Plastic is involved in absolutely every aspect of peoples lives, so eliminating it seems overwhelming and impossible. That’s why, we need to start making the small changes on a daily basis, to make sure we start doing things right. Once we see how easy it is to change our habits and lifestyle and the benefit that comes from that, escalating our efforts usually happens naturally, without any major effort at all.
Here are some of the simpler things we can do to eliminate plastic from our life (and planet) for once and for all:
Change Your shopping Habits:-
As the majority of our plastic waste comes from our groceries, this is probably the best place to start.
- Always have reusable shopping bags in your car / bag, ideally having one on you whenever possible.
- When shopping, have a variety of different sized bags with you, for loose fruit, veg, bread etc
- If there is a local loose goods shop, or your supermarket has a plastic free aisle, make sure to support it. Make it know to management that you appreciate what they are doing, but the best way to prove it is by supporting them financially.
- Have a variety of different sized containers and bottles with you also, for dry goods etc.
- Think about your shopping habits and organize yourself for all eventualities. Stash bags EVERYWHERE!
- If getting a take away coffee is part of your routine, BRING YOUR OWN CUP.
Have a Variety of Wax Wraps Readily Available:-
Since I bought these, my use of clingfilm (saran wrap), has practically stopped. Wax Wraps are an alternative to clingfilm, that are both natural and reusable. They are made from natural cloth such as cotton, which is coated in beeswax. There are several made in Ireland and available to buy here.
Combined with having loads of sealable containers to hand (currently these are plastic, but I’m in the process of replacing these with a sustainable alternative), I won’t ever have to buy cling film again.
Have BioBags Close to Hand:-
BioBags are fully compostable and biodegradable bags that are available in a variety of sizes to suit most uses around the home. They are made from plant material, so even if they get into the food chain, they aren’t harmful to animals, humans or the soil itself.
Invest in some Obeo Food Waste Boxes:-
Obeo is a food waste box / bag, developed in Ireland that eliminates the smell and mess associated with disposing of food and compostable waste. Keep one of these in you kitchen and it can keep up to 3 days waste, before you dispose of it in your compost bin. It’s design allows it to handle wet food while reducing the smell associated with it. It’s ideal for diverting compostable waste from landfill, thus reducing the number of plastic bin bags you use on a weekly basis.
Ditch the Balloons:-
This is a tough one. I know it’s easy to commit this now and then when the time arrives not be able to look at your kid in the face and tell that they can’t have a balloon. We will look at a ban as the medium term goal! For now, large scale balloon releases are probably a bigger issue. If you are organising a major charity event, or even just a small kids party, maybe just forgo the balloons and pick a more environmentally sound alternative, such as bubbles. If you see other organisations, be they local or national, charity or business, planning a balloon release, making it know problems associated with them. Amazingly enough many people still don’t know the dangers of balloons to animals or the environment in general.
Stop Using Straws:-
Just stop using disposable plastic straws. Pretty simple really. There are compostable straws, metal straws, reusable straws available. Just pick one!
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