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So, where to start?
Use what you already have
Whether that’s forgotten food, lunchboxes you’ve had forever, coffee cups or camping flasks, using something that already exists instead of buying new makes a huge difference in the bigger picture - and that applies to everything (clothes, furniture and so on). A limp carrot? Chop it and freeze it. An empty jar? Clean it and use it again for storage (you can even freeze things in glass jars if you’re careful about it). A camping flask? Use it for coffee on your morning commute instead of getting a drive thru. It all adds up!
Not all plastic is evil though. Reusable or recyclable plastic can be very useful - it’s the flimsy films on strawberry punnets or microwave meal black trays, which can’t be easily recycled and only serve one purpose (medical equipment excused, of course). Using what we have already at home, even if that’s a hard plastic lunchbox, reduces the need to consume anything further and in doing so, helps to lessen our environmental impact. That said, if you do invest in new tupperware or bamboo straws for example, treat them as an investment and look after them.
Buy loose or refill where possible
Hopefully by now we’ve all gotten used to using our own shopping bags, but why not grab an extra few to carry loose fruit & veg? If there isn’t a good selection of loose items in your local store, ask them why - either in person or online. Call them out on their environmental practices and suggest alternatives. If you’re unsure how to do this, there are plenty of resources online which can help. Sometimes loose products come with a higher price tag which can be problematic, but if you’re in a position to make these choices and use your voice to ask for change then do it.
Refill shops are also becoming increasingly popular over recent years, with some supermarkets and retailers even running refill trials in some of their stores. If there isn’t one nearby, what about a friend or family member you often visit? My parents bring their containers down to us for this exact reason. A little planning goes a long way! Oftentimes refilling things like herbs, spices, baking supplies and pasta can be cheaper than buying new too, so this can be both a planet and purse friendly option if available. If not, consider buying in bulk instead.