Plastic Is Playing You: 7 Things You Didn’t Know Were Wasteful AF

You’re trying to live that clean, low-waste life - reusable bottle, tote bag, the works. But plastic still sneaks in. Here’s where it’s hiding (and how to clap back).

1. Tea Bags = Microplastic Soup
Looks innocent, but most tea bags are sealed with plastic. That’s hot water + microplastic in your mug.
Do instead: Go loose-leaf. Bonus: tastes better.

2. Those Tiny Fruit Stickers? Still Trash.
They look compostable. They’re not. They survive landfills, compost bins, and probably the apocalypse.
Do instead: Shop local. Farmers' markets usually skip the labels.

3. Toothpaste Tubes = Landfill Forever
Billions of tubes every year. Can’t be recycled.
Switch it up: Try toothpaste tablets. No goo, no guilt.

4. Fast Fashion’s Dirty Secret: Microplastics
Every time you wash polyester or nylon, you’re feeding the ocean plastic. Literally.
Fix that: Go natural (cotton, hemp, linen). Or wash in a microfilter bag.

5. Fake Compostables Are Lying to You
PLA cups, “eco” forks — if it says “industrial compost,” it’s probably trash.
Look for: Certified home compostable or just say no to disposables.

6. Takeout Boxes That Look Recyclable (But Aren’t)
Paper box? Nope — it’s lined with plastic. Coffee cups too.
Better move: Bring your own or dine in like a boss.

7. Your Sponge Is a Plastic Brick
Kitchen sponges = microplastic bombs.
What’s better: Try coconut fiber brushes or loofahs that break down naturally.