Living Without Plastic: More Than 100 Easy Swaps for Home, Travel, Dining, Holidays, and Beyond

by Brigette Allen, Christine Wong

“An eye-opening guide on how to lessen one’s dependence on plastics. . . . This is a clarion, convincing wake-up call to the scope of the global plastic problem and what readers can do about it.  —Publishers Weekly Embrace a plastic-free lifestyle with more than 100 simple, stylish swaps for everything from pens and toothbrushes to disposable bottles and the 5 trillion plastic bags we use—and throw out—every year. Use a natural loofah, not a synthetic spongeBuy milk in glass bottles or make homemade nut milkOpt for a waste-free shampoo barSkip the printed receipt and opt for an email insteadWrap gifts beautifully with cloth Organized into five sections—At Home, Food & Drink, Health & Beauty, On the Go, and Special Occasions—Living Without Plastic is a cover-to-cover collection of doable, differencemaking solutions, including a 30-Day Plastic Detox Program.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Sustainability, Lifestyle, Self Help, Health, Reference

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[Ris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library where I work because one of my goals for 2021 is to produce less waste. There were some interesting facts and tidbits in this book, but not many that I can use at this stage of my life (and I flat out refuse to replace detergent with nuts... but I will switch away from coated pods once my current box runs out). I did learn a lot about the kinds of plastic and the issues with our recycling infrastructure. An explanation and breakdown of the different kinds of plastic and common uses. But also many steps that require some kind of financial investment or physical labor investment that I can't commit to. I'll work on making small changes to my routine over time.

[Marie Osuna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I’d love this book, but it’s written from an extremely privileged perspective of the green movement. It tended to focus on expensive items one should buy to be more green instead of the ways we can help the planet by using what we have and buying green when we must buy at all. What really got me was when the authors suggested that instead of having ice cream at home (where even cardboard containers are coated in plastic), people should go out for an ice cream cone. Not only is this privileged beyond belief, but the ice cream parlor likely is scooping the ice cream out of the same kind of plastic-coated tubs the authors are trying to avoid. Overall, I didn’t find this book helpful and wish the perspective was less about buying more items and more about making use of what one already has.

[Minna]

This book leaves me with the feeling we’re all doomed and everything in my house is toxic.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

The positives of this book is that it was very informative, connecting me to a lot of recycling resources I had never heard of or eco-friendly substitutes I didn't know existed. (There's a place that will recycle your stupid used up plastic gift cards?! You can use a thing called "soap nuts" for laundry detergent?!) the negatives are that some of them are just impractical or a bit fear-mongery- I roll my eyes at anything shouting "chemicals!" about every piece of plastic, and I don't know anyone realistically can magically use vinegar solutions to clean everything. (Especially containers you're using for raw meat, a REAL thing suggested, and especially not during COVID!) Overall i think though it's a good way to see options for what you CAN reasonably change in your day to day life and emphasizes to do that rather than try every suggestion at once.

[Debora · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for more practical solutions that one could take incrementally. I cannot avoid using plastics in this world. However, I was hoping to find ways to reduce my use.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the hardback edition that I got for my local public library. Due to resources in the back, etc, recommend an ebook instead.

Useful, topic-based book with short, helpful statements about which chemicals are in he items we currently se, and how that can affect our bodies, landfills, animals, ocean/stream/coal reefs and even public after supplies.

End of book s a 30-day plastic detox program and diary, along with citations and resources.

Includes a lot of easy, fun recipes for items you can use on your own, and a few you could use with your children (i..e., homemade paint, playdoh, glue, etc).

There are a few areas in which they are trying to keep things simple, but recommendations may cause problems for people (for ex., anyone with combination or oily skin might get breakouts using coconut oil as a makeup remover/moisturizer). You need to do what is best for your own health.

