Last Updated on March 10, 2025

Growing up, I was the queen of convenience: microwaving Chinese takeout in Styrofoam containers, loading plastic Tupperware with leftovers, munching on individually wrapped snacks, and grabbing plastic water bottles whenever I was thirsty on the golf course.

Of course, I would throw all of this into a landfill without a second thought. But, I also didn’t realize the harm I was causing my body. As I’ve switched to a zero waste lifestyle, I cringe at my younger self.

My plastic wake-up call didn’t happen overnight. It started with small realizations about the chemicals hiding in plain sight in my home. The first domino to fall was my cleaning products, those bright blue liquids in plastic bottles promising to sanitize every surface. When I learned what was actually in them (and how they were packaged), I couldn’t unsee it.

From there, the easy swaps followed naturally: a stainless steel water bottle replaced my disposable plastic ones, and I started bringing my own mug to the coffee shop instead of accepting another plastic-lined paper cup with a plastic lid. These changes felt small at the time, almost insignificant.

But those initial steps were my gateway changes and now I do so many of them without a second thought. Once I started noticing plastic in these areas of my life, I began seeing it everywhere—wrapping my food, storing my leftovers, holding my shampoo, even in the synthetic fabrics of my clothes. Plastic had quietly infiltrated almost every corner of our existence.

Now, as someone committed to plastic-free living, I cringe thinking about my younger self. My journey away from plastic hasn’t been perfect, but it’s taught me important lessons about why we should all consider reducing plastic in our lives.

the popsicle maker mistake: why cheap plastic costs more in the end

Last summer taught me a hard lesson about false economy.

If you’re unfamiliar, the false economy refers to a situation where the short-term financial benefits of a particular decision or trend appear to be advantageous, but in reality, it leads to negative long-term consequences. In other words, it’s an illusion of saving money or gaining value that eventually ends up costing more or causing harm down the line.

So Justin wanted homemade popsicles – a perfect summer treat. I knew we’d probably only use popsicle molds once or twice a year so I hesitated to invest in those gorgeous stainless steel ones from Life Without Plastic.

Standing in the store aisle, looking at traditional plastic popsicle makers, I thought: “Why not? If we’re only using them a few times, plastic will be fine.”

Wrong.

They broke on first use. Now I had unusable plastic headed straight for the landfill—where it will remain for hundreds of years—and still no popsicles.

I would have been better off buying the stainless steel ones that would last forever. (And I didn’t even realize Life Without Plastic sells reusable bamboo popsicle sticks too!

what exactly is plastic? understanding the hidden health risks

When we talk about reducing plastic, we’re not just being trendy environmentalists. There’s real science behind the concern.

Plastic is derived from oil, natural gas, and coal. To achieve its flexibility, manufacturers add chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates—all known endocrine disruptors.

These aren’t just scary-sounding chemicals. Scientific research has linked them to:

• Reproductive abnormalities
• Impaired brain function
• Cancer risk increases
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Early puberty
• Genetic damage
• Neurological impacts on babies and toddlers
• Pregnancy complications
• Resistance to chemotherapy treatments

Did you know even paper receipts are now coated with BPA? Pregnant women are advised not to handle them. Let that sink in for a moment.

plastic pollution: beyond personal health

The impact of plastic extends far beyond our bodies.

We’re witnessing unprecedented obesity in wild animals whose diets haven’t changed—but their exposure to plastic has skyrocketed. Microplastics fill our waterways, and plastic pollution has become a global crisis.

The manufacturing process itself is resource-intensive:

• 10% of our global oil production goes to making plastic
• Production consumes massive energy and releases air pollution
• Factory workers face daily exposure to toxic chemicals

Most plastic we use will eventually end up in landfills or oceans, where it never truly biodegrades—it just breaks into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming even more dangerous to wildlife and humans. There are literally plastic particles in the air you’re breathing right now.

practical steps to reduce plastic in your daily life

easy swaps to start your plastic-free journey:

1. Choose better packaging: Opt for products in paper, cardboard, aluminum, or glass
2. Switch to natural fabrics: Look for wool, cotton, hemp, silk, and linen instead of polyester and nylon
3. Invest in quality: Buy durable items once rather than replacing cheap plastic repeatedly
4. Consider second-hand: Many quality items are available pre-owned at a fraction of the cost
5. Start with food storage: Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel options
6. Bring your own: Carry reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups

RELATED: 20 Easy Sustainable Swaps for a Zero Waste Lifestyle

vote with your wallet for a plastic-free future

Every purchase is a vote for what you want to see more of in the world.

When you buy something, you’re effectively saying, “Yes, make more of this.” We need to start using our purchasing power intentionally.

We can say, “Please make more stainless steel popsicle makers,” and “Please stop making flimsy plastic ones that break immediately.” The power is in consumers’ hands—our hands.

We can create a healthier ocean, healthier wildlife, and a healthier human population. We can make a difference every day by simply saying no to plastic.

my plastic-free journey: small steps, big impact

My transition away from plastic hasn’t been perfect. I still find plastic sneaking into my life, but each small choice adds up.

I’ve learned that living with less plastic isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about making better choices when I can, and forgiving myself when convenience sometimes wins.

What small step could you take today toward reducing plastic in your life? The journey to plastic-free living starts with a single swap.

Have questions about going plastic-free? Drop them in the comments below or join my newsletter for weekly tips on sustainable living.

Sources & Further Reading

http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/FourthReport_ExecutiveSummary.pdf

http://consumer.healthday.com/diabetes-information-10/misc-diabetes-news-181/plastics-chemicals-may-boost-kids-risk-for-obesity-diabetes-679341.html

http://www.newsweek.com/what-fat-animals-tell-us-about-human-obesity-69021

http://environment.yale.edu/magazine/fall2009/the-problem-with-plastics/

https://student.societyforscience.org/article/tiny-plastic-big-problem

http://www.npr.org/2011/04/19/135245835/our-toxic-love-hate-relationship-with-plastics

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/dangers-of-plastic