF flours at the bulk food store but none of them were a 1:1 baking blend.
Month 3 – Plastic Wrap Alternatives
For this challenge, we explored three plastic wrap alternatives – beeswax wrap, silicone pouches, and cloth bowl covers. I learned quite a bit about each alternate, and was able to find my preferred ones. However, the main lesson learned is that you need all three alternates to effectively replace plastic wrap and bags.
Month 4 – Replacing TV Dinners
This is the month we started using the 3 strategies structure to change our habits. So far, the Replacing TV dinners challenge has been my favorite and most beneficial to daily living. The 3 strategies, which work best when used all together, were homemade frozen meals, meals-in-a-jar, and simple 15 minute meals. I liked this challenge because there was very little change to my regular schedule, with the exception of a few afternoons of cooking and jar prepping. The great thing about this challenge was not only getting rid of the plastic from TV dinners. But I also had pre-made meals that were well-balanced, quick to make, and more satisfying than the TV/microwave dinners I had been eating previously.
Month 5 – Plastic-Free Presents
Plastic free presents can be achieved, but it depends on what you need to get for gifts and what’s available in your area. The 3 strategies for this challenge were shopping locally, easy homemade gifts, and gift wrap alternatives. All 3 strategies were beneficial but reusable gift wrap had the most universal application to meeting plastic/waste free goals.
Plastic-Free Challenges: Figuring Out the Next Steps
This month, we’re going to take some time to reflect and share more about the process of going plastic-free. Or in our case, getting rid of single-use plastic waste. Talking with others, it seems like most people follow the same steps when transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle. The journey usually starts either with product swaps, or being more consistent with using reusables. I look forward to exploring this topic more with you all in the next few articles!
Tools to Help With Your Own Plastic-Free Challenges
Start the year off right! Download my free tracking template to help you with your plastic free goals this year. I’ve also started a booklist* with a focus on eco friendly living and creating better habits.
(*) indicates an affiliate link where Sustainable Pursuits llc may receive a small compensation for product recommendations. This helps to support Sustainable Pursuits llc and my ability to share these experiences with you!
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