Now, even though the authors aren’t preachy at all, I did feel frustrated when they recommended actions I just physically cannot do. But this is me and my own issues. YMMV of course. (For ex. I can’t wear 2 or 4-week contact lenses because I have significant eye issues, which made me feel judged until I realized—hey, I wore non-disposable contact lenses for 30+ years, so I’ll just focus on recycling the packaging instead.)

Recommended. Would also be great as a classroom book to read 1 solution/swap per day.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best anti-plastic books I have read. It goes into the history of plastic and single-use plastic, provides lots of tips and tricks that don't just rely on buying the correct product, and ends with a 30 day challenge section to help people make changes (However, doing it over a span of weeks seems more feasible). I do wish the book had citations for the health claims it makes about plastic, but alas.

[Marisa Gianfortune · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive guide to removing plastic from your life and gives you a good list of buying/ making options for most things.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a brief guide on how to begin minimizing plastic use. It had some basic information I as a person working on minimizing my consumption already know, but a novice would find it a hopeful and informative starting point. It does include a thirty-day challenge/guide encouraging people step by step. I was hopeful with the introduction's inclusion of how powerful plastic has been for people, particularly in the medical setting. This is often completely ignored in zero waste/plastic-free circles. However, they included the same ableist crap plenty of people get swept up in. Straw bans. Straws are not the problem, and they are highly important for many people, disabled people and just feeling a little sick right now people. Straw bans, or straw replacements, cannot replace the efficiency and safety of plastic straws. You as an individual can request no straw but the book encouraging people to advocate for straw bans tell me the authors did not do their research or consult with anyone in the Disability community. We can save the planet without further marginalizing people. Wheat straws are not a replacement for everyone (say people allergic to wheat who need straws?). Overall, a good novice step but hopefully people who read this book go on to find more information and will disregard supporting or fighting for straw bans. Thanks to Netgalley and Artisan for the early arc!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was interesting. Things I wish this book had included: data or information on environmental costs of different options, and a little more info. Just HOW often do I need to rewax my homemade fabric sandwich bags, for instance? And . . . are there NO other laundry options between commercial brands in plastic, and making my own with horse chestnuts??
Things I did like: Nice simple format, well organized, and I liked the detox and the sources compiled at the end. The only problem: I live in the rural Midwest. If I want to avail myself of these options, I am going to have to have them shipped to me. What is the differential environmental cost of doing that? I don't know. So I do have more information for making decisions, but not enough info to make sure I am not doing even more damage by shipping.

[Amber Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just okay. Some of the suggestions are obvious and common knowledge to anyone who’s interested in minimalism or at least environmentally conscious. The rest of the suggestions are just not so practical. It seemed like there wasn’t much middle ground; either it was as simple as using reusable bags, or it was making your own personal care products. I was looking for some middle ground. I wanted something to augment the environmental decisions I already make, pushing out of my comfort zone a little, but not things that would require serious time consuming lifestyle changes? I just don’t have the time to make my own soap and I don’t think most people do.

[Maddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It feels like the authors only scratched the surface of what could be done to reduce plastic waste. I have been a self proclaimed environmentalist for the majority of my life(thanks Disney friends for change).

This advice screams early 2010’s zero waste tumblr. Here are some suggestions that I think aren’t even remotely helpful.
*put down a piece of newspaper before your dog poops and have them poop on that
*sell your CD’s and DVD’s(if there’s one thing I learned from the Spotify outage of 2025 it’s that you absolutely CANNOT rely on subscription services. Use your own personal collection or go to the library).
*Use plain popped popcorn as a replacement for packing materials(for the love of food waste! This is such a bad idea).
*Suggesting that you can have all your trash fit inside a mason jar. That’s sooooooo 2013. There’s significantly better goals when it comes to reducing plastic in your life.

Still working my way through the list of suggestions but my patience is waning.

[Trang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the book. It’s very thorough of what we can replace with green alternatives. Either you can make them or buy from green brands it refers to, not that I have checked because I prefer diy section. In fact the ingredients for DIY are far simpler Than any DIY book. It’s an eco book anyway. So do take more reference if you want to embark on DIY journey, with this Book as north for green living lifestyle.

