Plastic Detox Alternatives

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One thing that Netflix’s Plastic Detox does not cover is the alternatives used to replace all the plastic products used by the families in the show.

I embarked on a journey to find my own alternatives, and here are my swaps for common household and beauty products we typically use.

#1 Laundry Detergent

I stopped using big box laundry detergent pods because they don’t dissolve well, often build up, and get stuck in your washing machines, and they’re non-biodegradable and will leach toxins into the soil and sewage systems.

Instead, I recommend these brands:

#2 Dishwasher Tablets & Liquid

Ditch brands like Palmolive and Dawn. Those are non-biodegradable and leave a filmy residue thats naked to the eye.

Instead, we opt for traceable and biodegradable formulas.

I recommend these brands:

#3 Shampoo

I swapped out my Vichy Dandruff Shampoo ($28.99 for 13.8 oz) for their Satinique™ Anti-Dandruff Scalp & Hair Shampoo ($25.20 for 1L).

I love Vichy, but their bottles are not made from recycled plastic, and Satinique was much cheaper by volume. Satinique bottles are made from 30% recycled materials.

#4 Bamboo Cutting Boards

We swapped our plastic cutting boards for bamboo cutting boards. These require hand washing, but that is worth the effort because we were eating microplastics each time we prepped food.

#5 Teak Cooking Utensils

We replaced all our plastic cooking utensils with teak utensils.

#6 Stasher Silicone Reusable Bags

Stasher bags are reusable Ziplock bags and come in many sizes and colors. I do not use regular plastic bags as those shed microplastics. Stasher bags also save me money in the long run!

I get the assorted set and plan to buy another.

#7 Metal Utensils

I swapped my plastic utensils for stainless steel. You’ll typically see these in Korean restaurants. I am honestly obsessed! They are even machine washable.

Here are kitchen swaps that you can easily make:

Metal Chopsticks
Metal Soup Spoons
Metal Utensil Set (Spoons, forks, and knives)

#8 Corelle Dinnerware

Corelle is made of Vitrelle, a specialized, tempered glass product consisting of two types of glass thermally bonded into three distinct layers. They have various designs and sizes.

I’ve been using Corelle for years. They also seem to be indestructible and are machine washable.

#9 Biodegradable Trash Bags

Biodegradable trash bags are a MUST in our household. We also try to fill it up completely before taking it out to the dumpster bins.

#10 Wool Dryer Balls

Reusable Wool Dryer Balls

Stop using dryer sheets! These are made of plastic and stick around for decades.

Use wool dryer balls instead. They are reusable and can even be scented by adding some essential oils such as Lavender and Citrus.

#11 Toilet Paper

The best brand to use is Who Gives a Crap, OR you can opt for a bidet.

I personally LOVE using my heated seat bidet and then wiping with plush wash cloths dedicated to toilet affairs.

#12 Beeswax Bread Bags

Stop using bread bags with plastic in them. Instead, opt for these beeswax bread bags.

I go to my favorite local baker, fill my bag, and then check out as normal, sans plastic!

#13 Tea Strainer

For years, I drank those plastic pyramid tea bags. Those leech so much plastic into your tea and are bad for the environment.

Opt for loose-leaf teas and a reusable metal tea strainer instead.

Got any other zero-waste swaps you’d recommend? DM me and tell me all about it!

#14 Pela Phone Cases

There is SO MUCH waste in technology. I love using Pela Phone cases because they are COMPLETELY biodegradable and come in so many colors and designs. There is something for everyone!

Pela is also available on Amazon.

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