Seven easy zero-waste swaps to incorporate into your life
Keen to cut back on the amount of single-use plastics landing in you bin? Here are seven super easy swaps you can make and stick to.
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While most of us know we could, and should, be doing more for the environment, there’s only so much that can be done with good intentions.
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Don’t know where to start? Before we dive into the easy swaps that will make being more eco-friendly a cinch, we’ve found a way you can recycle those soft plastics and hard-to-recycle items that don’t belong in your yellow bin.
RecycleSmart’s Power Pickup service collects your clothes, e-waste, expired medicines and more from your doorstep on the day of your choice. A free subscription gets you two bags of recyclables for free, with each additional bag a mere $2 more. Make Plastic-Free July last throughout the year, and discover if this service is available in your council here.
PLASTIC-FREE SWAPS GUIDE
Whether it’s actually remembering your canvas bags next time you go to the supermarket or investing in some plastic-free solutions, here are seven super doable and easy steps reducing your reliance on single-use plastic.
1. GREEN-IFY YOUR GROCERY SHOP
While plastic bags have mainly been ousted from supermarkets – just make sure you bring your own tote – go a step further by bringing your own produce bags. They’re just like the single-use plastic ones you get in the fruit and veg aisles but they’re made out of a lightweight cloth making them much kinder on the environment. so you can reuse them again and again.
For a shopping experience that’s completely plastic free, consider visiting your local bulk food store. They’re a great place to stock up on flours, lentils and other dry goods and your buy is calculated on the amount you purchase.
Bailuoni Net String Shopping Bag, Amazon Australia, $17.11+
This woven reusable bag has been constructed from a neutral and sturdy fibre; durable yet soft enough to sit on your shoulder during trips to the supermarket or otherwise out and about. Conforming its shape to whatever you put in it, the bag is spacious enough for all your daily essentials and more; then can store easily in your glove box or kitchen drawer when not in use. Just shy of 400 five-star reviews, one happy customer affirmed, “Great bag, holds a lot, very sturdy, long handles to throw over your shoulder. Would love another!”
AERE Organic Canvas Oversized Tote Bag, THE ICONIC, $49
Proving that being green needn’t mean sacrificing style, this organic linen canvas tote from AERE - one of this writer’s personal favourite brands! - is the versatile, spacious bag with which you can replace all single-use plastic on your trips to the Woolies. Featuring fixed shoulder straps and a handy interior pocket - don’t lose your wallet and keys in the abyss - its minimalist exterior is punctuated by a branded embroidery to front. If the rose hue doesn’t take your fancy, pick this bag up in natural or charcoal.
2. NIX THAT CLING WRAP
There are a slew of more environmentally-friendly options than your traditional cling wrap. From stretchy silicone options or mouldable cloths coated in wax or resin, these picks allow you to keep your food fresh sans plastic. Want to go the extra mile? You can further lower your use of plastic with reusable sandwich and snack bags too.
Ever Eco Reusable Silicone Food Covers 6pk, Flora & Fauna, $24.95
If you’ve ever seen these out in the wild, you know how brilliant they are. Premium food grade silicone - no need to worry about harmful chemicals - these plastic wrap alternatives will stretch and cling to the sides of any bowl, dish, cup, even half-eaten fruit or veggie, increasing the longevity of your leftovers and fresh produce. This particular pack features six versatile sizes between 6.5cm to 21cm - ideal for any household. Bonus feature? These food covers are brilliantly dishwasher safe.
Zenify Earth Beeswax 3pk, Amazon Australia, $15.95 (RRP$17.95)
The eco-friendly (and light!) solution to on-the-go food storage, these reusable organic cotton wraps are infused with a specialised blend of local organic beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. Each pack comes with one large design, one medium and one small, ranging from 15cm to 30cm. Once finished using the wrap, simply rinse with cool or lukewarm water with dish soap, and leave out to air dry.
Bumkins Snack Bags 2pk, Amazon Australia, $13.34+
These sweet reusable snack packs are just the thing to ensure your little ones never leave home without their afternoon tea. Constructed from BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free - all the nasties-free - single ply, waterproof and stain-resistant fabric, it is the sustainable and soft option for storing your children’s fruit pieces and veggie sticks. Wipeable, machine washable and dishwasher safe, you no longer need to use disposable sandwich bags out of convenience. Choose from over 20 pattern combinations through the link.