I have read many eco books but this is a well-round one to refer to all the time. It mentions all parts of life that can switch to natural approach even in festive time. To Be honest, I’m surprised that there are so much interesting knowledge, did not know that I should not recycle thermal prints for example.

I read a kindle version and wonder if the hard copy actually has more images. The ebook doesn’t so I take 1 star off as I’m quite a visual person.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read! The main focus is alternatives to buying products with plastics in them, with a secondary focus on the harmfulness of plastics on our bodies and the environment. One thing I learned was that PVC aka vinyl is the most dangerous type of plastic, the one that results in the "this causes reproductive harm and cancer" labels. I also gained ideas for avoiding plastics in quite a few ways, and became more aware of the plastic in items such as "paper" cartons or cloth fabrics. I don't think this book is worth the retail price of $20, but if you can grab it from the library like I did, I recommend it.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I agree that many of the suggestions are not easy, I think the book brings a lot of awareness. There are many great fixes but also a good number that I would never do. The resource section is also great and I’m sure there are many more now as several years have passed since this book was published.

[Amanda Narvali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Some suggestions I do not think are attainable for everyone. I will incorporate some of these suggestions into my daily life. I am not about to go and buy a mattress made out of avocados any time soon, but I will be composting and making some DIY pet toys.

[Sheryl Sato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Filled with practical tips and recipes for minimizing plastic use.

[Kat]

Some interesting tips and swaps. Lots that are hardly applicable to the vast majority of people either because services/options are limited where they live (there is no cloth diapers cleaning service near where I live) or for financial reason. I do understand the argument that most swap will be for a more sustainable and durable one, but what can you do when you simply don't have the funds to buy something up front? (I can only wish to swap my cookware for Le Creuset!!)

Also would have appreciated more sources and information about some of these swaps... it's not because something is "natural" that it is more sustainable or eco-friendly. There was a picture of burning Palo Santo and Sage and suggestion to use those as air purifyers but those are being over and unethically harvested and therefore, I wouldn't encourage the general population to use them. I know the picture was mostly there for esthetic puposes, which the book did well, but I think the goal should be to take care of our environment, not change our lifestyle to fit a certain "trendy" esthetic.

I still plan on finishing the book in case there would be more easy, cheap swaps I can make and to learn a bit more about the different plastics and the recycling processes, but I will take this book with a grain of salt and do more of my own research on this.

[April Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate what living without plastic: More than 100 Easy Swaps for Home, Travel, Dining, Holidays, and Beyond by Brigette Allen and Christine Wong is trying to do. It was a really wise choice to focus on suggestions for cutting down single-use plastics with the awareness that plastic has its place in vehicles, computers, and medical equipment. There are a wide range of ideas for swaps.

I've been trying to reduce my plastic use for years, so I had heard of some of these ideas before. Some have worked for me, like switching to reusable bags, water bottles, and straws. Those are oldies but goodies. Others things I attempted did not work for me, like composting, giving up shampoo, using natural deodorant, and driving 20 minutes to the closest grocery store with a bulk section to fill my own containers. I've been through some disasters!

Many of the ideas in this book are new to me. Here are some new ones I don't think I'll try: carrying a glass jar of homemade moisturizer made of coconut oil with me "on the go," hefting around a steel cooler to picnics, and bringing my own popcorn to the movies (the movie theaters near me don't allow outside food or drink). I wouldn't consider those easy swaps. On the other hand, I thought these were great new ideas: making bags out of old T-shirts, making reusable gift wrap from old bedsheets, making confetti out of dry leaves, recycling broken Stasher bags and old gift cards, and finding a chewing gum brand that doesn't contain plastic. So, maybe there's an idea for everyone.

