𝟭𝟬 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲🌎Ecological Footprint Lesson 103

 Unexpected Alternatives to Plastic Packaging

I Switched to Nellie's Dishwasher Detergent in a Metal Tin

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 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?

👉 Start here: 10 Effective Ways to Reduce Plastic Use Today 🌎 (Ecological Footprint Lesson 102, updated Dec 28, 2025)

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.

Terry L Turrell, Author

Mexico For Better or For Worse: A Novel

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