Plastic Free July: 7 Simple Swaps to Reduce Your Plastic Waste lifestyle
We’ve all heard about how important it is to recycle to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans and polluting the environment. Yet, recycling is simply not enough to combat the plastic pollution crisis that our planet is facing. Did you know that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans? So it is crucial that we find more ways to reduce our plastic consumption and waste that go beyond just recycling. Here are a few simple swaps you can make to help you reduce your plastic waste today.
How to Get Started
The first step to living a zero waste lifestyle is to educate yourself on plastic pollution. Watching a documentary or listening to a podcast are great ways to find motivation and inspiration to begin your sustainable, zero waste journey!
A Plastic Ocean is an epic global adventure following a filmmaker and a world record free-diver as they travel the world discovering the shocking impact of plastic and reveal the causes and consequences of plastic pollution and share solutions.
Zero Waste: Taking Action
If you’re finding it hard to take action, try following these basic principles which will help you reduce your plastic waste significantly. The 5 R’s rule is essentially the order in which to reduce your waste to optimise a zero waste lifestyle!
7 Simple Switches to Reduce Your Waste
Now for the fun part! Here is a list of 7 simple lifestyle changes you can start making today to reduce your plastic waste and help save our planet.
1. Use Plastic-Free Reusable Cups
Did you know that plastic is one of the biggest contributors to Earth pollution? Switching to reusable water bottles and cups can make a huge difference to combatting plastic pollution. Try to stick to using a plastic-free reusable water bottle and coffee cup instead of purchasing plastic water bottles and coffee cups.
Take a look at some of our stylish sustainable water bottles and travel cups here. W&P have a range of water bottles, glasses and mugs in a variety of colours – meaning you can enjoy hot and cold drinks al fresco and on the go.
2. Switch to Refillables
Everyday items such as hand wash, cleaning products, shampoo and conditioner are a few examples of essential products that are usually packaged in plastic containers and then thrown away after a single use. Switch to refillable products which you can use to replenish your reusable dispensers, instead of having to repurchase plastic packaged products.
Take a look at some of our amazing refillable products to help you live a more sustainable life.
3. Use Shampoo and Conditioner Wash Bars
If you want to take your zero-waste lifestyle to the next level, try using shampoo, conditioner and wash bars. When you throw out a shampoo bottle it eventually ends up in a landfill along with tonnes of other pollutants. The best thing about using biodegradable beauty bars is that they simply disappear when they run out!
Take a look at our zero waste beauty products including the Solid Shampoo Bar from Centred.
4. Use a Menstrual Cup
Periods are a natural part of life, but sadly feminine hygiene products such as period pads and tampons are huge contributors to landfill waste. Switching to a menstrual cup is infinitely more sustainable, as it is designed to be sanitised and reused for years. Plus, it's also hugely more cost-effective, as you won't need to buy new sanitary products each month.
Check out Yoni’s Reusable Menstrual Cup which can last up to 10 years!
5. Shop at a Farmer's Market
Have you ever been to a supermarket and felt disappointed that the majority of the fruit and vegetables are unnecessarily packaged in plastic bags? Shopping at a farmer’s market helps you cut down significantly on the amount of plastic packaging that a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables come in at the grocery store. Keep your groceries fresher for longer with Food Huggers – helping to minimise food waste.
6. Make Your Own Plastic-Free Snacks
Pre-making snacks and packed lunches instead of buying these in the supermarkets is also a great place to start, as these are often individually packaged in plastic. This also has the added benefit of ensuring your food is a healthier, non-processed option for your body. Keep all your food fresh in sustainable and reusable food storage solutions – including Bee's Wraps and Zip Top.
If you're looking for some inspiration, take a look at this easy and delicious Homemade Granola Bar Recipe for the perfect on-the-go breakfast snack.
7. Carry A Canvas Bag
Every year the world goes through around 500 billion plastic bags. The simplest solution to help tackle this problem is to opt for a reusable Canvas bag that can be used time and time again.
We love the Universal Bag from Anya Hindmarch, which you can pick up in many large supermarkets including Waitrose, Asda and Co-Op.