Plastic gets a bad rap, and we get it. Images of oceans filled with bottles and landfills overflowing with packaging are hard to ignore. But here's the thing: plastic isn't inherently evil. It's durable, lightweight, and incredibly useful. The real issue? How we use it — and more importantly, how we waste it.

The Grocery Store Contradiction 

Let’s talk about the big, glaring contradiction we all witness weekly: grocery stores. Many of them have proudly banned plastic bags at checkout. Great, right? In theory, yes. But walk a few aisles over and suddenly everything — from cucumbers to bell peppers — is shrink-wrapped in plastic. Bananas bundled in plastic sleeves. Berries and oranges in plastic baskets. It's like taking one step forward and three plastic-wrapped steps back.

The Hidden Plastic in Our Routines 

And while we're all being nudged to remember our canvas totes (which, by the way, have their own environmental tradeoffs), the sheer volume of single-use plastic in our daily routines goes largely unchecked.

Think about your morning. You brush your teeth. That toothbrush? Plastic. Your toothpaste tube? Also plastic. Maybe you use floss picks? Yep, plastic. Then it's off to make coffee — your coffee pods, the oat milk carton lining, the lid on your travel mug: plastic, plastic, plastic. It continues throughout the day: body wash bottles, shampoo, dish soap, packaged snacks, razors, lip balm, deodorant. The list goes on.

Progress Over Perfection 

We’re not saying to ditch all plastic — that would be impossible and honestly, not always better for the environment. But we do believe in rethinking how we use plastic, especially when it comes to items designed to be used once and tossed.

Let’s Start with the Toothbrush 

Take your toothbrush, for example. Dentists recommend replacing it every 3-4 months. That’s three or four toothbrushes per person, per year. Multiply that by the population and you start to get the picture. Now think about what happens to all those toothbrushes. They end up in landfills or, worse, waterways. They’re rarely recycled, and they don’t break down.

At Nada, we believe small changes can create big impact. That’s why we designed a toothbrush that lasts. One beautiful aluminum handle, and just the heads get replaced. It’s a simple swap that cuts down on a whole lot of waste.

It’s Time to Rethink the System 

The truth is, we need to stop looking at plastic as disposable. We need to stop blaming consumers while manufacturers keep wrapping everything in layers of unnecessary plastic. And we need better systems that support reusables, refills, and thoughtful design.

Plastic Isn’t the Problem

So no, plastic isn’t the enemy. But mindless plastic use? That needs to go.

Start with your toothbrush. Then maybe your dish soap. Then your razor. Swap slowly, swap smart. Every change adds up.

Plastic isn't the problem. It's how we use it.