'We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.' - Anne Marie Bonneau
#plasticfreejuly is a global movement helping to raise the awareness of the plastic pollution problem. But the thought of going all out plastic free might be enough to make you not try all together. You just need to walk into your local supermarket to get a sense of how reliant we are on plastic, and often we don't even have the option to choose an alternative. If you want those sun-dried tomatoes for tonight's dinner you'll have to buy the plastic its sitting in too.
For a first time plastic avoider, my advice is start small, take 1 or 2 of the suggestions below and concentrate on that for a month. Before you know it that small change has become a habit, a habit that you might even prefer.
1) Ask for a box - Reusable bags are all the rage but if you have memory like mine, even with the best intentions you'll end up in the supermarket without a bag. My advice? Put them everywhere. In the cubbyhole of the car, your desk draw at work, even hang one up by your car keys. My favourite hack is to find a small reusable bag that can roll up in your handbag. I got mine from Yuppie Chef. And if worst comes to worst and you really need a bag, don't be afraid to ask the shop for an old box, they usually have plenty in their store rooms and are more than happy to give them over.
2) Ask to fill up your bottle - One of the biggest reasons people buy plastic water bottles is because they are too polite to ask for 'free' water. Don't be afraid to ask at any restaurant or shop to fill up your bottle - you are #savingtheplanet, not trying to score a freebie! As responsible businesses they should be promoting water re-fills but even if they don't offer you the option, its perfectly reasonable to ask.
3) Use soap - As in an actual soap bar. Even if it's just in your guest bathroom, that is one less soap dispenser that need to be made. There are some beautifully handmade soap bars out there that look and smell divine. Your guest's won't even notice that the soap isn't in a dispenser.
4) Visit a #zerowaste shop - just visit it, you don't even have to buy anything. I'm not saying you have to do your weekly grocery shop there but just by popping every now and again, you find little gems that you didn't know existed. I went into one this afternoon and came out with eco-earbuds, It saves me picking up plastic ones next time I'm in the chemist. There are some lovely independent Zero Waste shops. If you are in Harare check out Waste Me Not or if you are in Joburg you could drop into Refillery
5) Compost your compostables - Many cafes and restaurants are switching to compostables, if they have a specific compost bin make sure you put your compostable packaging in it. If you don't already have a compost heap then try starting one, your big bins will stop smelling and you'll have to take the rubbish out less often. Many of our products like our cling film, sugarcane products and veg bags are home compostable. Give it go and see the magic happen before your eyes.
Комментарии