Avoiding plastic in everyday life: how small steps can make a big difference

Reducing Plastic in Daily Life: How Small Steps Make a Big Impact

Damn it – it’s everywhere, isn’t it? Microplastics. Each of us contributes to it, consciously or not. Take laundry, for example: Every time we wash clothes containing synthetic fibers, tiny particles are released into the wastewater – eventually ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Not only do they harm marine ecosystems, but they also enter the food chain and, ultimately, our bodies.

This is something we all need to understand! We must stop consuming products that contain plastic and synthetic materials – especially those that are invisible yet dangerously persistent. Every choice we make as consumers affects the world around us. Fortunately, there are countless alternatives that help reduce or even eliminate plastic usage. At Pack & Smooch, we have made a conscious decision to avoid plastic entirely and rely on natural, sustainable materials. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to avoid plastic in everyday life – and why it matters!

Why Plastic Is a Problem

Plastic might be convenient and cheap, but it comes at a high cost to the environment. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, endangering marine life and destroying ecosystems. Because plastic takes centuries to decompose, it lingers in nature indefinitely. Its production also releases toxic chemicals that pose risks to both humans and animals. Especially concerning: microplastics, which result from larger plastic breaking down, are now being detected in our food chain – and our bodies.

"Every washing machine cycle with synthetic fibers contributes. Tiny fibers break loose and end up in the ocean – and eventually in our food. We all need to realize this!" – Matthias Burkert, CEO of Pack & Smooch

How to Avoid Plastic in Everyday Life

Luckily, there are many ways to avoid plastic in your daily routine. Here are a few simple tips:

• 1. Reusable shopping bags: Skip single-use plastic bags and switch to cloth or woven totes. They're durable and reusable.
• 2. Glass or stainless steel bottles: Ditch plastic water bottles in favor of a reusable one. It saves waste and keeps your drink fresh longer.
• 3. Beeswax wraps instead of cling film: Perfect for covering and storing food, these are washable, reusable, and plastic-free.
• 4. Zero-waste stores: These let you bring your own containers and buy groceries without unnecessary plastic packaging.
• 5. Natural instead of synthetic fibers: Choose clothes, bags, and accessories made from wool, cotton, or felt. Most synthetic fabrics shed microplastics in the wash. Important: Not all felt is natural – look for terms like “wool felt” or details on material origin. Real Merino wool felt has a premium price for a reason, and textile labeling laws clarify what’s actually used.
• 6. Solid soap and shampoo bars: Avoid plastic bottles by using soap and shampoo bars – often sold in paper or unpackaged.

Our Philosophy: Sustainability Without Plastic

At Pack & Smooch, we made a clear decision to avoid plastic in our production. All of our products are made from natural, renewable materials such as Merino wool felt and vegetable-tanned leather. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also functional and stylish. Even in our packaging, we use recyclable, biodegradable materials instead of plastic.

"From day one, we wanted to take a stand – not just through our products but in how we make them. Plastic is not an option for us. If you truly want it, there’s always an alternative." – Matthias Burkert, Founder of Pack & Smooch

Plastic Can (Almost) Always Be Replaced

Plastic reduction is a challenge, but solutions are often closer than we think. Whether at home, at work, or on the go – with a bit of creativity and willingness to try sustainable alternatives, plastic can be replaced in many areas. At Pack & Smooch, we’ve fully embraced this mission, because we believe: when there's the will, there's almost always a way.

"Our decision to eliminate plastic is a conscious step toward the future. We believe sustainability isn’t complicated – it’s a matter of will. Our products and packaging prove that you can act with style, quality, and environmental responsibility." – Matthias Burkert

But What About the Exceptions?

We’re being honest: we’re not perfect yet. Some of our products still include metal snaps or recycled threads. But even here, we are continuously researching more sustainable alternatives. We promise to keep evolving and improving – because true sustainability is a journey we’re taking together.

What You Can Do

Each of us can make a real difference by choosing plastic-free alternatives. Your decision helps drive change – not just by supporting companies like ours, but by making a statement for a cleaner future with less microplastic in our oceans and our food.

So let’s take action together – for our planet, our health, and the future of our children. If you truly want to avoid plastic, there is almost always a way. Let’s take that first step into a plastic-free future together!