8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s and 6.3 billion metric tons have become waste, the majority coming from single-use items. Of the 6.3 billion metric tons of waste, only 9% has been recycled with another 12% incinerated. This means 79% has ended up in our landfills and oceans where it will slowly degrade for the next 400 years. If we keep at this rate, the United Nations have warned that by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish, and marine life will be irreparably destroyed.

At Status Gaea, we are always looking for ways to reduce our plastic usage, and starting with our own homes, changing out overlooked single-use items for more sustainable choices, is a great way to do our part. Here are 8 swaps that you will hopefully find helpful.

1. Plastic-Free Razors

The majority of disposable razors are made from plastic but actually are very tricky to recycle because of the multiple materials usually used in the handle. If you like the ease of disposable, try switching to one made from more sustainable materials like steel or bamboo.

** Public Goods Bamboo Razor Handle**

$11.00

2. Reusable Shower Caps

If you’re big on keeping your hair frizz-free or dry between washes, there really is no need for an ugly disposable plastic option that will end up in the waste. Shhhowercap creates stylish and reusable alternatives created from a non-plastic, nanotech fabric that effortlessly repels water. The turban style might even tempt you to wear it out and about or lounging poolside.

** Shhhowercap Reusable Shower Cap**

$43.00

3. Plastic-Free Hand Sanitizers

Check around your house and handbags and count how many plastic bottled hand sanitizers you have laying around. By Humankind aims to save our planet from single-use plastic waste with their refillable containers and use of sustainable materials like their moisturizing hand sanitizer in aluminum bottles.

** By Humankind Plastic-Free Bottled Hand Sanitizer**

$15.00

4. Biodegradable Toothbrushes

Over a billion toothbrushes are thrown away every year worldwide and the majority of the plastic. Keep these out of landfills and the oceans by switching to biodegradable options like Public Goods bamboo and 100% biodegradable handle.

** Public Goods Bamboo Toothbrush**

$4.00

5. Biodegradable Floss

While floss itself isn’t made from plastic, the majority on the market is made from nylon or Teflon which takes 50 - 80years to decompose not including the single-use plastic container that it usually is encased in. By Humankind’s dental floss comes in durable reusable containers and are made from fully biodegradable silk wrapped around a sugar-cane based spool.

** By Humankind Biodegradable Dental Floss With Refillable Container**

$15.00

6. Reusable Water Bottles

As of 2017, a million plastic bottles were purchased each minute worldwide. Plastic bottles are the leading cause of single-use plastic waste and entering our oceans at an alarming rate. Say no to plastic bottles and get in the habit of carrying your reusable bottle everywhere you go. SOMA makes a stylish solution with BPA-free shatterproof glass bottles lined in silicone with a bamboo lid.

** SOMA BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle**

$38.00

7. Reusable Straws

Thankfully plastic straws have had their bad press moments over the past few years and governments worldwide have been placing bans on single-use options. We love these beautiful colored straws from Poketo, made from borosilicate glass so that they are shatterproof and shock resistant.

** Poketo Reusable Colored Glass Straws**

$24.00

8. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

Looking for a plastic-free way to wash your hair? Shampoo and conditioner bars are an excellent solution for sustainable washing. By Humankind's’ bars are 100% plastic-free, saving up around 2.45oz of single-use plastic waste with each bar. Their formula is vegan, sulfate-free, and ethically-made wrapped in a recycled paper box with soy-based ink.

** By Humankind Plastic-Free, Vegan Shampoo & Conditioner Bars**

$20.00