We've gotta reduce our reliance on plastics, and not just for one month a year. The big question - how can we do it? Well, like any big problem, it's best to start with teeny-tiny, doable steps. They really do add up and every single one of us can make a difference.
In the spirit of taking action, we went through 3 rooms in the home to come up with a list of simple, doable swaps to reduce common plastic culprits. We reckon anyone can make these swaps. Come on in and see what you think!
10 Simple Swaps to Minimise Plastics at Your Place
Bathroom Basics
As the smallest room in the house, the bathroom is often the easiest place to start your quest to plummet plastics. Here are our top 5 bathroom switches:
1. Toss the tube
Most big-brand toothpastes are housed in a plastic tube which takes a lifetime to break down. Make the planet smile by switching to a toothpaste which comes in a glass jar. Infinitely recyclable - glass is all class! You'll waste less too, as it's much easier to get that last little bit of toothpaste out of a glass jar, where you can actually see what's left!
Good to know - Each toothpaste jar prevents the equivalent of approximately 2 plastic tubes going into landfill - yesss! Oh and the jar's aluminium lid can go in your home recycling too.
2. Face Up
While you're there why not switch to a face moisturiser or scrub that comes in a glass jar? Check out these team favourites for soft, silky skin you can feel good about.
3. Banish the Bottle - Swap to Soap
It's so easy to lather your locks with a shampoo soap bar rather than relying on the contents of a plastic bottle - that's likely taking up too much space in your shower recess anyway! These shampoo bars are powerful - one bar should give you a traditional bottle-worth of washes. And yes, we even have a gentle soapy option for your fury bestie...
Good to know - Our shampoo bars use natural, earth-friendly ingredients to get your hair looking and smelling divine!
4. Shave to Save
Whether it's your face, legs or pits, you can create a lovely lather for shaving away unwanted hair with a purpose built shave bar, rather than using those foamy aerosal cans.
5. Pooh-Ticket Trade
Can you hold on - just a little longer? No Issues Toilet Tissues are coming to YFC soon! This loo paper is made using bamboo fibres so they are eco-friendly and are packaged thoughtfully in biodegradable plastic. A much better option than the regular plastic-wrapped kind.
Kitchen Upgrade
As the heart of the home, the kitchen provides many opportunities to up your plastic-reduction game. Here are our top suggestions to swap - for good!
6. Go Nude
Your food, that is...
Really, there's no reason fruit and vege can't go nude on the trip to your place. The beauty of ordering your weekly shop with us is that we use minimal packaging, and usually none at all! Instead, your hand-picked fruit and vege are simply popped straight into your box - no plastic bags needed. And of course, when you take a trip to the supermarket out of the equation, plastic carry bags are redundant too. Select the Shop Plastic Free option on our website to make it even easier.
7. Classy Glass
Yep, glass again...Choose glass jars and bottles for your sauces, condiments, jams and honey- boom!
Good to know:
- Glass produced from recycled glass reduces related air pollution by 20% and related water pollution by 50%.
- Recycling glass reduces the space in landfills that would otherwise be taken up by used bottles and jars.
8. Wrap Right
You'll be glad to know it's easy to avoid plastic wrap to keep your left-overs and sandwiches fresh... Make the switch to pretty and practical beeswax wraps -you'll save loads of single-use plastic going to landfill. A damp tea-towel is also useful to wrap soft herbs and leafy greens.
Be a Laundry Legend
Yep, even our actions in the laundry could do with a plastic-free re-do. Why not:
9. Clean Up
It's easy to leave behind big plastic bottles of laundry liquid when there are amazingly effective alternatives like these hard working laundry detergents from Community Refill or The Dirt Company which are packaged plastic-free.
10. Peg it
And how about those brittle plastic pegs you've been using? Is it time to switch to metal pegs that'll last for a lifetime? We love these ones from our friends at Banish.
Good to know - According to Energy Australia, using the clothesline once a week instead of using the dryer could save you around $80 a year!
Minimising Plastic? You're Fantastic!
So, thanks for popping in for our 3 room swap-out tour. Are you inspired to make a change (or 10) at your place? Even if you adopt just one swap from this list - thank you - it really does make a difference.
We'd love to know what you're up to in your plastic-reducing journey. Hit us up with your tips and tricks at hello@yourfoodcollective.com or @yourfoodcollective on socials.
