Plastic waste pollutes our oceans and turns into microplastics that end up in our food and water.

Protect the planet and your family’s health by reducing plastic waste at home and trying these simple swaps. They’re easy, affordable, and can even help you save money!

The Philippines discards 59.8 billion sachets per year, enough to bury Metro Manila in a foot of plastic waste.

Stop buying beauty and food products in sachets. When you take out or order food delivery, don’t ask for condiments—you already have ketchup at home!

This simple choice helps reduce the leading cause of pollution in the Philippines.

The kitchen is a hotspot for plastic waste—including surprising sources like tea bags and coffee filters.

These simple swaps can help you create more eco-friendly meals, and significantly reduce your household’s daily waste.

Got leftovers? Cover your serving bowls with silicone lids instead of plastic wrap. They not only make storing food easier but also prevent food splatters in the microwave.

Look for food-grade, BPA-free lids. Klockren’s Universal Lids fit all pots and pans and can be used in microwaves, ovens, and freezers (₱750 for a set of three, IKEA). Zippies Lidz are air-tight, and can keep fruits and snacks fresh for days (₱380 for a set of six, Basically.PH).

Synthetic sponges are non-biodegradable and even harbor bacteria. Consider these greener and cleaner alternatives.

• Wooden dishwashing brush: The firm bristles remove stubborn grime and dry quickly, which gives bacteria less time to grow. Try the Simula dish brush, made of naturally antibacterial Tampico and beechwood fibers. You can replace the brush head when it wears out. (₱300, Simula.ph)
• Cellulose sponges: These are made of plant fibers and are 100% biodegradable. Try affordable sponges made from sisal leaves (₱49, EcoShoppe).

Several studies have found that plastic cutting boards, blenders, and mixing bowls release thousands of microplastics into our food. Microplastics can damage cells and cause many health problems.

Use wood or marble cutting boards, and appliances or storage containers made of glass or metal. Aside from being safer, they’re easier to clean and last longer.

Whip up your own batch of cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. You avoid plastic packaging and chemicals that eventually enter the water system and soil.

Use these simple recipes for natural household cleaning products, from disinfectants to rust removers.

Aside from reducing packaging waste, you save a lot of money when you buy essentials in sets. Start with ingredients you use every day, like rice and cooking oil.

SM Supermarkets and Puregold also have a section for bulk sizes of soy sauce, ketchup, and other common seasonings.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) reports that 36% of plastic waste is from single-use food and beverage packaging. This includes snack wrappers, instant mixes, tea bags, coffee pods, and tetra paks.

Use these hacks to avoid waste pollution and still enjoy a quick, easy meal.

• Make your own snacks. Try making trail mix, granola bars, frozen pizza, or cookie dough. Check this list for more ideas on eco-friendly baon.
• Do bulk-cooking. Freeze favorite dishes in single portions and defrost whenever hunger strikes.
• Buy loose-leaf teas. Use a tea infuser for a single cup, or infuser bottles to make a big batch of iced tea. Try Idealisk stainless steel tea infuser (₱100, IKEA).
• Brew your own coffee. Get a coffeemaker with a timer function, so you wake up to a freshly brewed cup. Use metal or cloth coffee filters to further reduce plastic waste and disposable paper filters.
• Make your own fruit juices. Use silicone cups or bottles to freeze juices in perfect portions. Defrost in the morning, and they’ll still be cold by lunchtime! Ziptop cups even fit in your car’s cup holders (starts at ₱595, available from the Ziptop website or Coleman stores in Glorietta 2 or Robinson’s Galleria).

More beauty brands are using eco-friendly packaging, so you can achieve both your beauty and green living goals.

These solid alternatives often come in minimal or recyclable packaging and last longer than their liquid counterparts. Plus, they're perfect for travel! Try Eco Shift (₱300 per bar) and Human Nature (₱159.75 per bar).

Look for refills, reusable containers, or bottles with reduced plastic.

• For beauty on a budget: Shop Watsons’ list of sustainable beauty products, which use refills or bottles with reduced plastic.
• For fans of Asian skincare: Check out green Korean, Japanese, and Filipino brands.

Plastic toothbrushes and nylon dental floss take years to decompose. Look for alternatives made of bamboo, which is sustainable and biodegradable.

Bambuhay’s Plantable Bamboo Toothbrush can be buried in soil to become fertilizer (₱180, Roots Collective). Eco Warrior’s bamboo dental floss even comes in recyclable glass containers (₱145, Eco Warrior).

Ditch disposable cotton pads for reusable facial wipes. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly either by hand or in your washing machine (place in a small garment bag).

One menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, replacing countless disposable pads and tampons. Aside from that, you get personal benefits like less leaks and odor.

Sinaya menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone, come in different sizes, and can be used even while swimming (₱1,199, Sinaya).

Reusable menstrual pads and pantyliners are made of soft, organic cloth. They come in different patterns and are very easy to use and wash! Check out Hannah (starts at ₱520 for a set of three), Eco Shop PH ( ₱188 per pad), and Lily of the Valley (₱575 for a set of three).

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed microplastics with every wash, polluting waterways.

On the other hand, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are biodegradable. They’re also more breathable and comfortable, which is a win for your wardrobe and the planet.

Buy second-hand clothes to conserve natural resources and prevent waste. Try thrift stores and online platforms like Carousell. You’ll save money and even find unique pieces. Learn more tips on how to build an eco-friendly wardrobe.

Focus on buying only what you truly need and choose quality items that last. Repair broken items instead of rushing to buy a replacement.

Donate things you don’t need but are still in good condition. Contact Caritas Manila or post photos on the Facebook group Really Really Free Market Manila.

Preparing and segregating plastic waste ensures it can be effectively recycled. Here’s what you need to do:

• Rinse plastic containers to remove residue.
• Remove labels and caps, which often need to be recycled separately.
• Don’t mix recyclable plastic (like containers) with non-recyclable plastic (like cling wrap, thin plastic bags, and styrofoam).

Bring plastic and electronic waste to SM’s Trash to Cash markets, held every first Friday and Saturday of each month. You even earn points and vouchers you can use in Watsons and SM stores.

Ayala Malls, in partnership with Green Antz Philippines, also accepts plastic waste on Saturdays and Sundays.

With just a few swaps, you can reduce plastic waste at home and help protect the planet.

Look for other ways to reduce waste, like digital transactions. Use the GlobeOne app for paperless billings and vouchers. Make cashless transactions through partner apps like GCash, Grab, and shopping sites like Lazada and Zalora.

By making these small changes, individuals and companies in the Philippines can significantly reduce pollution in the Philippines. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable future.