Simple Plastic-Free Swaps for Families to Try This May

Everyday Ways to Reduce Your Family’s Plastic Footprint This May

Plastic is everywhere. You know it, your kids probably know it too, and chances are, if you've ever gone to take the bins out and noticed just how many wrappers, pouches, and "convenient" things end up there—it’s already been on your mind.

But let’s be honest. Doing the weekly shop, packing lunches, cleaning up after dinner, sorting bath time, and handling endless little tasks doesn’t always leave space for perfect eco choices. You need swaps that are simple, affordable, and most importantly—easy to keep up with when life is full.

That’s where this guide comes in. A few small changes, done consistently, can take a big bite out of your household's plastic waste. And when the whole family’s involved, it’s easier to build habits that stick.

Here’s how to cut down your plastic footprint this May—starting with the things you use every day.

1. Swap Paper Towels for Reusable Kitchen Cloths

The kitchen is often the biggest source of daily waste. Between food packaging, single-use sponges, and mountains of paper towels, it adds up.

One of the easiest wins? Switching to reusable cloths.

Keep a few under the sink or in a basket on the counter—within arm’s reach. They work for spills, wiping hands, cleaning surfaces, even as casual napkins. And the best part? You can toss them in the laundry and use them again and again.

Look for bamboo or organic cotton cloths—they’re gentle, absorbent, and built to last. Over time, they save you money and cut your household waste without you having to think too hard about it.

Best for families with young kids: You’ll be amazed how many messes these handle—yogurt, sticky fingers, muddy knees, the lot.

2. Make the Switch to Bamboo Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes are one of those everyday items we rarely question. But every plastic toothbrush you've ever used still exists somewhere.

A bamboo toothbrush does the same job—with less waste and less guilt. The handle is biodegradable, the bristles can be pulled out and binned (or recycled with the right facility), and they come in compostable packaging.

Everyone in the family has their own colour? Easy. Bamboo brushes come in all sorts of designs—no more getting them mixed up.

Tip: Store them upright in a jar to help them dry properly between uses. And when it’s time to replace one, compost the handle and move on.

It’s a small swap. But multiplied across every member of the household, it becomes something meaningful.

3. Upgrade to Reusable Nappies (Even Part-Time)

If you’ve got a baby or toddler at home, you already know nappies are one of the biggest contributors to household waste.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to go full cloth to make a difference. Even swapping just one disposable nappy a day for a reusable one can prevent hundreds of nappies from ending up in landfill each year.

Modern cloth nappies are easier to use than people think. They’re adjustable, soft, come in lovely designs, and many fasten with snaps instead of pins. Wash them with your regular laundry and dry on a line when the sun’s out.

And when you need a break or a backup? That’s fine. It’s not all or nothing.

Start with day-time swaps: Use cloth nappies at home, and keep disposables for nights or outings if that feels more manageable.

4. Ditch Plastic Cotton Buds for Bamboo Ones

This one’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Plastic cotton buds are banned in some places for a reason—they’re tiny, hard to recycle, and often end up in the sea. Bamboo cotton buds are the perfect alternative. Compostable, strong, and just as functional.

Keep a box in the bathroom cabinet, and that’s one less plastic item in your routine.

Use them for everything: cleaning ears, applying ointments, fixing makeup smudges. They do it all.

5. Break Down the Swaps by Ease

Some swaps are instant. Others take a bit of adjustment. And when you’re juggling a family schedule, it helps to know which is which.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose where to start:

Easy Wins (Low effort, quick results)

Bamboo toothbrushes
Reusable kitchen cloths
Bamboo cotton buds
Refill hand soap or dishwashing liquid instead of buying new plastic bottles

Next Step Swaps (Still easy, but may take a bit of planning)

Reusable nappies (even part-time)
Switching to bar soap or shampoo bars
Beeswax wraps instead of cling film
Packing snacks in stainless steel or silicone containers

Stretch Goals (Biggest impact, but may take habit shifts)

Family composting setup
Shopping mostly from bulk or low-waste grocers
Fully transitioning to plastic-free bathroom products
Cutting back on takeaway packaging by planning meals ahead

There’s no pressure to do it all at once. Choose two or three this month. Let them become second nature before you add more.

Make It a Family Thing

Kids are more adaptable than we give them credit for. And when they see eco swaps as normal, not “special,” those habits carry forward.

Let them choose their own bamboo toothbrush colour.
Teach them to use cloths to wipe up their spills (it’s a great help).
Show them how a cloth nappy works, or how beeswax wraps fold over their sandwiches.
Let them drop the compost in the bin after lunch—it becomes a task they’re proud of.

These little acts build a sense of care and responsibility—without the lectures.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

Reducing your family’s plastic footprint isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention to the items you use every day, and choosing something better when the opportunity comes up.

Sometimes that’s a bamboo brush. Sometimes it’s a cloth napkin. Sometimes it’s just skipping the wrapped snack at the shop and choosing the loose one.

This May, see what fits. Make the changes that make sense for your household. And know that each one is part of a bigger picture.

Less plastic. Less waste. More intention.

To learn more, review our past blog posts on "The Best Eco-Friendly Products to Prep for Warmer Days Ahead".

FAQs

How often do I need to replace bamboo toothbrushes?
Every 2–3 months, just like a plastic one. Compost the handle, pull the bristles, and start fresh.

Are cloth nappies hard to wash?
Not really. Rinse off solids, store in a wet bag or bucket, and wash every 2–3 days with your regular detergent.

Do reusable kitchen cloths get smelly?
If you rinse them well and let them dry fully, they stay fresh. Toss them in the wash every few days, and they’re good to go again.

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Everyday Ways to Reduce Your Family’s Plastic Footprint This May

Make It a Family Thing

Small Shifts, Big Impact

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