Plastic Free Tips

The idea of living a life with less plastic is a no-brainer. We all know the planet needs our help. We all know that everything about the plastic industry is a seriously problem to pretty much every species in the world. The fumes, the bi-products, the waste, the pollution. But beyond basic recycling and cutting down on the main offenders in terms of disposables (plastic cutlery, plastic bags, plastic bottles and now, masks and gloves too) the reality can be a little daunting.

You may have heard about people who have done the seemingly impossible – clearing their homes (and lives) completely of plastic waste. But many of us have tried to do the same and given up when it ended up feeling like it’s just too much to take on. Parents of young children and teenagers may struggle in particular, trying to field an entire family’s plastic use and disposal is undeniably a lot more challenging than being responsible for your own habits. But, there are ways you can not only make a drastic difference in the plastics you use, but actually enjoy it too.

The first thing to know is that it’s extremely unlikely that you alone will be able to be completely free from plastic. Our post is often delivered in it. There may be times when you get caught out and need to get yourself a bottle of water. So don’t beat yourself up about it. All you can do it your best and that is pretty incredible – and will make an enormous difference. It also doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Yes, admittedly, once you start looking at the beautiful reusable offerings available now (from lunch boxes and reusable cutlery sets, to period pants and beeswax wraps) you might find it hard to resist treating yourself to a few pretty goodies. But you don’t have to splash out if you don’t want to. In fact, going plastic free (by choosing to buy in bulk, for example) actually has the potential to save you money! And time. What it really comes down to is getting into the habit of living life a little differently. And taking the steps you need to reduce plastic in your life at a steady, manageable pace. As with many big changes, like choosing to go vegan, it can sometimes be easier to go in a bit at a time until you’ve figured out what works best for you. By doing this, it’s likely you’ll manage to stick to the changes you make, rather than feeling as though it’s all too hard to maintain.

As a brand who cares deeply about the environment and the wellbeing of our fellow humans, we want to help you make positive changes during Plastic Free July, that not only see you through the month but last way beyond. And, perhaps just as importantly, make your journey into living a life with less plastic enjoyable and easy.

 

Shake up your shopping

Lockdown has changed the way we operate in the world quite dramatically, in many ways. And one thing that most of us have adopted is shopping for food online, rather than actually having to go to supermarkets. This not only opens up a chance for you to enjoy some really delicious new foods, but to also support businesses who opt for sustainable practices.

You could stock up on glass Kilner jars and shop for home staples, like pasta, rice, nuts, dried beans etc in bulk. This is not only convenient (when your jar is getting low, which will take a while, it’s time to place your next order! Or keep it on repeat subscription as many shops offer) but it looks lovely in your cupboards and on shelves too. No more plastic wrapping filling up space, just sleek jars filled with goodies!

You can also buy from local butchers who use butcher paper, order organic fruit and veg boxes and stock up on all the latest plastic free sandwich bags, kitchen wrap and other kitchen essentials.

 

Make a change. Period.

Disposables sanitary pads and tampons are a big problem. According to City to Sea, around 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million pads and 700,000 panty liners are flushed every single day in the UK alone. But if you’ve been putting off changing your period products because you think they won’t do the job, think again. Reusable period pants are simply brilliant. They are absorbable and comfortable as well as being really easy to wash. If you get a good pair (we love ModiBodi and Wuka) you’ll never have to worry about leaks either. They’re well worth the upfront cost, as you’ll never have to buy pads or tampons again! Make the change, you’ll be delighted you did.

 

Work out your weak spots

There will be elements of your every day where plastic sneaks in. Maybe it’s your favourite pack of biscuits or wet wipes for the kids. Whatever it is, if you spot it, you can change it. And if it’s one that’s always recurring, it will make a big cut down on the plastics entering your home. We’re all different, so it’s a good idea to figure out where you need to form new habits for a lasting difference.