Maybe you are not ready to give up the plastic altogether but there are some easy ways to make a big difference in reducing the amount of plastic waste that is a huge burden to our environment. Recycling goes some of the way to easing the issue; however it is a much better option to avoid the use of plastic as much as possible.
Bring your own shopping bag
I am thinking hessian is best. Or why not make your own out of left over fabric? In addition to bigger carryall bags, you can take your own reusable produce bags or don’t use produce bags at all.
Ditch bottled water
Such an easy way to reduce waste. Keep a refillable bottle handy and take it wherever you go. Bottled water is incredibly expensive compared to the tap. Say ‘no’ to bottled water.
BYO Coffee Cup
Coffee Cups are usually lined with a polyethylene making it difficult to be recycled. Take your own refillable cup....you may even get your coffee at a reduced price!!
Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags
Try pasta in a box instead of a bag, detergent in a box instead of a bottle. Even better, see if the cardboard is from a sustainable source.
Say ‘no’ to straws
They are just not necessary. Paper or stainless straws are an option. Get plastic out of the makeup drawer and bathroom
Research microbeads.
Aim for none in your products.
Skip the disposable razor
Re-think your food storage
Try to use glass instead of plastic for fridge/pantry storage. Take your own containers for the left over restaurant meal. Use reusable sandwich wraps e.g.‘Keep Leaf’ eco-friendly bags.
Use cloth nappies over disposable nappies
Shop in Bulk
Consider joining the BSFG Bulk Food Co-op. Keep your eye out for places with refill stations or bulk purchases.
Think about fashion choices
Do you really need another item of clothing? Consider clothes swapping with your friends and family. Check out the Op Shop.
Travelling?
Try to follow the practices you have at home. Carry a lightweight rolled-up reusable carry bag. Purify the tap water – choose to avoid the bottled water. My daughter recently travelled Sri Lanka, India and Nepal for 3 months and used a ‘Steripen’ handheld water purifier....was fantastic, easy to use, saved heaps of dollars, and heaps of plastic bottle waste.
CHOOSE TO REFUSE
Check out the ABC’s “War on Waste”:
http://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/waronwaste/
And the website for “Plastic Free July”:
http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
Also recommended reading:
http://treadingmyownpath.com/2017/01/12/onlinezero-waste-plastic-free-stores/
Wendy Baker
BSFG Plastic Bag Action Group
Bring your own shopping bag
I am thinking hessian is best. Or why not make your own out of left over fabric? In addition to bigger carryall bags, you can take your own reusable produce bags or don’t use produce bags at all.
Ditch bottled water
Such an easy way to reduce waste. Keep a refillable bottle handy and take it wherever you go. Bottled water is incredibly expensive compared to the tap. Say ‘no’ to bottled water.
BYO Coffee Cup
Coffee Cups are usually lined with a polyethylene making it difficult to be recycled. Take your own refillable cup....you may even get your coffee at a reduced price!!
Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags
Try pasta in a box instead of a bag, detergent in a box instead of a bottle. Even better, see if the cardboard is from a sustainable source.
Say ‘no’ to straws
They are just not necessary. Paper or stainless straws are an option. Get plastic out of the makeup drawer and bathroom
Research microbeads.
Aim for none in your products.
Skip the disposable razor
Re-think your food storage
Try to use glass instead of plastic for fridge/pantry storage. Take your own containers for the left over restaurant meal. Use reusable sandwich wraps e.g.‘Keep Leaf’ eco-friendly bags.
Use cloth nappies over disposable nappies
Shop in Bulk
Consider joining the BSFG Bulk Food Co-op. Keep your eye out for places with refill stations or bulk purchases.
Think about fashion choices
Do you really need another item of clothing? Consider clothes swapping with your friends and family. Check out the Op Shop.
Travelling?
Try to follow the practices you have at home. Carry a lightweight rolled-up reusable carry bag. Purify the tap water – choose to avoid the bottled water. My daughter recently travelled Sri Lanka, India and Nepal for 3 months and used a ‘Steripen’ handheld water purifier....was fantastic, easy to use, saved heaps of dollars, and heaps of plastic bottle waste.
CHOOSE TO REFUSE
Check out the ABC’s “War on Waste”:
http://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/waronwaste/
And the website for “Plastic Free July”:
http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
Also recommended reading:
http://treadingmyownpath.com/2017/01/12/onlinezero-waste-plastic-free-stores/
Wendy Baker
BSFG Plastic Bag Action Group
Source BSFG's May Newsletter, 2017
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