If there’s one thing A-list celebs excel at, it’s setting trends for doing the right thing. From banning plastic straws to choosing eco-friendly packaging, celebrities are showing us just how simple it is to cut down on plastic use in everyday life. As this movement grows, it’s striking just how much single-use plastic is embedded in our lives—and how easy it is to reduce it.
Jeanne Salts, an environmental advocate, suggests taking stock of how much plastic we use daily. For example, replacing plastic straws with reusable options made from metal or glass is a straightforward way to make a difference. Cities like Santa Barbara have already banned plastic straws, encouraging alternatives.
Reusable bags are another easy swap. In places like California, using recycled bags is the norm. Salts emphasizes the importance of cleaning these bags regularly to maintain hygiene, especially when transporting food.
Some lifestyle changes require more effort. Chewing gum, for instance, is often made from polyurethane and rubber, materials that harm the environment. Opting for gum made with natural ingredients—or giving it up entirely—is a small but impactful choice.
Mindful shopping can also play a significant role. Choosing items in cardboard boxes rather than plastic bottles reduces waste. Buying grains and nuts in bulk using reusable containers is another effective way to minimize packaging.
Beyond these changes, reusing everyday items can have a lasting impact. Salts recalls how previous generations recycled everything, finding creative ways to reuse packaging instead of discarding it.
The key takeaway is the simplicity of these changes. By adopting a conscious mindset, reducing plastic use becomes a natural part of everyday life. With celebrities leading by example, there’s never been a better time to rethink our consumption habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