Stasher Resealable Sandwich Bag, Nourished Life, $17.97
Built from pure silicone, this BPA, PVC and latex-free sandwich container is perfectly sculpted to house your midday meal. An air-tight seal keeps everything fresh until you get the munchies - not just sandwiches, but fruit, cold meat and fish, too - and quite handily, is freezer and microwave safe. Handwash or clean in the dishwasher, knowing its pure silicone construction will keep it looking like new for a long time.
3. COMPOSTABLE OPTIONS
If you can’t go without plastic products like bin liners, try switching to something made from a compostable or biodegradable material. This means they’ll eventually break down once they’re in landfill (normally within 12 months) instead of plastic liners that hang around for 10 to 20 years.
Onya Compostable Bin Liner Small 8L, $6.95 for 25 bags
Now that supermarkets have done away with your usual bin liners - read: disposable plastic bags - these compostable bags, constructed from 100 per cent GMO free renewable plants, are just the thing for your household. Each roll comes with 25 bags, which break down within around 12 weeks at industrial composting facilities - a vast improvement on traditional plastic alternatives. Jump through at the link for choice of three larger sizes.
BioBag, Compostable Bin Liners 20L, $4 for 20 bags
Specifically designed for kitchen compost caddies and household bins, these bin liners are constructed from sustainably sourced plant starch - genuinely biodegrading into plant food and soil fertiliser at the end of their lives. Offering the same strength as regular plastic bags, you can pick them up in four sizes through the link.
Full Circle Compostable Waste Bags 9.5L, $6.97 (RRP$9.95) for 25 bags
A product of BCorp, a company that prides itself in a manufacturing process designed to preserve resources and reduce waste, you can be assured that eco-friendliness has been considered from ideation, all the way through to the final product. Each of the 25 bags in this box has a 9.5 litre capacity, and though they can be used in any kitchen compost or general waste bin, they fit perfectly in the highly-rated Full Circle countertop compost bin.
WOTNOT Biodegradable Nappy Bags 50pk, Nourished Life, $8.95
Surrounded by babies for much of the last decade - I’ve had three myself - I am well versed in the downright oppressive smells that can emerge from these little humans. If popping out to the wheelie bin every time your bubs dirties their nappy isn’t an option for you, contain the odour in the meantime with these 100 per cent biodegradable bags. Containing 50 bags in the one box, these unperfumed, natural GM-free cornstarch constructed plastic bag alternatives ought to be considered essential for every nappy bag and changing station.
4. DITCH COFFEE CUPS FOR GOOD
Despite what you might think, takeaway coffee cups aren’t recyclable due to the plastic coating on the inside of the cup. The solution? A reusable mug or Thermos.
With so many designs on the market at a variety of price points, it’s one of the easiest changes to make. While reusable cups and mugs were temporarily banned from cafes during the COVID-19 pandemic, many cafes are once again honouring BYO mugs. Most will even offer you a small discount for doing so.
Fressko Camino 12oz Reusable Coffee Cup, THE ICONIC, $39.95
Built from lightweight, double-wall insulated stainless steel - keep your bean juice warmer for longer! - this minimalist reusable coffee cup is a no-brainer addition to your online shopping cart. Internal barista measurements ensure you get exactly as much as you’ve ordered; while, most importantly, its screw-on lid promises to be completely spill-proof. Not in love with the river-blue hue? Discover the floss-pink, snow-white, and more colours here.
CorkCircle Insulated Stainless Steel Stemless, THE ICONIC, $59.95
Inject some art and colour into your daily routine, with this darling, triple-wall insulated stainless steel cup. A collaboration between Corkcircle and modern homewares design house, Poketo, its fairy floss pink palette - dotted with organic, brightly-coloured shapes - is sure to lift your spirits whenever you look at it. Fitted with a sliding lid for optimum drip-free sipping, use this cup for your morning coffee (keeps liquids hot for three hours); then at night, when drinking wine in front of the TV (keeps liquids cool for nine hours!).
Fressko Glass Tea Flask, Nourished Life, $50
The minimalist, chic tea flask I’ve been missing from my life. This streamlined, double-walled glass flask uses its insulating properties to keep contents at the optimum temperature for hours; while a leak-proof bamboo lid ensures you can make use of the flask’s slim design by slipping it into your bag without fear of spillage. Five-star reviews for this popular item include, “Great product and great quality!” and “Good to travel with. Sturdy glass.” An excellent investment for the water drinkers (hint: that should be all of us).
