Cutting down on plastics might be one of the easiest jumping off points when trying to reduce your every day impacts on the environment. A decade ago, avoiding plastic might've meant cutting out something entirely from your life. However, now there are so many alternatives to most plastic products, it's really just about making a different choice. This choice might involve a little more effort and cost in the short-term, but will nearly always save time and money down the line. Here are just a few of my favourite swap outs to get started.
The humble soap
Soap can do all the things that shower gel or hand wash can do, but comes in a small paper package rather than a large plastic bottle. Support a small local business while you're at it and get a lovely homemade soap. If you really don't like using soaps, you could get your products refilled, either in a local shop or through an online service. However you prefer to wash, the option to save plastic is there; and each time you look at your soap, you'll get a little good feeling.
Laundry detergent sheets
80% of most laundry products are water, meaning they need a plastic bottle to store them and have unnecessary weight to transport. On the other hand, detergent sheets contain no water - just the things you need to clean your clothes. This means they not only avoid plastic, but save emissions in transport (and save water too). The brand I use are from Simple Living Eco. They don't look like much more than a square of paper, but they are just as effective as any regular washing powder or tablet, even for cooler washes. It's not sexy, but it's an easy swap!
Fruit and veg
There are some people now going completely plastic-free in their food shopping. However, there are some basic foods where it is difficult to avoid plastic packaging, and most people just aim to reduce as much as possible and recycle the rest. Fruit and veg is probably the easiest area to remove or reduce plastic packaging, and it is often one of the only packets in the trolley that can't be recycled. In supermarkets, plastic-packed apples are sometimes the only option, and it can be tempting just to grab a bag for convenience.
My number one recommendation for fruit and veg has to be a box delivery. They use no to minimal minimal plastic wrapping, and lots are from organic farms, so you're supporting the environment there too. Try one local to your area to reduce transportation and support local business, or maybe a service like Oddbox, who aim to reduce food waste by selling "wonky" veg. If you don't like having your fruit and veg chosen for you, or really hate potatoes (you get a few...), perhaps try a local green grocer (they tend to use less single-use plastic); if you live rural, there may be a farm close by which sells its produce from an on-site shop. Again, find the option which works best for you. Hopefully, it will make cooking and eating a greater joy.
I'll be back with more plastic swap-outs soon. If you liked this post, please leave a comment or get in touch!
Opmerkingen