Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Here are a few of our favorite waste reduction tips.

Single-use plastics are a modern convenience. However, the manufacturing, shipping, handling, and disposing of these items has a huge environmental impact. Single-use plastics put an unnecessary strain on the environment, public health, and our solid waste infrastructure when alternatives exist. Reusables are simple and typically more economical. Here are our favorite tips for a low-plastic lifestyle.

1. Use a reusable water bottle. Refill stations can be found at public City facilities. Plus, you’ll save on buying disposables.
2. Bring your own mug, tumbler, and food containers to your favorite local eateries to avoid disposable take-out ware.
3. Remember your own reusable totes and produce bags at the grocery store and farmers market.
4. Reuse containers and jars before disposing of them. Old yogurt tubs can make great catchalls for screws or other small items.
5. Learn! The best thing you can do to reduce your waste is to know what can be recycled locally and follow the City’s guidelines.

What replacements for single-use plastics work for you? You can make the switch to bar soap, “BYO” reusable straw, avoid swag items and giveaways that will collect dust, and request digital receipts. The less demand we have on single-use plastics, the less they will enter the market. Try secondhand shopping, cooking at home, repairing what you have, and buying items made from durable, long-lasting materials. These practices can help us rely less on plastics and reduce waste. 

Here is a list of common items that have great reusable alternatives that you can find at various retailers.

Diapers    ➡️    Cloth Diapers
Disposable Mop Pads    ➡️    Wet Mop with Soap and Water
Bottled Shampoo and Conditioner    ➡️    Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Plastic Baggies    ➡️    Silicone Baggies
Paper Napkins    ➡️    Cloth Napkins
Sanitizing Wipes    ➡️    Rag with Spray Cleaner
Coffee Pods    ➡️    Coffee Maker, French Press, Reusable Coffee Pod, etc.
Laundry Pods    ➡️    Liquid Detergent or Laundry Powder
Cupcake Liners    ➡️    Silicone Cupcake Liners

Single-use plastics can harm wildlife, pollute the environment, and take up valuable landfill space. We need everyone’s help to reduce single-use plastics in the City of Redlands.

One last thing! Reusing what you have, even if it’s plastic, is better for the environment (and your wallet!) than buying new. There is no need to buy new glass or metal containers when you already have something that works.

Check out our flyer on single-use plastics, too.