The new year is coming and we are beyond ready to say goodbye to 2020 and start afresh with 2021!
It’s been a challenging year and while COVID-19 saw a surge in the use of single-use plastics (a lot of which was unavoidable) we’re more determined than ever to continue with our plastic-free journey and are so thankful to have you along for the ride.
No matter where you are on your journey there are always tweaks (both big and small) that can be made to lessen our load on the planet.
If you’re just starting out on your journey we recommend making small, manageable changes. Try introducing things that you know you’ll be able to commit to like remembering your reusables or switching your cling wrap and baking paper for Un-Plastic Wrap and Un-Baking Paper and then introduce bigger changes from there.
If you’re already well into your sustainable journey, look at where you can continue making improvements. Maybe it’s time to ditch plastic bottles and try Bars instead. Or it might be the year to look at your personal care routine and beauty products.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to rid your life of plastic:
1. Give up plastic bottles
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Giving up plastic-bottles is such an easy way to reduce single-use plastics. Start with water bottles, and then look at the other plastic bottles in your life. Can you make your own soft drink, or switch to products in glass bottles and reuse them. Is the sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner, cleanser and body wash you use in a plastic bottle? If they are, consider giving them up once you’ve finished them and switching to bars instead.
2. Make your own food
We know what you’re thinking…”easier said than done.” But trust us, making your own food IS easy. And best of all, it cuts out a whole lot of plastic waste. Start with one recipe and go from there. A great entry point is making your own plant based milk (check out our Instagram stories on how to do this). Then tackle bigger ticket items like hummus, crackers, pesto, vegan cheese, coconut yoghurt - we could keep going but you get the idea!
3. Use your reusables
From bags to containers and food flasks to smoothie cups there are so many reusable options out there that can be used again and again. We’re all human and of course can forget our reusables (especially when we have a million and one other things to remember!). Our tip? Store them somewhere handy so you won’t forget them. We keep ours by the back door and in our car so we’re never without.
4. Buy whole fruit and vegetables
Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to get your produce minus the plastic but we know not everyone has a market close by. If a major supermarket is your only option that’s ok! Instead of buying pre diced vegetables or fruit cut in half opt for the whole vegetable or fruit instead. If you’re worried you won’t eat it all, freeze it or meal prep. It’ll work out cheaper and your future self (and the planet) will thank you for it!
5. Start the day off right
Do you start your day with a coffee or tea? This simple routine provides you with a great opportunity to reduce your plastic use. Most cafes are taking reusables again, so if you’re a coffee drinker make sure you have your keep cup on hand. If you’re a tea drinker have a look at the tea bags you’re using. Most contain plastic (crazy right!) - try switching to tea leaves instead.
