Plastic free July sustainable swaps
When you start to tidy using the KonMari Method™ you can’t help but develop a more conscious appreciation for the things you own and a more mindful approach to what you purchase in the future.
This may be as simple as knowing what we have and therefore not buying more of the same or on a deeper level, consuming products that align with our values. When we tidied, I realised how reliant our family had become on single use plastics and since then, I am more mindful of what we use and bring into our home. If you are keen to start using less single plastic then July is the month to start, because it’s plastic free July!
This annual global movement encourages us to reduce our single plastic consumption for the whole month. Why? Because our the planet is drowning in it. Plastic is not biodegradable, so it sits in landfill, pollutes our waterways and oceans and is a danger to humans and wildlife. The environmental impact is huge and long-lasting. So what can we do about it?
Well, small changes in our consumer behaviour can really make a difference. So, I thought I’d share five sustainable swaps that my family and I have made in our bid to use less single use plastic.
1. Use a reusable cup
Whilst most coffee cups are made of cardboard, to make them waterproof they contain plastic polyethylene, and this means they are very difficult to recycle. A 2017 report from UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee found that only one in 400 cups or 0.25% end up being recycled, with the vast majority going straight to landfill. So, it’s time to say goodbye to the single use coffee cup and hello to a reusable one! There are so many lovely designs to choose from but this stylish glass cup is a firm favourite.
2. Use washable menstrual products
I was shocked to find out that one pack of pads contains the same amount of plastic as four carrier bags and that one conventional pad takes around 500 years to break down! The good news is that there are now a variety of sustainable options to choose from. After 30+ years! I have started using these washable cloths. They are super absorbent and easy to wash #gamechanger and I’ve also heard good things about these period pants.
3. Buy loose fruit and vegetables
It’s quite shocking how much of our fruit and vegetables comes wrapped in, or packaged in plastic. Wherever possible, I now choose to buy loose fruit and veg. To transport and store, I use these cotton mesh bags and these produce bags . I use them at the till and once home, transfer straight to the fridge or counter.
4. Say goodbye to the plastic tooth brush
More and more people are choosing to buy tooth brushes made from sustainable materials like bamboo. Our boys use these tooth brushes and I’m a big fan!
5. Ditch the cling film
With so many eco-friendly alternatives to cling-film, there really isn’t a reason to use it anymore. Instead, we use these stackable glass containers with bamboo lids for storing leftovers and I invested in these gorgeous breathable and washable cotton covers which are brilliant for covering fruits and veggies either in the fridge or on the counter.
Plastic Free July isn’t about perfection. If we can all make small changes, the collective impact will be great. Find out more ways to make a difference at Plastic Free July.
I’d love to hear what sustainable swaps you have made!
Photo credits:
Cloth produce bag: Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
Bamboo toothbrushes: Photo by Superkitina on Unsplash