Living an Imperfect Zero Waste Lifestyle: Things I Buy in Plastic
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After a couple of years of my ‘zero waste’ journey, I still buy (lots of) things in plastic. There, I said it.
In the beginning, I was quite obsessed with producing as little trash as possible. I would get annoyed over receiving tea in a plastic bag from coffee shops or a straw in my drink (even after asking to skip it).
But the more time passed, the more I realized something important: not everything is under my control. And as much as I try, I can’t live a perfect 100% zero waste life – and that’s okay. Phew.
That’s why now I think of it as living an imperfect zero waste lifestyle. I still care deeply about reducing waste, but I also know some plastic is unavoidable.
In this article, I’ll share 11 things I still buy in plastic. I hope that this list shows you I’m far from “perfect” and that it helps you feel better about your own journey, too.
11 things I still buy in plastic
1. Tofu & tempeh
I’d love to learn how to make them from scratch, but right now, I still buy both in plastic packaging.
When I lived in Denmark and Spain, I actually found tofu and tempeh in glass jars, which was amazing because I could reuse the jars afterward. Unfortunately, it’s rare where I live now.
Low waste tip: Buy tofu/tempeh less often or in bulk (every 2–3 weeks) to cut down on packaging.
2. Plant-based yogurt
I’ve tried making my own a few times, aaaand it didn’t turn out great. 😀 Until I figure it out, I still buy it in plastic tubs.
Low waste tip: Keeping with my attempts to learn how to make delicious homemade plant-based yogurt.
2. Plant-based milk
I make oat and nut milk at home with my plant milk machine, but when it comes to coffee, homemade milk just doesn’t work as well. So I still buy barista-style milk in Tetra Paks (yes, they have a plastic lining).
Low waste tip: Make plant milk whenever possible, but buy packaged versions when needed for coffee or travel.
4. Certain legumes, nuts & seeds
Most of the time, I buy them plastic-free in bulk. But sometimes, specific items (like soybeans or walnuts) only come in plastic bags.
Low waste tip: Prioritize bulk options for staples and only buy packaged ones occasionally.
5. Snacks
Even with meal prep, life happens. I sometimes grab snacks in plastic packaging, mostly protein bars… or ice cream.
Low waste tip: Stock up on some of my fav plastic-free snacks when you can.
6. Reduced food (close to expiry)
Globally, about 1/3 of all food produced goes to waste. That’s 1.3 billion tons of food each year. When food breaks down in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas 30x more potent than CO₂.
That’s why, if I see discounted food close to expiry (even in plastic), I buy it. For me, rescuing food is more important than avoiding packaging.
Low waste tip: Saving food from landfill is always the more sustainable choice.
7. Medication
If I’m sick or need supplements, I buy them, even in plastic. Health comes first.
Low waste tip: Support your immune system with whole foods (fruits, veggies, legumes), but I don’t sacrifice my health for the sake of avoiding plastic.
8. Condoms
They create waste, but they also prevent unwanted pregnancy, sooo…
Low waste tip: Look for eco-friendly brands made with natural latex and paper packaging (I use Einhorn, a German brand).
9. Online orders
Even “sustainable” brands sometimes ship in plastic. I’ve had dresses and swimsuits from ‘eco-friendly brands’, and they arrived wrapped in plastic. Suuuuper frustrating, and makes me think – are they greenwashing?
Low waste tip: Email companies before ordering to ask for plastic-free shipping. Sometimes they actually listen.
10. Ingredients for DIY products
I DIY a lot of products (toothpowder, body butter & body butter bars, deodorant, mouthwash, air freshener, etc.), but occasionally I need ingredients like kaolin clay, which only comes in plastic.
Low waste tip: Check local bulk shops or eco-stores for plastic-free alternatives. Sometimes, I find plastic-free options, but other times I don’t.
11. Little random bits
Receipts, fruit stickers, clothing tags, jar seals, toothbrush bristles… all those unavoidable pieces of plastic that sneak into your life.
