The Easy Guide to going Plastic-free this July (and beyond!)

by Sophie Newman

The plastic-free revolution is gaining new momentum in 2018! From the Queen banning plastic bottles and straws from Buckingham Palace earlier this year, to Australian supermarkets falling in line with an almost nation-wide ban on single-use plastic bags from July 1; we are excited to share these easy ways you can adopt a plastic-reduced lifestyle, and free yourself from the seemingly never-ending pile of non-degradable plastic waste.

First the Why.

The ‘great pacific garbage patch’ sometimes referred to as ‘plastic island’ is the largest (but not the only) accumulation zone of majority plastic waste, located off the coast of Hawaii. Known to scientists since the 1970’s, a recent survey by the Ocean Cleanup brought back 1.2 million plastic samples. Following this, in 2016 they conducted the first ever aerial measurement of the area, and determined the accumulation was 1.6 million square kilometers in size, (equivalent to 3 times the size of France) and containing 1.3 trillion pieces of plastic. (Source: theoceancleanup.com)

Here’s a quick 2-3 minute video if you would like to learn more;

Organisations like the Ocean Cleanup foundation are working with the latest technologies, making enormous efforts in their goal to clean up 50% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the next 5 years.

Source: theoceancleanup.com

The implications of this waste are undeniably far-reaching. In addition to the immediate risks the debris poses for the safety and health of marine animals, there are major health and economic implications for humans as well, as chemicals in plastics enter the food chain and water supply which are eventually consumed by humans. In no time in history has it been more important that we stop contributing to the growing plastic-waste accumulation.

We can make a difference.

Here are some easy ways we can each work towards a plastic-free lifestyle, and together reduce or avoid contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste.

1. Ban the Bag

From 1 July 2018, most Australian states will have a permanent ban on single-use plastic bags from major supermarkets. Most major retailers have joined the commitment to no longer supplying single-use bags, happily making reusable bags easy to find! But not all reusable bags are made the same. Whilst any reusable bag is a good thing, some of the thicker plastic bags available are not practical for long term reuse or are at risk of ending up contributing to the same problem!

A better option is a bag that you will reuse, one that is practical and convenient for you, and is repairable, to ensure the longest life possible. The best option is a bag that reuses existing materials (example below) or one that contributes to a ‘circular economy‘ and can re-enter the environment by bio-degrading safely or naturally composting fibres.

Natural Fibre Seagrass Basket from Biome

There are some great, well-established initiatives out there like Boomerang Bags; a grass-roots movement of volunteers who get together to make reusable bags from recycled fabrics which are then given away! If you’re really keen you can start your own sewing group, take a look to see if there’s a boomerang group operating in your community.

2. BYO – Bring your own

We’re sure you’ve heard of ‘keep-cups’, stainless steel straws and reusable water bottles, but there may be one you haven’t quite got the hang of yet. Why not make this month the month you commit to making the change! There are so many alternatives available so we picked out the ones which also happen to also be stylish 😉

We love our ‘Keep Cup’ from Biome stores

3. Make your own

Making your own meals is cheaper, simpler and generally better for you. This can equate to better health and help the environment too! Embrace low-waste by cooking larger portions at dinnertime and freezing them in long-lasting, reusable plastic alternatives, buying produce and grains in bulk, and making your own lunches as opposed to grabbing wrapped and packaged options on your work break.

Pre-packaged and take-away meals can be one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste. There usually isn’t the option to take the food and decline the packaging therefore no matter which way you look at it, it’s better to go without, where possible. For most people there will still be times when take-away is unavoidable so it’s best to come prepared with your BYO items and if you ask, some restaurants will let you bring your own reusable containers!

4. Keep it clean

Making your own applies to more than just meals. Making your own cleaning products is ridiculously easy and you can even find plastic-free cosmetics thanks to this range from Australian-owned B-corp, Bio-me stores.

Can you remember what cartoon character you had on your toothbrush when you were eight? The planet can. Yes it’s true, thanks to the time it takes for plastic to degrade, every toothbrush you’ve ever owned still exists and they are often found washed up on beaches all over the world (ewww). If you’re ready for a change that will break down naturally in just 6 months* try a Bamboo Toothbrush today!

*handle only – source: www.brushwithbamboo.com

If you like the idea of reducing plastic, why not try the Plastic Free July Starter Kit!

5. Celebrate your ‘wins’ and avoid ethical overwhelm

We live in a heavily plastic-laden society and without going ‘off-grid’, it is technically impossible to be 100% plastic-free. However, every item you decline or swap out is a cause for celebration! If it helps you can make a note of every time this month you alter or reduce your dependency on plastic and be proud of your achievements. Added together all these little changes have wide-reaching affects. We’re cheering for you! 🙂

We hope you liked these alternatives to plastic for easy and simple plastic-free living!

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