Single-use plastics: What you need to know and how to reduce them at home

Single-use plastics are part of everyday life but do we really know how much they affect us? While awareness has grown in recent years, these throwaway plastics still appear in many Australian homes, often without us realising it.

From cling film in the kitchen to pre-filled spray bottles in the laundry, they’re built for convenience but come with long-term costs to our environment, our health, and our wallets. Fortunately, there are simple, affordable swaps that can make a real difference.

What are single-use plastics?

Single-use plastics are designed to be used once, then thrown away. They include everything from plastic shopping bags and water bottles to food packaging, takeaway containers, and cleaning product bottles.

Although they’re used for only minutes, many of these plastics take hundreds of years to break down and often don’t break down fully. Instead, they fragment into microplastics that remain in our environment, entering waterways, soil, and even our food chain.

Where are they found in the home?

Single-use plastics are surprisingly common in Australian households:

• Kitchen: Cling film, those cute little snack wrappers, wrapped around produce, bottled dishwashing and cleaning liquids… the list goes on.
• Bathroom: Shampoo and conditioner bottles, toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes, disposable razors, cotton buds, soap to name just a few.
• Laundry & Cleaning: Detergent bottles and packets, wet wipes, pre-filled spray bottles, plastic scrubbers - plastic used to clean with plastic.
  
  

Even well meaning efforts to recycle aren’t always effective. Soft plastics and mixed materials often end up in landfill due to contamination or limited local recycling facilities.

Why it matters

Moving away from single-use plastic supports more than just waste reduction. It reflects a broader commitment to healthier homes, sustainable communities, and environmental stewardship.

And with more eco-conscious brands, local makers, and more refill stations popping up, sustainable living is becoming more accessible than ever.

The health impact of plastic: Why it’s personal

It’s not just the planet that’s affected by plastic use. Our health is, too.

Plastics can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, especially when exposed to heat or stored for long periods. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and other long-term health concerns.

Then there are microplastics. These are tiny plastic particles that come from the breakdown of larger items. These have been found in water, salt, seafood, and even the air we breathe. While research is ongoing, scientists are raising concerns about how they may affect human health over time.

By cutting back on single-use plastic at home, you’re also limiting your family’s exposure to unnecessary synthetic chemicals and improving indoor air quality.

Wondering what you can do?

At Good Choice Group, we believe in simple, impactful swaps that work for real life. Whether it’s switching to a refillable cleaner or ditching cling film for a compostable wrap, each change adds up.

Start small. Choose one area of your home like the kitchen or laundry and make a single swap. It’s easier than trying to change everything at once.

Stay consistent. Feel good knowing you’re making a difference for your home, your health, and the planet.

And while you’re at it, why not explore our collection for easy, eco-friendly swaps that support a low-waste lifestyle.