In a world where sustainability matters, many people have started looking at the option of going plastic-free. The affordability and convenience of plastic ensure that it’s a hard decision to make, but it can be a worthwhile one.
Whether you want to do your part for the environment or feel good about your contribution to society as a whole, then read on. Here are a few helpful tips to put you on the path to going plastic-free for good.
Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Going plastic-free and being more aware of sustainability is a big step to take, but you can start small and still make a lot of progress. One such way to do that is by using reusable shopping bags, rather than single-use ones.
Fortunately, here in Australia, we’re all encouraged to do that anyway. ACT banned plastic bags in 2011, and more states, such as South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, followed suit. You can purchase reusable grocery bags from most supermarkets.
Buy Bulk Foods
It can seem easy and convenient to buy your flour, cereals, and other loose ingredients in plastic bags, but you are creating a demand for plastic products that don’t discourage manufacturers from lifting their game. Instead of buying bulk or packaged ingredients, see if you can buy them from bulk bins. You can then bring your own glass containers or paper packaging. You can even save money with bulk pricing in the process.
Use Reusable Produce Bags
Any trip through the produce department in your local supermarket will see you confronted with rolls and rolls of thin plastic bags. These are designed to hold fruit and vegetables that would otherwise roll around your trolley. Invest in mesh, reusable produce bags that you can use time and time again.
Say Goodbye to Bottled Water
We buy a million plastic bottles per minute as a global population, and 91 percent of those do not end up being recycled. Do your part by saying no to bottled water. Purchase a stainless steel drink bottle with a steel lid and refill it from your tap. There are also plenty of purifying setups if your drinking water is not as nice as you would like.
Plastic bottles are made with polyethylene terephthalate, which takes around four centuries to break down. Don’t have that on your conscious.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Almost every cleaning product comes in some form of plastic, not to mention that it’s laden with chemicals. Get creative and scour the internet for recipes for natural, effective cleaning products. You will be amazed at what a little baking soda and vinegar can achieve.
Going plastic-free can be easier than you think. Of course, it can be an investment in the beginning to buy glass containers, stock up on cloth and mesh bags, and check out the latest bulk stores, but it can be worth it. By 2050, researchers believe there will be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean, which is a worrying thought. Your small changes can make a world of difference.