Porter Ceramic Mug 355ml, THE ICONIC, $49.95
Look, if you’re going to tote something around your workplace daylong, it might as well be something you get pleasure from looking at and is enjoyable to hold, right? This candy-coloured ceramic mug from Porter is the ultimate replacement for single use coffee cups, constructed from ceramic and covered with soft silicone for a comfortable grip. If this mint colour doesn’t speak to your aesthetic, discover its cream terrazzo, slate and other alternatives here.
5. SAME GOES FOR YOUR DRINK BOTTLE
With Australian tap water some of the best in the world, there’s really no reason to buy bottled water. Not only are they resource-heavy to produce, according to Clean Up Australia it can take up to 3L of water to produce 1L of bottled water, the majority of plastic bottles end up in landfill and can take up to 1000 years to break down. Need we say more?
Takeya 700ml Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle, THE ICONIC, $59.95
So this here is my actual water bottle that I take on my don’t-try-and-contact-me, I’m-attempting-to be-healthy hikes. It really delivers on everything it promises, which, as you’ll see, is quite a lot. Rust-resistant, BPA and toxin-free, this bottle features a double-walled construction (we’re talking keeping liquids cold for up to 24 hours or hot for twelve); and unlike many other stainless steel bottles, it prevents condensation occurring on its surface. If that weren’t enough, Takeya has perfected even the smallest details you or I wouldn’t have even thought of (but now, I can’t live without): a silicone base, ensuring it grips the surface on which its placed; and a leak-proof lid with ergonomic handle, which makes carrying the bottle infinitely easier. SHOP HERE
Buzio Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Amazon Australia, $29.99+
Sincerely, after discovering the features of this bottle, I wonder why any of us still use plastic bottles. With an ability to keep liquids cold for 48 hours or hot for 24, its unsurprising that this vacuum insulated bottle is the number one bestselling sports water bottle on Amazon, with over 6,100 users giving it a five-star review. A straw lid (with replacements and a special brush) allow for you to continue working out hard without fearing spills; while a complementary carrying pouch with detachable shoulder strap unburdens you from holding your bottle during long walks. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free stainless steel, there are more colours to choose from - like this Aussie-coloured theme - through the link.
Monbento 300ml Mb Positive S in Litchi, Nourished Life, $24.95
Though many of us need a litre capacity bottle staring us in the face daylong to get near our recommended water intake, you might prefer a compact option like this for easy transport, or for the smallest members of your family. Square shaped for supreme comfort in hand, it is constructed from BPA-free, dishwasher-safe Tritan plastic; both airtight, leak-resistant and soft to the touch.
SquireMe Chromatic Collection 500ml Glass Water Bottle, THE ICONIC, $59.95
If you prefer the taste of water from a glass bottle - look, there’s a difference, don’t try to convince me otherwise - you can’t get much better than this soft-edge square bottle from SquireMe. Constructed from durable borosilicate glass, with protective and comfortable silicone cover, its wide mouth allows for easy drinking and refilling. Not only for your refreshing water breaks, this bottle is suitable for hot beverages too.
6. GO INTO YOUR BATHROOM
From biodegrable bamboo toothbrushes, a metal safety razor in lieu of disposable plastic pieces to reusable cleansing pads to replace throwaway cotton pads that come in plastic packaging, there are lots of ways our standard bathroom routines can become environmentally friendlier. Switching from bottled handwash to solid soap can also reduce your environmental foot print. To really get ahead of your carbon miles, opt for something from a local Aussie producer. It means the product doesn’t have to travel as far to reach you and you’ll be supporting a local supplier too.
Green+Kind Reusable Bamboo Cleansing Pads 10pk, Flora & Fauna, $25
Make over your cleansing routine with cotton ball alternatives - this mixed pack of reusable makeup remover pads. Featuring five facial cleansing and five eye makeup remover pads, the different textures of these bamboo-cotton circles - identifiable by their different colours - come in a small cotton net bag that make it easy to throw these in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry, for use over and over again.
Parker Safety Razor, Flora & Fauna, $41.95
By now, you’ve probably already discovered the ease of use and level of effectiveness achieved with a reusable razor, when compared to their cheap, single-use plastic alternatives. If not, let this be the sign you need to upgrade. Uniformly weighted throughout for balance and precision with even the lightest strokes, this nickel-finished safety razor features the distinctive Parker ‘butterfly’ opening mechanism; designed to open the head for blade insertion, safely and simply.
