How to Start a Plastic Free Life: Easy Tips for Zero Waste Living

I’ve cared about the environment for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, I’d be the one sorting the recycling bin and giving people side-eyes if they littered. But it wasn’t until my 20s that I discovered the zero waste movement—and it completely changed the way I looked at my daily habits.

I started learning about how plastic doesn’t really “go away”—how it breaks down into microplastics that end up in our waterways, oceans, and even inside fish (and us!) ¹. What really stuck with me was how much hidden plastic waste we create without realizing it. Even washing polyester clothes releases microplastics into the water system ². That was my first big shift: I stopped buying synthetic fabrics and now stick to natural fibres like cotton, linen, and hemp.

Then I started paying more attention to the plastic in my bathroom. Toothpaste tubes? Not recyclable. Plastic toothbrushes? Just more waste. So I switched to bamboo toothbrushes, silk dental floss, and toothpaste tablets in refillable glass jars. I even use old-school soap bars for hand washing. And of course—no more products packaged in plastic if I can avoid it.

Before I started making my own skincare, I went through so many plastic bottles and tubs. It drove me a little nuts seeing how much waste added up from just trying to keep my skin soft and happy. That’s part of why I started formulating plastic free skincare in the first place—to make zero waste products that are effective and beautifully simple.

All of my packaging is either glass or tin (infinitely recyclable materials), and my products are small-batch and made with care. My Serum, for example, comes in a refillable glass bottle—so once you're done, you can order a refill without tossing anything out. My Salve is a plastic free lip balm and spot treatment in a sturdy tin that’s easy to reuse or recycle. I even keep some in my bag for dry hands or cuticles on the go. And my Suds powdered cleanser comes in a recyclable tin—no plastic pumps, no waste, just clean skin and a clean conscience.

If you're just starting out on your plastic free life, here are some of the easiest swaps to get you going:

5 Easy Tips to Start a Zero Waste or Plastic-Free Lifestyle

1. Swap your toothbrush
   Trade the plastic one for a bamboo version. It works just as well and breaks down in compost.
2. Try bar soap or solid shampoo
   These last ages and often come in paper or cardboard—no plastic free packaging to worry about.
3. Use refillable skincare
   Choose brands (like mine 😉) that offer refillable skincare options to cut down on single-use containers.
4. Ditch the polyester
   Start buying clothes made from natural fibres like organic cotton, wool, or hemp. They feel better and don’t shed microplastics in the wash.
5. Be a packaging snob
   Look for plastic free products wherever you shop. Whether it’s dish soap, deodorant, or lip balm, there’s almost always a better option if you take a second to look.

Living zero waste isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. I still end up with plastic now and then, but I always try to recycle or reuse it when I can. The point is, we make choices every day. And the more of us who choose better, the more brands will follow.

If you’re looking for a place to start, even one or two small swaps can have a ripple effect—not just on the planet, but on your mindset. Once you start thinking differently, it’s hard to go back.

Let me know what your first plastic-free swap was—or what you're planning to try next! 💚