Tips for reducing plastic use

Use reusable bags: Invest in reusable fabric bags instead of using single-use plastic bags when you shop. If you have a sewing machine, you can easily sew your own bags from old pillowcases or duvet covers, for example. The very best thing is to reuse something you already have at home instead of buying something new.

Evy Risslén sewed these lovely bags from fabric scraps. They are sturdy and practical, and an excellent example of upcycling.

Reusable water bottles: Stop using single-use bottles and use reusable water bottles instead. It is better for the environment and saves money in the long run. The best thing is to use a bottle you already have instead of buying a new one. For example, use the plastic bottle you bought last time, fill it with tap water at home, and put it in your bag. I promise it will last a very long time without costing anything extra.

Repair and repaint
It is always better for the environment and climate to repair, repaint, and fix things instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. Older furniture and furnishings are often sturdy and made of wood or metal rather than synthetic plastic materials. It can be worth spending some time painting and repairing them so that the furniture lasts even longer.

Fannie here at Soapa repainted this chair, and look how beautiful it turned out.

Avoid single-use plastic products: Avoid single-use plastic products such as cutlery, plates, and straws whenever possible.

Check your plastic and, if possible, choose POP, prevented Ocean Plastic—plastic collected from coastal areas and beaches. Choose biodegradable plastic and plastic that can be sorted and recycled. 

Recycle and sort your plastic. Return deposit bottles and sort your waste.

Reduce microplastics: Avoid products that contain microplastics, such as some skincare products and cleaning agents. Check ingredient lists and choose environmentally friendly alternatives.
Wash synthetic materials such as fleece in a laundry bag intended for these materials. There are laundry bags that collect microplastics so they do not end up in the wastewater.