At times, the tone was fear-mongering. For example, "Most mattresses are made of polyurethane foam (PU; RIC #7). Because this material is highly flammable, it's necessary for the manufacturers to add highly toxic flame retardants so the bed won't burst into flames." This statement is phrased in a dramatic way. It's not that the bed is going to burst spontaneously into flames without flame retardants. That's silly. It's that if, God forbid, there's a house fire, flame retardants will keep the bed from burning up as fast. Personally, I'd prefer taking the long-term risk of breathing them in if it could save my life in a fire. The amount we breathe in on a daily basis is clearly not immediately deadly or "highly toxic."

The 30-Day Plastic Detox Plan isn't so useful to me. As a personal preference, I want something concrete to write on each day of a calendar. Instead, the steps for each day of the challenge aren't linear, but interconnected. For example, Day 8 is "Hydrate Naturally" (meaning carry a reusable water bottle) and Day 18 is "Be beautiful from the inside out" (meaning drink plenty of water). Some of them are too much to do all in one day, like Day 14, "Feed the earth" (compost your food waste). Many of them have to do with eating out, traveling, and going to amusement parks/conventions/food festivals, which are special occasions that don't make sense for the author to schedule for me as part of a 30-day challenge.

Despite any shortcomings, the book is a wakeup call about how prevalent plastic is in every area of my life. It'll help me choose non-plastic options when I'm shopping in the future. 

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

Easily the bougie-est waste reduction book I've read so far.

The book focuses on individual actions to help reduce waste and limit contact with plastics. Various swaps are presented organized into sections for At Home, Food and Drink, Health and Beauty, On the Go, and Special Occasions. The scope of the book focuses mostly on reducing plastic and why to avoid it with a few other considerations thrown in like organic products and buying secondhand.

There is a mix of swaps included ranging from the well-known and obvious (reusable bags, refilling water bottles, refusing straws) to labor-intensive and not very accessible (make your own cereal). I honestly stopped taking it very seriously after the section on cellulose tape and making your own glue with flour.

While making your own yogurt/baby food/snack bars/trail mix/nut milk/pasta is great, it's just not realistic for most people to do all the time. With blanket statements like, "Zero waste can be cost effective and inclusive of all budgets" (p. 14), the book seems to ignore how upfront costs effect actual people who are working to stretch a budget. Would have liked to see more low-cost/no-cost swaps that involve using common items or what you already have (I do recommend the tip to make reusable napkins out of old shirts).

Much of the content also focuses on buying items, from glass baby bottles and bamboo bibs to biodegradable mattresses and silk dental floss, many of which will be more expensive and harder to find in mainstream stores than standard items. It makes for a very aesthetic book, but buying all these products only to find they don't work for you isn't going to do anything to reduce waste.

The book also contains plenty of scary statistics about the harms of plastics. While informative, these just heighten anxiety, especially for those who can't afford the more expensive swaps.

While the authors do note it takes 21 days to establish a new habit, they then present a 30-Day Plastic Detox Plan, which involves implementing a swap every day for a month. Not only do many of these take time (learn to sew and repair items, compost) and have an upfront cost (safety razors, reusable period products), it's just not realistic to start doing all those things at once. Start with one manageable swap. Once that becomes second nature, add another. It's a continuous process that has to be individualized to work with all aspects of the person's life (home, income, work, family) for it to really create lasting change.

Includes a list of resources and sources at the end.

I didn't find this all that helpful. It comes from a very privileged perspective that ignores what is realistic for the average person. A few good tips here and there. If you're interested, I'd say just check it out from your library and flip through to see what is relevant to you. I found books like 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste to be more helpful.

