Statistics about plastic pollution is extremely disturbing. For example, 100 billion plastic bags are used by Americans every year. It’s enough to circle the equator 1,330 times. Or, according to the UN, there is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in our galaxy.

It really upsets us at Bright Side, which is why we put together a list of plastic items that we use every day along with their eco-friendly alternatives.

15. Toiletries and cleaning products

Our bathrooms and kitchens contain the biggest amount of plastic bottles. Ask yourself, how many bottles of shower gel do you actually need? Won’t one multisurface cleaner do the job? How about switching from liquid soap to bar soap? These little tricks can help you drastically decrease the amount of plastic you are using.

14. Membership cards

It’s hard to imagine how many plastic cards that we barely use end up in the landfill. While it’s hard to imagine your life without a credit card, you sure can survive without membership cards. You can always borrow one, find a paper coupon or a discount code, or use your phone number if you are a member.

13. Doggy bags

Feelings about cleaning up after your dog are mixed. We pollute the earth by cleaning up something that will biodegrade anyway. But here is a solution: choose environment-friendly bags so that you make the earth aesthetically pleasing both ways. Though we must warn you that not all so-called biodegradable pet waste bags are actually what they say they are, so it’s important to do your research.

12. Synthetic clothes

Have you ever thought about what gives a new shower curtain that “brand new” smell? It’s all of the toxic chemicals that PVC curtains are made of. Those chemicals have been linked to a bunch of health problems. And once you get rid of them, they will still be in the landfill, releasing the chemicals. To avoid this, look for PVC-free curtains and liners.

What do you think about plastic pollution? Do you do anything to help clean the planet? Tell us in the comments!

Please note: This article was updated in May 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.