How To Reduce Overconsumption Without Breaking The Bank

Reducing waste doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Here are thirteen easy swaps you can make in your everyday life to cut down on overconsumption – especially plastic, which is everywhere (read more about that here):

1. Bring Your Own Water Bottle – Carrying a reusable water bottle is an easy way to save money and cut waste. In the UK, 35% of households go through over 500 bottles of water a year, spending £380 on average –  and that’s not even counting the 10 million plastic bottles the industry produces daily. Across the Atlantic, Americans consumed 16.4 billion gallons of bottled water in 2024, with studies finding up to 370,000 nanoplastic particles per litre. A simple reusable bottle helps you avoid plastic, save cash, and protect your health.
2. Ditch Single-Use Travel Bottles – Instead of buying mini shampoos or soaps for holidays, refill small containers from what you already have at home.
3. Say No To Takeaway Cutlery – Keep a small set of reusable cutlery in your bag. Many people don’t even need them for takeout since they eat at home anyway. 
4. Skip Plastic Straws Entirely – If you don’t need a straw, don’t take one. For straw lovers, reusable stainless steel, bamboo or silicone straws are cheap and easy to clean.
5. Say Goodbye To Plastic Cups – We get it. Plastic cups are super convenient, especially when parents hand drinks to kids at parties or for snacks on the go. But the truth? They’re a one-time-use culprit in the overconsumption game. A simple swap is to use reusable cups or stainless steel bottles instead. They’re easy for kids to carry, last forever, and cut down on waste.
6. Swap Clingfilm For A Plate – Super simple: Just cover leftovers with a plate or bowl instead of wrapping in plastic. 
7. Choose Loose Products and Reusable Shopping Bags – Skip the fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic and opt for loose items instead. A set of reusable mesh produce bags makes this easier, but even tossing your apples and carrots straight into a tote works fine. The same goes for shopping bags. Keeping a foldable tote in your pocket or car means you’ll never have to pay for plastic bags at the till again.
8. Reusable Baking Sheet Liners – Instead of baking paper (often coated in plastic), silicone mats can be reused for years.
9. Ice Cube Trays Instead of Bags – I never even knew ice bags existed until a few months ago (probably a good thing), because I grew up thinking everyone just used reusable trays in the freezer. For things like homemade iced coffee, you don’t need a hundred cubes on standby anyway –  just freeze a batch, pop them out, and refill. It’s cheaper, easier, and saves a lot of pointless plastic.
10. Safety Razors Instead Of Disposable Razors – A stainless steel razor with replaceable blades lasts for years. No need to throw away plastic handles. 
11. Plastic-Free Dental Floss – Regular floss is usually nylon. Compostable options made from silk or refillable floss dispensers cut that waste. 
12. Pens & Stationery – Instead of tossing cheap biros, try refillable pens or pencils. They last longer and feel nicer to use.
13. Reusable Lighter – Disposable plastic lighters pile up quickly, and most end up in landfills since they’re tough to recycle. A refillable metal lighter will last for years, or you can opt for the classic option of matches. Both are simple, low-waste alternatives.

Little swaps might not seem like a big deal, but they really do add up. Even a few small changes in your daily routine can save money, cut waste, and make life that bit easier – for you and the planet.

These thirteen are just a start. If you’ve got any other easy swaps or recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments.