7 Tips to Reduce Plastic Use
It’s Plastic Free July! Seven tips to reduce the use of plastic.
You don’t have to look far to realise that one of our major ecological problems is plastic. We see plastic bottles and bags on our streets, in forests, rivers and washed up on beaches. If you’re as fed up as we are and want to do something about it, read on as we’ve put together seven tips to live a life with less plastic and be more sustainable.
1. Begin with a bag: a good cotton companion
The easiest way to save plastic when shopping is to always carry a cotton or fabric bag with you everywhere you go. Keep it in your backpack or handbag for all the last-minute spontaneous shopping trips. Besides, canvas bags are stylish nowadays!
2. Fruit and vegetables don’t grow in plastic
Why do fruit and veg come in plastic packaging in the supermarket? And when they don’t, they give you a thin plastic bag to put it in? There’s no need for this additional plastic! Visit farmer’s markets or small veggie stores instead of supermarkets for fresh loose fruit and veg, then pop them in that handy cotton bag we mentioned!
3. Coffee to stay or bring your own cup
We all enjoy a takeaway coffee on the go, especially on our way to work. Why not treat yourself to a fancy reusable cup, which will save using lots of disposable cups! Alternatively, opt for slow pace and mindfulness by enjoying your drink in the coffee shop for a change.
4. Drink water from the tap
There are so many lovely reusable bottles on the market that you can fill up with water from the tap. No need to buy water in plastic bottles anymore! If you’re out and about and in need of a drink and your bottle is at home, you can now get cans of water in most convenience stores.
5. It’s Period Time: menstrual cups
For those who menstruate, there are now various alternatives to cut down on plastic products. Our menstrual cups do not absorb the flow but gathers it inside the body. It can be emptied and cleaned to cut down the use of disposable products. Our menstrual cups are made from Fairtrade rubber, instead of plastic. We derive our fair natural rubber from Fair Rubber certified sources in India and Sri Lanka.
If period cups are not your thing and you still prefer pads and tampons, choose certified organic cotton period products, rather than using conventional period pads and tampons that are full of plastics. We recommend Organyc 100% certified organic cotton pads, tampons, and liners, as they biodegrade and are better for the environment.
6. Reusable Tupperware instead of disposable sandwich bags
Sandwiches are a go to lunch for all ages, but why do we use sandwich bags, foil or cling film which just get thrown away after one use? Try a lunchbox or reusable wax wraps to keep your lunch fresh.
7. Say no to straws!
We don’t need a straw to drink, we can just use our mouths! Plastic straws are a thing of the past, most places now offer paper straws. But if like us you don’t rate soggy straws, bring your own metal or glass one instead.