Concerned about the amount of plastic in your life? Research shows you should be.

About 8 million metric tons of plastic are thrown into the ocean each year. By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

And that’s impacting humans in a lot of different ways. Sperm counts have decreased by 50 percent in just under 40 years. And studies show it might be because of neuroendocrine disruptors like the BPA in plastics.

Plastic is everywhere. There’s not a portion of your life that doesn’t have plastic in it. So it can be especially difficult as you pay attention to it and try and reduce it from your life.

Yes, it’s in your water bottles. But did you know it’s in your makeup? Your clothes? Your contact lenses?

So how do you go about reducing plastic in your life?

One step at a time.

Water bottles

It’s the biggest waste of plastic, and it’s the easiest one for you to eliminate. Plus there are a lot of very cool water bottles on the marketplace today. Try the Mira brand of stainless steel water bottles. Or choose a Hydro Flask, they have them for coffee, wine, and beer too. The Ello product line uses natural materials like bamboo, cork, and glass. Or give the collapsable water bottle Que a try.

Grab and go food containers

We live in a busy world. And that means a lot of us eat on the go. If you walk around the outside of your favorite grocery store, you’ve noticed a lot of foods are in grab and go containers. It’s a quick way to bring prepared foods home. It’s also a lot of plastic in use. We get to-go containers everywhere - from your favorite restaurant, and even in a drink format from your favorite coffee shop. While it does take a little more thought and planning, invest in containers and bring them with you to your favorite places. Many of the water bottle brands from above also have coffee mugs. Coffee shops are more than happy to fill yours up. You can even bring your own dishes if you get to-go food at restaurants; most are happy to load up your food in your containers.

Storage and dishes

Do you use tinfoil and plastic wrap? Or baggies to send lunch with your kids to school? Or parchment paper when baking your favorite cookies? Most of us are at least conscious of plastic containers for storing food. You can replace them with glass containers. But it stretches beyond that to everything you do. Plastic spoons for stirring your soup. Plastic coatings in your pots and pans. When you really start looking, you’ll find it everywhere. Pay attention to what a product is made of. Invest in cast iron pots, or the Le Creuset line without plastics. Use a silicone slip mat instead of parchment paper. Every little change has impact.

Cleaning supplies

Not only do most cleaning supplies contain harsh chemicals, but most come in plastic containers as well. Simpler is better. You can do a lot with liquid Castile soap, a little baking soda, and white vinegar. Castile soap can be used for washing dishes. Baking soda has natural scrubbing agents. And white vinegar can be used for cleaning all around your house. If you don’t like the smell, add water and essential oils.

Want to reduce your plastic use? Start in these four areas. Detoxing is never easy, but this will give you a great start.