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review here.
If you are determined to cut down on your family's waste generation, including the amount of recycling, have a look at this handbook for reducing the use of plastics, especially single-use plastics, from coffee cups to detergent bottles. It’s a shift in thinking that starts at consumption. The authors offer "easy swaps" and most of the suggestions ARE easy to implement, with just a bit of effort like switching to a shampoo bar instead of liquid in a plastic bottle, or getting your fruits and veggies loose or in your own reusable net bags. Which reminds me - how about we ALL stop buying mushrooms in those styro containers wrapped in plastic? Just get them loose. In addition to the 100+ swaps, organized into five categories – At Home, Food and Drink, Health and Beauty, On the Go, and Special Occasions – they offer a 30-day plastic detox plan. Every day, you make one change, one decision, one step, that gets you closer to zero waste, from making your own cleaning product to educating yourself on your area’s recycling best practices. By taking you through your home, work, and holiday routines, the authors offer myriad ways to say no to plastic, and make a real difference that can impact our earth, our health, and our economy. Local pals will find a copy of this book at the Grand Forks & District Public Library.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not my typical read. It was highlighted at my local library and caught my attention. I flipped through and was intrigued by the layout, aesthetic, and brief review of some of the suggestions. Enough so that I checked it out, and I'm glad I did. This book didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the readability. I didn't feel as though I was reading a manual and it didn't feel preachy. The layout let's you skip to things you're particularly interested in or, like me, read straight through. It sprinkles in interesting facts related to the suggestions.

What impressed me most was the effort that went into making this a usable resource and reference text. The book not only contains many recipes and instructions throughout to complement the plastic free/light suggestions, it also has an entire resources section in the back with websites and brands. And if you had any questions about the information given in this book, there is a sources section that includes publications and websites.

In my opinion, this book is great for the spectrum of readers - from someone interested in making small convenient changes (the easiest one I found was the stainless steal or glass water bottles, as I always have a water bottle with me) to someone looking to go plastic free.

[Taylor's♡Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love picking up these kinds of books, even though most of the time none of the suggestions are actually new to any eco-consious reader. However, there were a lot of suggestions in this book that I had never heard of. And I don't necessarily mean that in a good way.

I think this book may have focused too much on refusing plastic, even when it comes at a greater ecological cost. One small example: the authors suggest keeping bottles of condiments at your office for times when you order takeout. They remind the reader to make sure the restaurant attendant doesn't put a ketchup packet in with their meal. I can't imagine someone being so adamant about refusing a condiment packet but somehow being OK with the tremendous amount of other garbage that comes with ordering takeout.

Also, I know alcohol has cleansing properties, but do you not see the downside to spritzing your clothes with vodka instead of using laundry detergent? No?

I still enjoy reading waste-less books but some of these suggestions sounded a little condescending, in my opinion. Giving up plastic should be an inconvenience to you, but when you're starting to become an inconvenience to others, that's where I like to draw the line.

[Emma Sotomayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers tips on how to replace nearly everything plastic in your life with something sustainable. From toilet paper to lunchboxes, Living Without Plastic offers substitutions for it all. The book goes methodically through different spheres of life, whether it be home goods or travel accessories, helping to find ways to make living sustainable and better for one's health.

The book had an amazing list of websites at the end to help readers more easily make that switch with product recommendations. These were quite conveniently organized in order of item or category, such as toiletries or baby toys. It was inspiring to see the options available and rethink how I purchased products with sustainability in mind. I also greatly appreciated the 30-day plastic-free living challenge that was included to help keep someone accountable and make it easier to breakdown the switch into smaller steps and make it more manageable.

However, I wish the author had perhaps taken into account the cost of many of the items recommended. Some of us cannot afford $200 sneakers even if they are make with natural rubber. It would have been nice to have some more affordable options available in the recommendations.

