Forming new habits can feel l hard—but with the right tools, small daily choices become second nature. Whether it’s remembering your Travel Cup or Bowl, science shows that tiny, consistent actions lead to real change [1][2].
Your Plastic Free Journey isn’t about being perfect—it’s about building habits that stick, protecting what we love, and making a positive impact on the planet. Ready to get started? Here are 21 research-backed tips to make reusables part of your life—for good.
21 Tips to Make Reusables a Daily Habit
Research from experts shows that around 21 days of consistent effort can begin reshaping habits—especially when you align with your brain's tendencies and focus on identity-based change [3][4].
It's not about overhauling everything overnight. Tiny improvements, done daily, create lasting results [5]. Let’s dive in.
Set Yourself Up for Success: Environmental & Visual Cues
1. Put it where you can see it: Place your Travel Cup near your keys or by the door—this way, it becomes part of your essential “leave the house” items.
2. Hydration + Caffeine = Power Pair: Pair your Travel Cup with your water bottle to create a grab-and-go duo—hydration and caffeine sorted in one easy step.
3. Add Friction to the Old Habit: Make single-use less convenient. Like committing to donating an extra dollar to the tip jar at your local cafe if you forget your Reusable.
4. Change Visual Cues Often: Sticky notes work—but only if they stay fresh. Move your reminders around every few days so your brain stays alert, and the cue becomes part of your environment [4].
5. Stack It with Existing Habits: Tie your reusable to daily tasks: “After I grab my phone, I grab my cup.” Habit stacking simplifies change [5].
6. Use THIS Tool You Likely Always Have Nearby: Set a daily phone alarm titled “Got your Travel Cup?”—this simple nudge helps make remembering your reusable part of your morning routine, no matter how busy life gets.
7. Make it Obvious: Bold designs and bright colours make your cup easier to spot and harder to forget [5]. Our Travel Cups come in a variety of glazes that make them stand out - check them out here.
8. Reduce Barriers: Keep your cup clean, visible, and ready to go. Wash and dry it as soon as you get home and pack it straight into your bag.
9. Keep a Spare Reusable Close By: Have at least two Travel Cups or reusable bowls—one in your bag and another stashed in your car or at work. That way, if you forget to pack one, your backup is ready and waiting.
10. Prepare for Slip-Ups: Everyone forgets sometimes. Have a backup plan: make coffee at home, skip takeaways, and try again tomorrow. Or opt to dine in and have your beverage in the cafe!
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Motivation & Mindset: Identity, Rewards & Tracking
11. Say It: “I’m the Kind of Person Who Reduces Waste”: Identity reinforces behaviour. Every time you use your reusable, you’re voting for the person you want to be [5].
12. Small Wins Build Big Change: In a world overwhelmed by negative news about the planet, it’s powerful to remind yourself: you’re part of the solution. It starts with one cup, one conscious choice—and that choice matters.
13. Link Reusables to Rewards: Promise yourself a small treat after a week of remembering your cup—perhaps a sweet indulgence at your favourite café.
14. Bit by bit: If you’re trying to change a lot at once, pick just one sustainable switch. Focusing on a single, high-impact goal gives it the attention and energy it deserves—avoid the trap of doing too much at once [4]. Start with your cup, then maybe begin travelling with a reusable bowl and/or cutlery.
15. Love Your Reusable: Choose a reusable you enjoy using. Our Whale Cup is handmade, ocean-inspired, and designed to feel good so you want to use it every day.
16. Expect the "Middle Slump": Motivation often dips midway through forming new habits—it’s completely normal. To stay on track, break your 21-day journey into 3 weekly mini-challenges or checkpoints. Celebrate the end of each week with a small reward or reflection. Chunking time like this keeps your brain engaged and helps maintain momentum [4].
17. Track Your Progress: Consistency is powerful. Use a habit tracker (like ours!) to celebrate every day you choose reusables.
Community & Systems: Support, Accountability & Sustainable Habits
18. Set a “No-Zero” Rule: Even on your busiest day, do something that aligns with your habit—no matter how small. Forgot your cup? Ask for no lid. Had to get a takeaway? Rinse and reuse the container. This “no-zero days” mindset helps you stay consistent without being perfect [5].
19. Follow Inspiring Eco-Conscious Accounts: Engage with social media pages (including ours!) that share daily plastic-free inspiration and tips. Seeing consistent encouragement and real-life stories helps keep motivation high and connects you with a supportive community.
20. Create a Fun “Forget Your Cup” Jar: Place a donation jar at your office or workspace as a playful consequence: if you forget your reusable, commit to putting some money in the jar. This small gesture reminds you to be mindful—and the jar’s funds can support eco-projects or reusable products.
21. Build Your Plastic-Free Support Crew: Invite friends, family, or coworkers to join you on your plastic-free journey. Having a supportive group creates shared motivation and accountability. When you encourage each other, it’s easier and more enjoyable to stick with sustainable habits long-term.
Conclusion: Your Plastic Free Journey Starts Now
Forming sustainable habits takes intention—but with the right tools and support, it becomes a way of life. Choosing reusables is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.
Every single-use item avoided helps reduce the pollution that threatens marine life—from plastic debris to discarded fishing lines that entangle and harm countless creatures beneath the waves [1][2]. By making small, conscious choices every day, you contribute to cleaner oceans and a healthier planet.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of thoughtfully designed Travel Cups and reusable Travel Bowls that make ditching single-use plastics easier and more enjoyable.
Ready to Make Your Habit Stick?
✔ Download your Free Habit Tracker
✔ Shop our handcrafted Reusables
✔ Join us on socials for daily Plastic Free inspiration
Together, small steps create big change!
References:
[1] Sea Shepherd, Plastic Pollution & Marine Life. https://www.seashepherd.org.au/latest-news/plastic-pollution-solutions/
[2] Boomerang Alliance, Impacts of Plastic Pollution. https://www.boomerangalliance.org.au/impacts
[3] Huberman Lab, Build or Break Habits Using Science-Based Tools. https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/build-or-break-habits-using-science-based-tools
[4] Huberman Lab, Toolkit for Setting & Achieving Goals. https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/toolkit-for-setting-achieving-goals
[5] James Clear, Atomic Habits Summary. https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits-summary
