Small Swaps, Big Impact: My Top 5 Plastic-Free Essentials
I just hit “confirm” on my registration for another Plastic Free July certification! Even though I’ve been on this journey for years, there is something about that annual commitment that makes me pause and reflect.
Our family took the leap into the zero-waste lifestyle back in 2016. Looking back, I realized just how much has changed, and how much easier it has become to live alignment with my values. It got me thinking: if I had to pick the five swaps that have made the biggest difference in my daily life (especially living here in chilly Sweden!), what would they be?
Here are the five plastic-free champions in my household.
1. The Humble Cardboard Lip Balm
Living in Sweden, the cold climate is no joke, it is a relentless battle against dry lips! I used to go through countless plastic tubes of balm every year. Now, I only buy lip balm packaged in cardboard tubes. They are fully compostable or recyclable, and honestly, they feel much more “luxe” than the plastic alternative. No more tossing tiny plastic cylinders into the bin every month.
2. Laundry Detergent: From Soap Nuts to Sheets
When we started in 2016, our options were basically “make it yourself” or use soap nuts. I still have a soft spot for soap nuts and use them often, but the real game-changer has been laundry sheets.
• The Problem: Commercial detergents are usually bottled in heavy plastic and loaded with harsh chemicals.
• The Solution: These sheets are plastic-free, chemical-free, and take up almost zero space. They’ve made the chore of laundry so much lighter, literally.
3. Reusable Food Storage Bags
We all know how convenient Ziploc bags are, but the “inconvenient truth” is pretty ugly. They shed microplastics, can leach chemicals into your food, and are essentially just glorified oil and fossil fuels. Switching to reusable food storage bags was a total win-win. They last for years, keep my food safe, and have saved our family a significant amount of money over time.
4. My “Worthy” Travel Cutlery
I travel quite a bit for work and have meetings all over Stockholm. To avoid those flimsy, “oh-so-often plastic” disposable forks, I carry a set from Worthy Picks (my friend’s company!).
Why I love them: They are incredibly high quality and the kit includes everything, even a straw. Having them in my bag means I never have to compromise my values for a quick lunch on the go.
5. Glass Jar Body Cream
Finding bulk body lotion in Stockholm is surprisingly difficult. Since most lotions come in plastic pump bottles, I’ve switched to buying high-quality creams in glass jars. Once the cream is gone, the jar becomes a spice container or a craft organizer, or it goes into the glass recycling. It’s a simple shift that keeps a lot of plastic out of my bathroom cabinet.
This journey isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making better choices where we can. These five swaps have become second nature to me, proving that living sustainably doesn’t have to be a sacrifice—it’s just a new, more thoughtful way of moving through the world.
Are you joining Plastic Free July this year? I’d love to hear which swap you’re most excited to try!
If you want to deepen your journey to reducing waste and save money at the same time, check out my Ebook Eco saving.