[Bethany Harnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend the resources listed at the end of this book. I discovered many companies that I can shop from that make sustainable and plastic free items for all kinds of use from personal care to cooking to cleaning to recreation. The book's content is organized well for quick but informative reading, with short pages on many topics within larger categories. Even as someone who has tried to live "green" for many years, I learned about many more ways I can try to improve my carbon footprint and live a less wasteful, healthier life for myself and for the world around me. It can feel overwhelming to try to tackle every single thing suggested in the book, but I know adopting one change at a time can still make a difference and I'm very excited to adopt more and more of the suggestions in this handy little book. We may not all have the time, inclination, or ability to do everything like make our own soap, but the resources provided encourage you to at least seek out options to shop for sustainable products.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read giving facts and figures about the devastating impact plastic is having on our planet. Some of the information was new to me, like only 7% of plastic is ever actually recycled. It's so depressing. I do like how the book is organized by different zones in your house and in your life (Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry, Parties, etc) and gives quick 1-2 pages about why different plastic uses are harmful to the planet and alternatives to try instead. At the back of the book is a 30-day guide on how to detox your life from plastic. I have been making small efforts slowly to reduce my plastic, but it's hard because it's everywhere! I think most people have gotten away from single use water bottles as that one seems pretty obvious, but it's definitely a practice you have to work at. I have switched to shampoo bars and eliminated my dryer sheets to wool dryer balls which work pretty well honestly. I definitely have a ways to go overall. I highly recommend this book for a quick read about why and how to reduce your plastic use.

[Muriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does include a list of 100 'what' of 'living without plastic', as the title advertised.
Also thankful for its attempt to organize the 100 what into categories such as 'home', 'travel', 'holidays', so it's better than the low-effort random listicles chockfull on the internet.

Its cons include:
1. Telling people 'what' without the 'why' is difficult to understand and/or remember.

2. It brushes off the amount of time and energy asked for individual behavior changes. Stumble on the page admonishing the plastic content in convenient baby food containers, and the solution is -- make such food yourself, from scratch. Would not want to wish this on anyone in the general sleep-deprived life with a kid, unless you have the luxury of lived-in nannies or maids.

3. An overly optimistic view of alternatives -- buy milk in glass bottles delivered from farms. Will such operations (a small operation farm probably won't devote energy for route optimizing etc) really have lower carbon foot prints?

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid introductory chapter with information that I don't always see in similar books: the benefits of (limited) plastic, especially for medical and technological uses; the history of plastic; and the deceptive practices around greenwashing. The rest provides fairly standard recommendations of the zero waste/zero plastic crowd (with an implied elevated economic status), some useful and widely applicable (use a refillable water bottle, prioritize non-plastic packaged goods, avoid disposable plates/utensils), some not so much (bring your own container to the seafood counter and the ice cream shop to fill, use only cloth diapers).

Interesting recipe for DIY cornflakes:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 3 TBSP water, then evenly sprinkle in 3 TBSP fine cornmeal and 1-2 tsp sugar on top of the boiling water. Don't stir or touch. Let cook ~3 minutes or until the water evaporates. Flip over, breaking into flakes. Toast ~3 minutes or until crisp.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4/5

I knew most of the information about plastics. I found that some of the advice which is passed around on the internet and this book is not ideal for your skin or health - for example, using baking soda for cleaning teeth.

Is it environmentally friendly? - Depends. It does reduce plastic but manufacture of baking soda needs to be examined for its energy consumption.
Is it healthy? - For the teeth this is too alkaline and might damage teeth in the long run.

A lot of blogs and books casually drop these pieces of advice about washing hair and teeth with baking soda and/or vinegar without looking at the long term side effects.

Also, I find it unrealistic that everyone in the family is okay with using vinegar. How come they don't ever address the issue of family members complaining about vinegary smell?

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pretty, visually appealing photographs accompany clear, brief text. After a few page introduction explaining the evils of plastic in our environment and the need to cut our use of plastics, the book lists 100+ ideas of replacements for plastic in your daily life.

Some of the ideas are very basic and familiar, e.g. buy a reusable water bottle and refill it instead of buying bottled water. A few others are unrealistic for most people. In between these extremes are a lot of good ideas that can reasonably be implemented by most people who care about the environment.

Interestingly, the book focuses on the evils of plastic post-use (non-biodegradable, full of toxins, breaks down into micro particles which then are toxic to plants and animals), but it does not spell out the huge amounts of resources consumed and greenhouse gases emitted in the production of plastic.