Hi friends,

We all know by now that our plastic dependence is just plain wasteful. Less than 1% of plastic bags are recycled worldwide. The rest end up in landfills. Here are a few easy steps we can all take to cut down on the plastic consumption for good!

xoxo,

Sukey

In this world of convenience, plastic is tough to avoid. Sometimes it seems like we live at the mercy of plastic bags and takeout containers simply because they're everywhere. Try these tips to free yourself from reliance on plastic in the kitchen and at the store.

• Be prepared. Make sure your reusable bags are right where you need them. Keep some by your front door so you can grab them on the way out, and hide a few backups in your car if you're the driving kind.
• Ditch the tupperware. You don't necessarily have to throw it out, but stop storing your food in it, and never, ever microwave it.
• Invest in glass. Glass mason jars are inexpensive and they actually keep food fresh longer than plastic does. Stock up on cheap canning jars or hit some flea markets for vintage glassware.
• Use cotton at the bulk bins. Buy or make your own cotton reusable bulk bags for grains, beans, nuts and dried fruit.
• Cook ahead. Steam or blanch delicate veggies (think kale, broccoli, carrots or other wilt-prone produce) as soon as you buy them. Then store the prepared veggies in glass instead of plastic bags. Add them to dishes throughout the week and half of your cooking is already done.
• Chop on wood. Switch from plastic cutting boards to wood. Not only will you keep chemicals from seeping into your food, but it's also a better way to avoid bacterial contamination.
• Buy fresh. One of the easiest ways to decrease the plastic in your life is simply to buy less packaged food. Revolve your shopping around the farmers market and the bulk bins and plastic will become easier to avoid.

Tap the Well: If you want to cut your ties with plastic in every area of your life, check out these smart resources:

• Plastic-Free Living Guide
• Life Without Plastic
• Plastic Pollution Coalition