How to Use Less Plastic with Kids at Home

Every parent's bag is filled with snacks to tide kids over as you take on your day. All these little treats add big waste to the trash bin, especially when they come individually wrapped in disposable packaging or when you load them up in disposable plastic bags.

Let kids choose their reusable storage bags in fun designs, which also come in a range of different size options and gusseted bottoms that allow them to stand up on their own. They are easy to rinse out and should hold up to years of use. And switch to stainless steel reusable water bottles with plastic-free straws for even more convenience.

Teach sustainability early by having kids help buy healthy snacks in bulk instead of individually wrapped versions. Plan a trip to the farmer’s market or bulk bin section at the grocery store and bring your reusable bags along.

And learn about ways to reduce takeout food plastic and waste so you can teach the kiddos even more.

Bathtime for kids often involves myriad plastic bottles full of bubble bath, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.

Swap the bottles for more eco-friendly packaging and products that contain plant-based ingredients that won’t harm your child — or the environment.

Try swapping out some of the worst plastic waste offenders with the 4 tips below.

Shampoo and conditioner bars produce as much lather as regular shampoos and are usually packed in recyclable paper packaging. Soap bars provide as much moisture now as most body washes and take up less bath storage space.

Plus, bar soaps fit in little hands a lot easier than big plastic bottles so kids can start to bathe themselves — win-win.

Foaming hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and even bubble bath are available in concentrates or refill packs. These low-waste alternatives use minimal packaging and more cost effective.

Ask kids to help find pretty dispensers to put their refills in so they know which products are theirs.

Switching to natural bath toys, bath bombs, bath crayons, and more means that not only will they be safe for playing but that they also will most likely come in eco-friendly packaging and contain less plastic.

Have kids help recycle or compost the packaging after they're done playing!

Try this plastic-free alternative to traditional toothpaste in a delicious natural watermelon flavor. Toothpaste tablets come in little tabs that you bite up to create a paste inside of your mouth for brushing your teeth.

Bonus: Remind kids about turning off the water while brushing to conserve!

When kids can keep track of everything they have, you're less likely to over-purchase or duplicate with more toys.

Have kids help pick out colorful, non-plastic storage options so they're excited to use the bins.

Instead of throwing away toys when your kids outgrow them, encourage them to bag them up for donation.

Make it a fun holiday tradition to take stock, pare down, and make another kid’s birthday dream by donating to a local organization or toy drive.

While you’re at the donation site, see if you can shop second-hand for more toys or clothing for your own kids.

Teaching kids about shopping second-hand is a great moment to focus on reducing waste and reusing, instead of throwing away.

As you shop for toys, keep health and safety in mind. PVC is a common material used in children's toys, and it offers plenty of dangers — especially when kids are at an age when things end up in their mouths.

How many times a day do you take a trip to the trash can or the recycling bin? Make every one of those instances a teaching opportunity for your youngster by working together to minimize waste throughout the home.

A lot of the same techniques that help adults reduce their carbon footprint can be applied to kids too. And when taught from a young age, they'll never know any other way than the eco-friendly way.

Try starting as a family with the 3 easy tips for reducing waste around the home below.

Putting towels in the hamper after a single use wastes water, laundry detergent, and energy.

Give the kids hooks in their bathroom that make it easy to hang their towels up, and have them use them several times before washing.

Bonus: Teach them about rewearing clothes that may not need to be washed right away too.

Instead of reaching for another roll of paper towels at the store, consider an eco-friendly alternative, such as reusable paper towels or microfiber cloths.

Not only will this quick swap-out save the landfill, but you can get kids in on the cleaning with these safe, healthy, and colorful products.

Bonus: Switch to cloth napkins to save paper waste during meals.

Once you show them the different ways to minimize waste, start conversations about how to reduce plastic use, reuse plastic, and recycle plastic and glass containers.

Pasta sauce jars can be used for sorting and storing children's art supplies or their marble, rock, or bug collection. Make a game out of collecting reusable trash items throughout the week and then come up with fun crafts and projects for them.