The Environmental Bamboo Toothbrush, Flora & Fauna, $4.95
A reported 30 million toothbrushes are disposed of every year - and that’s only in Australia. A Brisbane dentist sought to provide a solution, and this bamboo toothbrush is his answer. A natural cellulose fibre, this brush is biodegradable and environmentally sustainable to farm - bamboo being known for its self-renewing ability - and is available in dentist-recommended soft and medium strength bristles.
Island Pacific Co Natural Soap 6pk, Amazon Australia, $29.95
Handcrafted from natural vegan ingredients - in small baches, using eco-friendly processes - this Australian made soap is ideal for replacing soaps with harmful additives, using unsustainable manufacturing processes. Each pack comes with six different essential oil-scented fragrances: Lemongrass-Vanilla, Coconut-Lime, Avocado-Mint, Mango-Mandarin, Grapefruit-Rosemary, and Orange-Lemon. Packaged in beautiful recycled cardboard, this pack would make the perfect gift for a loved one - though I wouldn’t blame you for choosing to gift it to yourself instead.
7. ONE TIME BUYS
Instead of constantly repurchasing plastic-based goods like expensive coffee capsules, baking paper, scrubbers and sponges, considering replacing them with these zero-waste alternatives. They’ll halpe you save money in the long run too.
SealPod Reusable Coffee Capsules 2pk, Flora & Fauna, $52
Nespresso coffee machine-compatible, this two-pack of coffee capsules will change the way you take your morning cup of coffee for the better. Simply fill one of the stainless steel capsules with an enclosed sticker, then pop into your machine as you would a disposable capsule. Designed to last a lifetime, these reusable capsules can be filled with more than ground coffee beans, but loose lea leaves and chocolate powder too.
Cheeki Stainless Steel Straws 4pk, Nourished Life, $15.96 (RRP$19.95)
Rather than make the move from plastic to paper straws - which, let’s face it, cease to work a minute after getting wet - invest in this four pack of stainless steel alternatives. Handsomely clad in onyx, rose gold, yellow gold and silver patinas, their cloth bag makes for safe storage and transport. Lightweight and longlasting, their hygiene has been assured, thanks to a complementary, custom-made brush.
Agreena 3-in-1 Baker Sheets, Nourished Life, $22.46 (RRP$24.95)
If you fancy yourself a bit of a baker, no doubt you’ve been through your fair share of aluminium foil and baking paper. Rid yourself of the need to estimate the right length of foil with this food-grade, pure platinum silicone - the same kind used for baby bottles and medical products - cut in the perfect size for baking trays, 45cm x 30cm. Non-toxic and never releasing chemicals when heated, this Australian made product can be used for more than lining baking trays, with the ability to wrap and seal too.
Eco Max Dish Brush, Flora & Fauna, $11.50
Ethically made from coco fibre, sustainable timber and galvanised wire, this eco-friendly brush is an excellent replacement for the sponges and plastic brushes you currently use on your dirty dishes. Entirely handmade, the manufacturing process adopted minimises the effect on the environment; and when beyond use, the brush can be popped into your compost bin to break down naturally, with only its wire component left to recycle.
WHAT IS PLASTIC-FREE JULY?
Now nine years old, the Plastic Free July campaign is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a vision of a plastic waste free world. Participants - millions the world over - commit to a single-use plastic free July, in the hopes of carrying the habits throughout the rest of the year and beyond. In July 2020 alone, an estimated 326 million people across the globe took part in the challenge from 177 countries. According to the organisation, participants contribute to a total saving of 940 million kg of plastic waste each year.
WHY DO MANY RESTAURANTS NOT OFFER PLASTIC STRAWS ANYMORE?
In an effort to minimise the negative impacts of unsustainable manufacturing processes and products, restaurants the world over are taking action, some committing to eliminate non-recoverable or non-reusable plastic packaging, including, most notably, KFC by 2025.
While a single use plastic-free future is still a long way away for many industries, the hospitality industry included, making the easy swap from plastic to paper straws is an fairly easily implemented change, which is why you have noticed the move to paper straws on your recent meals out.
Looking to make more eco-friendly changes to your household? Consider swapping your old top loader washing machine for one of these more energy-efficient front loaders.
For more deals across all categories, have a browse of news.com.au Coupons, for deals from major brands including Harvey Norman, The Iconic and Amazon Australia.
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