EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC WASTE
The good news is..
It's easy to reduce your plastic waste and change old habits..
If I can do it, you can do it too :-)
Remember that all of our actions and daily choices have consequences and an impact on the environment.
If we all take more responsibility for the choices we make and acknowledge the importance of protecting the environment.. well, we can make a massive difference to create positive change in our planet to preserve animal life, your children's life and to give us a better quality of life..
With this said, I don't see any reason we can't do it. Here is just a few things that I do that you can do too:
1. SPREAD THE MESSAGE
Share your tricks and your ways of reducing plastic with those around you if the moment is appropriate and if it's with a good intention.
And, always remember that the best way and first step on showing the right direction is to lead by example.
2. AVOID PLASTIC FOOD PACKAGING
Use glass over plastic and no packaging over recycled packaging. Try to avoid processed food as it is often in plastic wrap and is full of chemicals.
Besides, processed food is bad for your health anyways :)
Also, try to shop at your local grocery store in bulk using glass jars, boxes and reusable carry bags.
Products are often better quality at local grocers and you'll probably feel great shopping without packaging. Being in tune with the environment and doing something good for the planet will also give you a sense of community and personal reward.
3. RE-USE
Think twice before you throw thing's away.
Be creative, up cycle, transform, conserve, renovate whatever items you own... you might discover some new passions and inspire others. Sometimes, I want to throw away clothes and I end up customising them and giving them a new life.
Also, there are a few things that we can buy reusable instead of single use like washable cotton hygiene items or even napkins and paper towel.
4. DITCH THE CLING FILM/FOOD WRAP
I mostly conserve my food in containers to avoid using plastic wrap. Also you can use a plate to cover your bowl of food..You' ll have the same result. You can also opt for a bee wax wrap option which is a good alternative if you want to wrap your food in something.
5. STOP USING TEA BAGS
Did you know that it is rare for tea bags not to contain plastic?
Research the composition of your tea bag and commit to using a brand that uses plastic free, biodegradable tea bag and write to the brands if they do use plastic asking them to find substitute materials.
Alternatively, choose loose leaf tea.
Surely your tea will taste better and you'll properly be able to relax over a cuppa' knowing it is good for the environment ;)
6. AVOID USING WIPES
Most wipes contain plastic fibres that are not biodegradable.
When these wipes make their way into the ocean, they get ingested by sea creatures such as turtles, who mistake them for jellyfish and eventually die a slow death after ingesting them.
7. DON’T USE PLASTIC STRAWS
Just say no!
If you really can not enjoy your drink without one, reusable straws or bamboo straws are the go.
.. Just say no because after spending time cleaning up beaches, straws, water bottles, water bottles lids and lollipop sticks are some of the common things that are left and found on the beach.
8. STOP USING PLASTIC CUPS AND BOTTLES
Grab your favourite reusable water bottle, carry it wherever you go and create a great example for other's to follow.
Having a water bottle also reminds you to stay hydrated all day long which your body will thank you for :-)
Avoid plastic soda or soft drink bottles. It is bad for your health anyway.
If you really want a juice, use a glass bottle over plastic.
9. AVOID PLASTIC BAGS
Get your favourite tote bag, bring it everywhere and make it your best buddy.
10. IN THE BATHROOM
Try using biodegradable cotton buds, soap bar, and toothbrush in bamboo to reduce your plastic waste.
Shampoo and conditioner packaging creates huge amounts of plastic waste.
When you buy your products, try a solid shampoo or conditioner.
You can also go to your local bulk store and refill your jar of shampoo and conditioner..
As a last option you can buy your products that are contained in bottles made out of Recycled plastic.
11. GO GREEN WITH CLEANING
Get your cleaning products in your bulk store, you can refill your containers as needed.
You can also create your own cleaning products made out of essential oils and natural products.
There are loads of Youtube videos on how to make them and you can make them the exact way you want them to smell, look, feel and whatever quantity that you require.
12. EXPLORE
Inform yourself of what you buy, look up the composition and the options of packaging that you have in front of you.
Personally I always look at the ingredients when I buy food, and the composition of the container when I buy something packaged. I am just curious and like to know what I get.
13. KEEP LEARNING
There is always room for improvement, and if you want to learn more on how to reduce your plastic waste, you can do your own research or get yourself this book written by Kate Nelson @plasticfreemermaid who quit plastic 10 years ago. She explains you her journey and how she's dealing with her lifestyle every day.
GOOD LUCK IMPLEMENTING YOUR NEW HABITS.
ONCE YOU START CHANGING AND KEEP REMINDING YOURSELF OF THE WAYS ON REDUCING YOUR PLASTIC WASTE . REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE WILL BECOME A HABIT AND YOU WON'T EVEN HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT.
YOU'RE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF, YOU'RE CREATING THE CHANGE AND FOR THAT.. YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOU!
WELL DONE!!