By now you’ve read all the headlines about plastics. They are clogging our water ways, killing our marine life, and trashing our beaches. Microplastics are in our water, beer, air, and poop. It seems like an overwhelming problem but being the ambitious optimist you are, you think to yourself, “I can do something”. But where do you start? Glad you asked, here are the Plastic-Free Basics to get you started.

Before we get to the list, let me tell you how I formed it. I’m an engineer by training so I’m all about the 80/20 or Pareto Principle which states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your actions, so let’s focus there!

In Coastal Cleanup Days worldwide, 8 of the top 10 items found at beach clean ups are single-use plastics related to food and beverage packaging. So, if you can reduce or even stop your usage of these items you’re well on your way to living plastic-free. This year Coastal Cleanup Day is September 21st, be on the lookout for events in your area!

So, without further ado, Plastic-Free Basics List: reusable water bottle, reusable coffee cup, reusable grocery bags, reusable straw, and to be safe add reusable utensils with a cloth napkin–BAM! Look at you! Saving some sea turtles!

I’m going to guess that you already have most, if not all, of these items and probably one too many promotional coffee travel mug (Dad, I’m referring to you.). So, the trick is remembering to bring them or making it easier on yourself. I am a Type-A planner so before I leave the house I think about what my day is going to look like. Are we going out to eat? Yes. Ok, let’s pack some utensils and maybe a to-go container because I rarely finish my food. Are we going on a long walk? Yes. Ok, let’s pack the coffee mug, since I like warm beverages with my long walks. It takes a little getting used to but we do the same thing already with essentials like phone, wallet, and keys. At the very least, we can expand that list to: phone, wallet, keys, and reusable water bottle (your skin will thank me for all the extra hydration).

But if you’re not a planner, like me, and you’re more like my husband (sorry babe), then why not make it easier on yourself? Put these items either in your go-to bag/backpack or put these items in your car. Then they will be there when you need them! If you use this method, the trick will be remembering to replace the item when you bring it home and wash it. I like to wash it and put it back in the bag as soon as I get home, so I don’t forget. With any new habit repetition is the key. Research shows it takes two months to solidify a new habit. And if you think about it, you’ve been forming the habit of buying a disposable water bottle or using disposable utensils for at least a decade, so it will take time to break this old habit and form a new one. So, if you forget here and there, give yourself a break and keep working to remember the next time. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference!

Are you already using the items on this list? What other essentials do you pack and what other ideas do you have for remembering your reusables? Tell me in the comment section!