Plastic pollution, you might have heard the facts.
You might be familiar with the alarming statistics surrounding plastic pollution. For instance, did you know that approximately 95% of plastic is used only once before being discarded? In Australia, the average person consumes 130 kg of plastic each year, with a meager 12% being recycled. Moreover, it’s predicted that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean will surpass the number of fish. Another distressing fact is that a staggering eight million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the ocean annually, and this number is projected to double by 2025.
Initially, single-use plastic seems convenient for a brief period. However, it lingers for hundreds of years, accumulating in landfills, parks, and waterways, ultimately breaking down into microplastics that harm marine life and wash up on beaches. Companies like Seed & Sprout are taking on this challenge.
So, what actions can we take to combat this issue?
Firstly, refuse single-use plastics like grocery bags, water bottles, straws, and coffee cups. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives.
Next, make the most of what you already have. If you possess plastic bags or containers, use them until they’re no longer usable, and then invest in non-plastic reusable options.
Lastly, recycling should be your last resort. While it’s challenging to avoid packaging altogether, choose products with recyclable plastic when necessary.
To begin your journey towards a plastic-free lifestyle, assess the types of plastic you use daily and identify areas where changes can be made. Notably, the kitchen tends to generate a significant amount of waste, making it an excellent starting point. However, keep in mind that plastic can be found throughout your home, sometimes in less obvious places.
To make this transition easier, I’ve compiled a list of 51 plastic-free alternatives:
When you’re on the go:
1. Begin with a reusable coffee cup; explore our recommended options.
2. Carry a water bottle of your choice, ensuring you don’t forget it.
3. Invest in a reusable stainless steel, bamboo, or glass straw, unless a plastic one is necessary for you.
4. When dining out, bring your own container or choose a multi-purpose lunchbox or bento box.
5. Avoid using plastic cutlery by carrying your own set or using utensils from home.
6. For lovers of juices and smoothies, use a large cup or mason jar from home, or try specialized cups that come with their own straw.
While shopping
7. If you have an excess of plastic bags at home, utilize them until they wear out, then switch to reusable bags.
8. Replace thin plastic produce bags with reusable alternatives from Biome, Seed & Sprout, or even make your own using old clothes.
9. If you already own plastic containers like Systema or Tupperware, make use of them; they’re durable and long-lasting. Alternatively, invest in glass or stainless steel containers for holding meat, deli food, or produce.
10. Consider using a large market basket to prevent your groceries from getting squashed while strolling through the market.
11. Opt for a bread bag or repurpose a pillowcase or cloth bag from online clothing orders to store your bread.
12. Say goodbye to cling wrap and try beeswax wraps or vegan wraps that are reusable and compostable.
In the kitchen:
13. Store your food in airtight and fresh-keeping storage jars, available at bulk food stores, Biome, or even second-hand from Gumtree or op-shops. You can also repurpose old food jars like sauce or peanut butter jars.
14. Swap plastic produce bags for reusable produce bags, which are effective at keeping your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
15. Compostable or refillable coffee pods are eco-friendly options. If you prefer instant coffee, consider Sipp Instant, which comes in a compostable bag.
16. Use sandwich bags as an alternative to cling wrap or zip-lock bags for lunches, especially suitable for children.
17. Instead of using disposable clothes and sponges, opt for sturdier, washable cotton or natural fiber cloths that are designed to last longer.
18. Replace your plastic dish brush with a bamboo and metal alternative. The bamboo handle is compostable, while the metal parts can be recycled. Additionally, replace the brush head a few times before replacing the handle.
19. Switch to uncoated compostable bamboo or stainless steel skewers for cooking.
20. Explore the wide range of lunchbox options available at Biome, Bento Box, and various grocery stores. Seed & Sprout also offers excellent lunchboxes for children.
21. Ditch teabags, which often contain plastic, and opt for loose-leaf tea with a tea infuser.
22. Use cotton tea towels instead of wasteful paper towels; they are equally effective and more durable.
23. Replace ziplock bags with silicone pouches, which are more durable and longer-lasting. They are also suitable for freezing food.
24. Cover your plates with beeswax wraps or silicone covers to keep your food fresh.
25. Consider swapping traditional dishwashing liquid with a bar of soap, which can be used in conjunction with the aforementioned dish brush. Alternatively, refill your existing containers with dish soap from bulk food stores.
For cooking and baking
26. Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans are better for the environment and your health than plastic-coated non-stick cookware.
27. Choose stainless steel cooking utensils over plastic ones. If you already have plastic utensils, continue using them until they’re no longer functional.
Cleaning and home maintenance
28. Explore sustainable laundry options from brands like Dirt Company, Biome, or Ecostore.
29. Opt for stainless steel or bamboo pegs, which are more durable and long-lasting.
30. Use reusable jars and spray bottles for storing your homemade cleaning products.
31. Replace plastic coat hangers with wooden or stainless steel alternatives.
32. Consider using glass jar candles that can be reused or refilled.
33. Choose stainless steel or wooden toilet brushes with natural bristles.
34. Replace plastic postage bags with compostable alternatives, and use compostable labels when necessary.
35. When it comes to garbage bags, seek out plant-based options like cornstarch, as they are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags.
36. Use biodegradable bio-bags when picking up dog waste outside, and consider using a dog poop composter for waste generated at home.
Personal care and hygiene
37. Switch to eco-friendly toilet paper brands like Who Gives a Crap, which avoids plastic packaging.
38. Try shampoo and conditioning bars to eliminate plastic bottles from your shower routine. Ethique offers trial-size packs for convenient experimentation.
39. Opt for solid soap bars, available at farmers’ markets or from brands like MooGoo and Ethique.
40. Replace your plastic disposable razor with a reusable one that will last indefinitely.
41. Switch to a bamboo compostable toothbrush to combat the plastic toothbrushes polluting our oceans.
42. Check with your dentist before making changes, but consider making your own toothpaste or trying plastic-free powder alternatives.
43. Choose a deodorant that suits your preferences and effectiveness. Options like Bee Fresh and Good & Clean are highly recommended.
44. Ditch single-use makeup wipes and instead use facecloths or reusable round pads with micellar water.
45. Replace your plastic hairbrush with a bamboo alternative, benefiting both your hair and the environment.