As we know plastic consumption and disposal is a real issue in Australia and indeed worldwide. According to Plastic-Pollution.org, every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans. This is equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world.
Many plastic items we use in our daily lives are indispensable, but in the same token there is also that group of disposable or single-use plastics that are not essential. By making some small changes to our daily habits we can cut them out completely and take a bit of strain off the environment.
Below are eight common disposable plastic items and their plastic-free alternatives. . .
1. Straws
Sip without a straw or if you can’t go without – BYO stainless steel straw!
2. Bottled water
Instead of buying bottled water, carry your own reusable water bottle with you.
3. Toothbrushes
Replace your plastic toothbrushes for bamboo ones.
4. Cling wrap
Instead of using plastic cling wrap to cover your food, try beeswax wraps (for example http://www.beegreenwraps.com.au/) or store your food in reusable containers.
5. Coffee cup lids (and cups)
If you have the time, enjoy your daily fix in the cafe. Or use a reusable coffee cup.
6. Disposable plastic crockery and cutlery.
Ditch the plastic and instead invest in a reusable set you can use for parties and events.
7. Plastic shopping bags
Always remember to BYO cloth or reusable plastic bags. With the planned ban on plastic bags in Victoria due to hit in July it will be good to get into the habit early!
8. Soft drink bottles
Sugary soft drinks are not good for our health so could be an idea to avoid these altogether. Alternatively, invest in a soda stream to make your own.
If the above has got you inspired, why not join up to a ‘Plastic Free July’ challenge. You don’t need to wait until July, when you register you will see an option to take the challenge ‘from this point on’.
If your business could do with some help with responsible waste disposal of plastics or other items please contact us.