It's Okay to Use Plastic

It's not your burden to solve this enormous problem when you are in a vulnerable position.

I’m not here to bombard you with the shocking numbers on how much plastic is produced every year. I also won’t dive into the laundry list of reasons why plastic is damaging both our health and the planet. Instead, I want to focus on something more important: the fact that avoiding plastic completely is nearly impossible. It’s everywhere. And it’s cheap, so finding alternatives often feels like an uphill battle.

Here’s the thing: ideally, we would all avoid plastic altogether. But if that’s not something you can do, either because it’s too expensive or because there just aren’t any alternatives available, don’t let that get you down. For a lot of people, plastic is the only affordable option, and that’s okay. It’s not your job to fix this huge global problem when you’re just trying to make ends meet. This is a bigger issue that needs systemic change. It has to come from policy reform, industry changes, and large-scale investments in green technology. We need empowered people to drive this change, not those still struggling to get by.

That said, here are some of the rules I follow when I do end up bringing plastic into my life.

1. I Buy Used Plastic Whenever Possible

I try to buy used plastic items as much as I can. This works especially well for big-ticket items like furniture, appliances, and even vehicles. But it also applies to everyday things like storage containers and office organizers. If it’s something I can buy used and still be functional, I go that route. If I can’t find used options, I look for refurbished items. They’re often just as good as new.

2. I Think About Longevity Before Buying New Plastic

Before I buy something made of plastic, I ask myself: Will this thing last me at least ten years? This applies most to big appliances and electronics. If the product doesn’t come with a long warranty, or if it’s not meant to last for heavy use over time, I’ll look for a longer-lasting alternative. For non-electronics, like storage and organization products, I buy used plastic that I know will stand the test of time. The ten-year rule isn’t just a way to gauge quality; it’s a mental trick that helps me avoid unnecessary purchases. When I think of keeping something for the long haul, some options suddenly don’t seem worth the investment.

3. I Look for Multi-Use Items

I try not to bring home plastic that’s going to sit around unused. If I’m going to buy it, it needs to serve a purpose, and ideally, more than one. Whether it’s for storage, organization, or something else, I want to get my money’s worth by making sure I’ll use it in multiple ways.

4. I Reuse Plastic Before Throwing It Away

Not all plastic can be recycled, and recycling plastic is often more expensive than just making new plastic. So I try to reuse what I have instead of tossing it out. Some people argue that reusing plastic only delays its journey to the landfill, but I disagree. Reusing plastic means I’m not buying new plastic, which helps reduce demand and waste. And that, in turn, is good for the planet.

5. I Only Buy Brand-New Plastic for Necessities

If I’m buying new plastic, it’s for something truly necessary or life-altering. There are some hygiene products, medicines, and medical devices that have no affordable alternatives. Some food items are also packaged in plastic because it’s the most viable option for keeping them fresh. In these cases, I don’t feel guilty about buying plastic because the alternatives just aren’t practical or healthy enough to justify the cost.And yes, I’ll admit, some plastic items are just fun. Arts and crafts supplies, for example, may not serve a functional purpose beyond bringing joy, but sometimes, that’s enough. If you’re going to treat yourself, it’s okay to indulge every once in a while.

A Final Thought: Be Kind to Yourself

It’s okay to be gentle with your budget. After all, your health and well-being are just as important as the planet’s. But more than that, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with people who support you, and don’t forget to tell yourself that it’s okay to use plastic when it’s necessary.

Note on Language:

I avoid the word “buy” because it implies that there’s only one way to acquire things, but that’s simply not true. Whether you’re getting something new or used, it’s about making the best choice for you.

Conclusion

It’s tough navigating a world that’s so deeply embedded in plastic. But by being thoughtful about our choices — buying used when possible, considering the longevity of items, reusing whenever we can, we can all do our part. And when we can’t, that’s okay too. We’re all in this together.