Start Your Family's Plastic-Free Life! 7 Budget-Friendly Options

A few days ago, we wrote about the recent statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The pediatric group said that chemicals in plastic containers and packaging may be particularly harmful to children, so it should be avoided whenever possible. (It also said avoid putting plastic containers in the microwave.) 

So if you have been looking for ways to reduce your family's use of plastic in your home, there is no better time than the present. And ditching plastic doesn't mean spending more. In fact, it can even mean spending less. Consider starting here: 

For the kids

1. Reusable on-the-go utensils

You’ve probably seen those utensil sets that come in cloth carriers. Those though can come with price tags that are not so wallet-friendly. Remember, you can get portable utensil sets that also come with cases from almost anywhere!

Here are cute ones from Miniso that you can get starting at Php179.

2. Bamboo toothbrush

Dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, but those brushes are plastic waste. Try a bamboo toothrbrush from the Toothbrush Movement, which also has toothbrush for kids!

It is available online at Php149.75 from Minka via Human Nature.

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3. Silicone straws

Avoid one-time use straws! Try reusable ones instead. Silicone, as opposed to metal straws, are child-friendlier as well and can come in bright colors. 

The Happy Dragon store carries Silikids' Resuable Silicone Straws at Php450 for a pack of 6.

4. Cloth diapers

“They say a baby would need about 6,000 diapers in the first two to three years of life,” says Christine Briones-Plata, a mom who uses cloth diapers. “Building a stash of good cloth diapers would cost about 20-30 percent less than buying all those 6,000 disposables which can never be reused.”

This cloth diaper is Php370 from Dandy Nappy.

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For mom and dad

5. Shampoo bars

Shampoo bars can be better value for money because they last longer — you get more washes compared to liquid shampoo. And, you don’t get empty plastic bottle waste too.

A shampoo bar from SUDS costs Php180. 

6.  Refillable deodorant

Jameson and Mitchie Jimenez have two kids and run a zero-waste home. For their facial cleanser and deodorant, they turn to Zero Basics because it’s made with “absolutely zero preservatives, fillers, and artificial fragrance.” Plus, they offer it in refills so you can reuse the jars you already have.

This deodorant is Php250 from Zero Basics.

7. Market eco-bag

We're not putting a photo here because you can find an eco-bag just about anywhere. The key is to make sure you bring them wth you. Always have a spare in the car trunk, in your office, and a couple in the kitchen but place these in a strategic corner where you can see and grab it immediately. Our favorite eco-bags though remain to be those sold by supermarkets because they're big and durable. Those sold by Robinsons and Rustan's supermarkets are also grip-friendly.

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