1) Start Small, Then Scale (Tiny Swaps)

Why it works: Smaller changes lower the “activation energy” to start and are easier to repeat. Consistency beats intensity.

Mechanism: Pick one plastic-reduction swap for this week (not five). Make it easy enough to do on low-energy days.

2) Make It Visible (Salience Cues)

Why it works: We default to what we see first. Visibility turns “good intentions” into real prompts.

Mechanism: Put your reusables where the action happens (by keys, in your bag, near the kettle, beside the sink).

3) Use “Default Kits” (Pre-Decision)

Why it works: Habits fail when you need to decide on the spot. A ready kit removes decision-making.

Mechanism: Build a grab-and-go kit (bag + bottle + cup + utensils). Keep one at the door/car/work bag.

4) If–Then Plans for High-Risk Moments (Implementation Intentions)

Why it works: Shopping, takeout, and snacks trigger impulse packaging decisions. If–then planning pre-chooses your move.

Mechanism: Write 2–3 rules like:

• If I’m getting takeout, then I’ll bring my container or choose the lowest-packaging option.

• If I forget my bag, then I’ll buy only what I can carry (or skip it).

5) Habit Stacking (Contextual Anchoring)

Why it works: Anchoring a new behavior to an existing routine increases follow-through.

Mechanism: Attach your plastic-detox behavior to a stable habit:

• After I make coffee → I fill my water bottle.

• After I lock the door → I check my reusable kit.

6) Friction Management (Environment Design)

Why it works: Behavior follows the path of least resistance. Make the “good choice” easier than the default.

Mechanism:

• Reduce friction for desired behaviors (reusables easy to grab, refillables on the counter).

• Increase friction for undesired behaviors (store single-use items out of reach, keep a “pause” note on your wallet).

7) Swap, Don’t “Quit” (Substitution)

Why it works: Removing something without a replacement invites relapse. Substitutes preserve the routine while changing the material.

Mechanism: Replace common plastic sources with simple swaps:

• Kitchen/food: bulk + refill + freezer/prep habits

• Bathroom: bar soap + refillables

• Cleaning: concentrates + reusable cloths

• Laundry: microfibre shed reduction choices

8) Track “Wins,” Not Purity (Progress Feedback)

Why it works: Seeing progress builds momentum and identity (“I’m someone who does this”).

Mechanism: Track one metric weekly (e.g., “single-use items avoided,” “refills done,” or “plastic-free meals/takeouts”).

9) Identity-Based Habits (Self-Concept)

Why it works: Actions stick when they align with who you believe you are.

Mechanism: Use identity language tied to specific behaviors:

• “I’m a bring-my-own person.”

• “I’m a refill-first shopper.”

  Then reinforce with small, repeatable proof.

10) Weekly Themes (Chunking + Focus)

Why it works: Focusing on one domain at a time reduces overwhelm and increases follow-through.

Mechanism: Rotate themes like: reusables → kitchen/food → personal care/cleaning → packaging/shopping → everyday carry → microplastics.