Try the no-plastic challenge

Could you live without single-use plastic for a week?

View this email online Today’s newsletter is brought to you by producer Clare Marie Schneider We use plastic so much in everyday life. It can extend the shelf life of our food, make clothes more durable and is used in many consumer products such as toys and phones. It’s cheap, waterproof, bendable and lightweight. But its convenience comes with a cost, both to the planet and our health. Each year, an estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic litter ends up in the environment. And as it’s used, plastic breaks down into microplastics and chemicals leach out of it, which can cause health problems. If you'd like to reduce your plastic consumption, NPR's Claire Murashima has tips for you. She challenged herself to cut out single-use plastics, such as coffee cup lids and shampoo bottles, for one week. Even in that short time period, she found the endeavor difficult. Plastic is in almost everything, she says. While individual actions won’t necessarily solve the climate crisis, they can add up, says Isaias Hernandez, a Los Angeles-based environmental educator. “Personal actions drive cultural change.”  Help me cut out plastic Beck Harlan/NPR Want to try the no-plastic challenge? Here are some ideas to get you started. Leave the house prepared. To avoid that plastic fork when you buy lunch or that single-use plastic coffee lid, bring your own utensils and reusable containers when you’re outside of the home. Murashima says she left the house equipped with a reusable water bottle, her own utensils and food containers.  Reuse the plastic you already have. Keep fresh herbs in cereal box liners, use plastic bottles as vases or planters, and store leftovers in plastic yogurt containers.  Look for easy swaps when you can. Fill up a reusable water bottle instead of buying a bottle of water. Use bar soap instead of body wash in a plastic container. If you menstruate, consider using a reusable menstrual cup instead of pads or tampons, many of which contain plastic.  Cut down on the plastic you ingest. Microplastics and the chemicals from plastics can find their way into your food from packaging, cutting boards, cookware, water bottles and more. Avoid storing food in plastic containers and swap plastic utensils with alternatives made from wood, glass or metal. Remember: going completely plastic-free is unrealistic. Plastic is everywhere. If you want to make a change, go slow. See what's in your cabinets and trash can so you can make decisions that work for you.   It's time to use less plastic Newsletter continues after sponsor message More Life Kit episodes on eco-friendly living Kaz Fantone/NPR Cut down your household waste with these 5 creative solutions. The average American generates five pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reduce your household trash by listing your output and taking these simple actions. Read the story here. The plastic problem isn't your fault, but you can be part of the solution. It's not your fault that single-use plastic is everywhere. But with a little planning, you can curb your use of disposables and maybe even save some money in the long run. And after you've reduced and reused, we'll teach you how to recycle — properly! Read the story here.  12 sustainability tips you can use year-round from NPR listeners. From making creative storage to helping food last longer, Life Kit readers share their everyday sustainability tips to help you prioritize the environment and reduce your personal waste. Read the story here.  Could you live without shopping for a year? Try the 'no-buy challenge'. The goal is to save money, cut back on overconsumption and be more mindful of wasteful and unsustainable shopping habits. This guide can help you start a challenge of your own. Read the story here. Listen Sponsor-Free Support public media while getting expert advice on health, finance, relationships and more with Life Kit+. You'll get sponsor-free listening AND that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with making a difference. You can also check out loads of other NPR+ podcasts with benefits at plus.npr.org. Quote of the week: On personal style  Don’t feel confident about your wardrobe or sense of fashion? Let go of your idea of dressing trendy, says Los Angeles-based stylist Sophie Strauss in a new Life Kit episode, “Style as your body changes.”  Instead of buying what’s on the mannequin, follow your own tastes and preferences -- it can help you cultivate your own unique, personal style. This week on Life Kit J Studios/Getty Images Mortgage rates have dropped. Should you refinance your home? Interested in seeing if you can save money on your mortgage? Here’s what to know about refinancing – and how to think about timing. Read the story here.  Stress-busting skills to try in everyday life. Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Going through something really tough? Stress is a part of life — but we can learn to manage it. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares evidence-based skills from a research psychologist at Northwestern University aimed to bring more ease into your life. Listen to the episode here. How to deal with climate anxiety. It's hard to stay motivated in the face of threats like climate change — especially when it feels like you're the only one who cares. But a new course from the University of California aims to help students cope with climate activism burnout, find new purpose and work toward change at the local level. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares exercises from the class that'll help you find renewed purpose in all aspects of life. Read the story here. Hurricane preparedness: Expert guidance on flooding, power outages and more. The Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet. Get ahead of the next storm with these emergency preparedness tips to protect you, your family and your home. Read the story here.  Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy