Unexpected Alternatives to Plastic Packaging
M de Manรญ Almendrina Almond Butter Two-pack
I’m always looking for new ways to reduce everyday plastic use. Recycling and reusing help—but I’ve come to believe that reducing is what really makes a difference.
I recently made
three more great discoveries. Almond butter packaged in glass had been a real
challenge to find, but I finally located a good option on Amazon. Purchasing
the M de Manรญ Almendrina two-pack in the largest jar size is the most
economical option. Even better, it’s made by a Mexican company, so there are no
added import costs.
Stur
Lemon-Lime Electrolyte Packets
Finding ways to avoid purchasing electrolyte solutions and
sports drinks in plastic bottles has been one of my biggest goals. It’s
discouraging to see how many bottles of Electrolit rehydration drinks are
consumed in Mexico, each one creating another piece of plastic waste.
Discovering Stur electrolyte packets was a real win. I ordered it online from
iHerb.
Label on the Back of the Stur Package
One packet of Stur electrolyte powder mixed into a 16-ounce reusable water bottle
provides effective hydration with a good balance of potassium and sodium. As
I’ve mentioned before, Clamato is one of my favorite post-walk drinks after
time in the heat—which is why I couldn’t resist sneaking it into the photo
above.
Rendin Brand Biodegradable Poop Bags
Switching
to Rendin Biodegradable Poop Bags has been an excellent decision. They’re an
Amazon Choice for good reason—eco-friendly, economical, and easy to use. With
my two dogs, Sophie and Max, getting me out for walks three times a day, I go
through an average of 4 bags a day, so finding a better option really
matters.
Max and Sophie with Me at the Saturday Market
Puerto Vallarta's Lรกzaro
Cรกrdenas Park
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.
I Switched to 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.
Muyme Toothpaste
Tablets from La Comer
Paper Box with Tablets in a Metal Tin Inside
A reader
recently shared some helpful information about Muyme Toothpaste Tablets, one
of my favorite plastic-free products. It’s available at La Comer grocery stores
in Mexico and on Amazon. Good news—it’s actually less expensive from La Comer. This
week, they were even running a Buy 2, get them at 1½ price. I stocked up!
FEBU Biodegradable Zip Seal Gallon Bags
Finding gallon-sized biodegradable zip-close food bags in Mexico has been
a bit of a challenge, and La Comer doesn’t currently carry that size. I did
find FEBU Plant-Based Zip Seal Food Storage Bags on Amazon Mexico. They’re biodegradable and compostable, and feel durable enough to reuse. Since they’re an imported item,
they’re a bit more expensive—but for me, it’s worth it to reduce plastic waste.
I
have more plastic-free options to add to this blog—watch for weekly updates.
What switches have you made to reduce plastic in your daily life?
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.
Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel
Kindle Edition
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