My “Zero Plastic Experiment”

My Zero Plastic Experiment” is the first goal major goal I’m listing on Green Slice of Life. I started this blog as a way to keep myself accountable for my goal of living a greener life. One of my biggest goals in this new experiment is to reduce my dependence on plastic. (Skip to my update on my Zero-Plastic Experiment)

So, I’m inviting you to join along with this little social experiment of mine, Just to be transparent, this great image above isn’t mine, It’s more of a used to inspire where I want to be going with my zero plastic experiments.

Can a regular Niagara-dwelling family go plastic-free? Where does one start? Are the resources needed to go zero plastic available in the area? How will the husband and the kids take to my experiment? Those are all questions I’m asking myself.

My Zero Plastic Experiment started a few months ago (mostly in my head) but. I”m just ready to share it on the blog. Here’s what I’ve done so far: And I’ll be honest, my progress is less than perfect.

Here’s what I have achieved so far in my Zero Plastic Experiment:

Switched to reusable grocery bags

So, using reusable grocery bags is something we’ve done for a long time. My husband is far better than me in remembering to bring reusable bags. Although we try, we’re not perfect at it either. This was an easy switch since reusable grocery bags are available at pretty much any store.

Stopped buying plastic wrap and plastic baggies

This was a pretty big step to take. We haven’t bought any plastic wrap or baggies for several months now, and to be honest, we’re making due. It’s an expense we are happy to forgo. We pack our lunches in reusable containers, as we do with leftover foods. Perhaps the only time I miss plastic warp is for wrapping cheese, and when I make a party tray or have something big to put in the fridge and I want to cover it.

I refuse disposable cups.

Disposable cups contain some plastic. Did you know that? I usually have my coffee at home, but if I go for takeout, I take a reusable cup with me.

Made Bees Wax Wraps

Ok, so Bees Wax wraps, an alternative to plastic wrap, is my newest mini-experiment within my Zero Plastic Experiment. I wanted to see if they were worth using. I’m currently testing it on my cheese. Will my cheese dry out? I’ll be happy to let you know how it all turns out.

If you are interested in plastic wrap alternatives like my beeswax wraps, you can make your own by following my How To Make Beeswax Wraps Tutorial or my recipe with pine resin. Check out my other sustainable projects in my DIY section. If you don’t want to miss out on my DIY and my discussion on pros and cons of using them, then I suggest you subscribe to my blog’s email list and you’ll stay current with my newest posts via email.

Bought some reusable straws.

So, straws are used much in my household, but they are handy to have with kids once in a while. So, I’ve invested in 4 reusable metal straws. This was an impulse buy when I visited Bulk Barn. It was on my list of things to source out, so It was a great find.

So what’s next?

Well, my next step is to source out the following:

• Where to buy bulk products and bring your own containers
• Source out plastic-free toothbrushes, shavers
• What are garbage bag alternatives (and do I want to go there?)
• Use sustainable period products

How about you? Are you looking at reducing your waste, or perhaps your footprint? Tell me in the comments below what you struggle with. If you are interested in going green, like me, perhaps you’ll be interested in my 1-week eco-challenge.

Follow me on Pinterest to see some inspiration on sustainable living.