Low waste tip: Shop at local markets for plastic-free produce and opt out of receipts whenever possible.
Do I feel guilty about this?
Nah. I used to, but a lot has changed in regards to my views on sustainability, and now, I focus on the bigger picture & creating long-term sustainable habits. After some contemplation, I also concluded that living 100% zero waste is hardly possible (here’s why).
After all, we all produce trash, one way or another (have you heard of “invisible waste?”). Anywho, I know I’m doing my best, and I’m focusing on what works for me at this stage of my life. And I believe everyone should do that, too.
Some of the things I stopped buying in plastic
Over the years, I’ve found swaps for some items I used to buy in plastic, like:
- Plant-based protein powder – I get plastic-free protein powders (Form Nutrition is my fav)
- Toilet paper – I buy recycled & bamboo TP in bulk, delivered in cardboard boxes
- Vitamins – I switched to supplements in glass jars or compostable wrappers
- (Some) snacks – I stock up on plastic-free treats whenever I can
- Skincare/beauty products – I use alum stone or my DIY deodorant, DIY lotion bar, DIY toothpaste powder, natural soap for body, shampoo & conditioner bar + a simple oil for face
- Single-use period products – I switched to a menstrual cup. Best decision ever. You can learn all about menstrual cups here
- Water bottle – Haven’t bought a plastic bottle in ages. Even in my travels in Asia, I drank tap water with GRAYL – it’s a fantastic water bottle with a filter inside.
Final thoughts: progress over perfection
At the end of the day, living an imperfect zero waste lifestyle is about doing your best with what you have.
- It’s not about deprivation.
- It’s not about being 100% plastic-free.
- It’s about balance, progress, and creating long-term habits.
Don’t feel guilty about the things you still buy in plastic.
Remember that zero waste is not about deprivation and sacrificing things you want to have in your life. It’s about balance, making better choices, learning what you can do better, and doing what’s best for you & at the current stage of your life.
I’d love to hear from you: What’s the one thing you simply can’t stop getting and you still buy in plastic? Share below!
Hello!
Here are some things that I did when it came to some of your items you still buy in plastic:
Plant based yogurt. I simply don’t buy it anymore. I used to crave it, but after a few months of not eating it, I don’t miss it at all.
Plant based milk. You could always buy a can of coconut milk and simply blend it with water to make a milk or blend it and freeze it into ice cubes that you pop into your coffee in the morning.
Vegan snacks. Make your own or just have things like fruit that doesn’t come in packaging. Or make yourself a healthy smoothie! 😉 I used to love me a yummy plant based snack, but after I stopped buying them, I just don’t crave them. If I crave a snack, I’ll either eat a meal early or drink a cup of (loose leaf) tea with sweetener of choice. I also did a yeast cleanse (not a plastic free supplement bottle) that pretty much eliminated all my snacks cravings. Now I just eat leftovers or grab something from the fridge.
Condoms. I completely understand if someone continues to use them. There is no shame in that. This is just what I do instead that I feel is the most eco friendly. I track my cycle, use LH strips occasionally (yes some plastic), track cervical fluid, check for ferning in my saliva (sign of fertility), but mainly I abstain from day 7 of my cycle until two days after I ovulate which tends to be on day 12 to 14. Plus two extra days, I abstain from around day 7 to day 14-16. That ends up being a total of around 8-10 days depending on the cycle. I like having a break, but even if you are sexually active and in a relationship, there are plenty of things you can do as a couple that still bring pleasure that is not going to result in pregnancy. Been sexually actively 15 months now, and I feel comfortable with doing a form of NFP, you could say. No, I’m not married, and no, I do NOT want to get pregnant. I am fine with abstaining though. Some may not be. At the least, if you track your cycle and you know when you’re fertile, you could use condoms just when you are for instead of every day of the month which is using them more often than when it’s be necessary.