Unexpected Alternatives to Plastic Packaging
1. 3. Biodegradable
Poop Bags
Here’s an extra tip: on longer walks, when my pups need a drink, I roll down the edges of a clean bag and pour water from my bottle into it. It works perfectly as a lightweight, on-the-go water bowl. Once they’ve finished, I simply empty it—and it’s still usable for the next potty break.
4. Nellie’s Dishwasher Detergent in a Metal Tin
I cringe every time I reach for my dishwasher
detergent and pick up that familiar plastic jug of Cascade Dishwasher
Detergent. I try to make it last longer by only filling the dispenser about
two-thirds full, but even then, I know I’ll eventually need to replace yet
another plastic container.
So I was genuinely excited to discover Nellie’s
Dishwasher Powder Tin—a dishwasher detergent that comes packaged in a reusable
metal tin. Even better? It works just as well as what I was using before.
Nellie’s is made in Canada, so importation fees make it a bit more expensive
here in Mexico. I purchased mine through iHerb.
Another plastic-free option is Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent,
which comes in a cardboard box instead of plastic. However, it’s also imported
into Mexico and tends to cost more than the standard Cascade Dishwasher
Detergent in plastic packaging.
To really understand the value, I plan to compare the cost per load between Nellie’s and Cascade powder—because a sustainable choice also needs to make sense financially.
Finding simple swaps like this makes reducing plastic feel not only possible, but practical.
1. 5. FEBU
Biodegradable Zip Seal Gallon Bags
I order my eggs, along with my other groceries, online from La Comer.
I’ve found a brand—Huevos Tehuacán—that uses molded pulp (paperboard) cartons
instead of Styrofoam, making it my go-to choice. These cartons are
biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally without leaving toxic
residue. It’s a simple switch that supports more sustainable packaging and
reduces everyday plastic use.
I’ve discovered the “Her” brand cotton feminine hygiene pads and have
found them to be both high-quality and non-irritating—a genuinely positive
switch for me.
Some of their key benefits include:
- Natural materials: Made from natural fibers and
organic cotton, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional
plastic-based pads.
- Biodegradable core: Designed to provide effective
absorption while breaking down more easily in the environment.
- Eco-friendly design: Free from added chemicals,
perfumes, chlorine, and parabens, helping support a more comfortable,
irritation-free experience.
This is one of those changes that feels like a win all around—better for personal comfort and a step toward reducing plastic waste in everyday life.
Some products make it harder to reduce plastic use. Take Fibiomet, for
example—it’s available both in a box of single-use envelopes (sachets) and in a
larger container. I chose the box of envelopes for travel, thinking they would
be convenient and less plastic. Later, I realized the paper box may have given me the impression
it was an eco-friendly choice.
Here’s what I discovered: the individual
envelopes are almost certainly made from multi-layer plastic film (often
with a thin foil layer) designed to protect the probiotics from moisture
and air. While this packaging is highly effective, it is neither recyclable
nor compostable—and each serving creates an additional piece of waste.
The larger container (a 270 g jar) is typically made of rigid plastic,
which also isn’t ideal—but it has one important advantage: it uses far less
packaging per serving. Instead of discarding 10 or more individual
wrappers, you’re using a single container that may be reusable or at least
recyclable, depending on your local system.
Bottom line:
- Sachets = more convenient, but more
waste per dose and usually non-recyclable
- Larger container = still plastic,
but significantly less packaging overall
When I have a choice, I opt for the larger container. It’s not a
perfect solution, but it’s a practical way to reduce plastic waste in everyday
life. What do you think about this?
If you're looking for simple, practical ways to cut back on plastic, this earlier post is a great place to begin. It covers easy swaps you can start using right away to reduce your environmental footprint.
As always, thank you for reading. And one small favor—if you’ve read Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel, I’d truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave a brief review on Amazon. It helps more than you might think.
