This article first appeared on Simply Living.

In honor of Plastic Free July, we thought we would highlight some helpful information for Central Ohioans who want to reduce their reliance on plastic. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your plastic-free lifestyle, this guide has you covered.

• Easy plastic-free swaps to reduce waste at home, in cafés, and while shopping
• Ways to protect your health from microplastics and toxic plastic exposure
• Ideas for community action and local resources to support plastic-free living in Central Ohio

Plastics are used in a wide variety of ways and found in countless products. While they can be helpful and convenient, plastics are also harmful to the environment, to our health, and especially to our oceans.

As many of you learned from our recent screening of Plastic People (2024 Documentary), microplastics are now showing up in our bodies, and they pose serious health risks. Many people want to reduce the amount of plastic in their lives—but aren’t sure where to begin.

Here are some practical, sustainable tips to reduce plastic use in your everyday routine:

• Ask your favorite local coffee shops and restaurants to cut back on plastic packaging and cups.
• Join a reusable cup network like the one formed by Simply Living’s partner  Central Ohio Reuse Coalition (CORC). Through this innovative borrow-and-return stainless steel cup program, customers can:
  • Download the Okapi app (small one-time fee)
  • Borrow reusable cups from participating cafés
  • Return cups within 2 weeks by scanning a return QR code at the café’s dirty cup bin

This is a great example of a zero-waste coffee solution that reduces single-use plastic and builds community resilience.

• Choose vendors who use reusable or compostable containers—like the 20+ vendors at the Worthington Farmers Market who take back and reuse packaging.
• Buy in bulk when possible, and bring your own containers for spices, grains, or snacks.

• Use a glass or stainless steel water bottle—refill it and skip the single-use plastic bottles.
• Bring reusable grocery bags—keep a few in your car or near your door.
• Ditch plastic straws or carry your own metal, glass, or silicone straw.
• Replace plastic wrap with eco-friendly beeswax wraps or silicone covers.
• Switch to sustainable utensils instead of disposable plastic cutlery.
• Shop at zero-waste or refill stores like Bexley Natural Market or local refilleries.
• Bring your own containers when getting takeout or restaurant leftovers.

• Call or email your local representatives to support policies that reduce plastic pollution.
• Start a plastic-free initiative at your school, workplace, or place of worship.
  • Tip: The NexTrex program collects film plastic (bags, wraps, etc.) and turns it into outdoor benches for organizations!
• Share your plastic-free story with Simply Living and be featured on our blog or social media

To avoid microplastics and toxins, try these tips:

• Never heat food or beverages in plastic containers
• Use bamboo, wood, or metal cooking utensils instead of plastic.
• Replace plastic cutting boards with glass or wood
• Choose fresh, minimally processed foods over heavily packaged convenience foods

Let’s celebrate the Central Ohio cafés leading the way in cutting plastic waste with CORC’s reusable cup program! Give them a visit—or a shout-out:

• Kittie’s (Worthington)
• Good Cafe (Easton)
• Sunny Sips (Food Truck)
• Cafe Graciela (Columbus)
• Community Grounds (Columbus)
• Swonderful Times Cafe (Bexley)
• Black Kahawa – New! (Downtown Columbus)
• Coffee Connections – Coming soon! (Hilliard)

The more people we bring along, the greater our collective impact.
Share this blog with friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors.
Awareness is the first step toward reducing plastic pollution and protecting our health.

There’s a huge shift happening—more people than ever are seeking eco-friendly, plastic-free solutions for everyday living. By making simple changes, we can cut plastic waste, protect our health, and help build a cleaner, more resilient world.