Reduce Your Single Use Plastic
Want to reduce single use plastic but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone! There are many things you can do to reduce plastic and it is a good idea to start with one or two simple things that feel achievable and go from there. Whether you want to go completely plastic free or just start reducing, it all makes a difference.
Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic
Getting into the habit of taking a reusable drink bottle is a simple but effective thing you can do. Don’t leave home without it!
It is estimated that 13 billion plastic disposable drink bottles are disposed of each year but only 1 in 5 is actually recycled.
Swapping single use plastic bags for reusable ones and unpackaged produce is another quick and easy way you can reduce unnecessary plastic.
Just remember to transfer items into either a reusable container or bag that is suitable for this purpose as produce bags are purely for transporting your food, not storing!
Like reusable shopping bags, it can take a while to get into the habit of using a reusable cup and you will need to work out a system that suits you. There are many options available.
It is estimated that Australians use 1 billion disposable coffee cups each year. Unfortunately these are rarely recycled due to them having a polyethylene lining, which makes the process far more difficult.
Compostable cups are becoming increasingly popular so if you forget your own cup, ask for one of these (without a lid if possible). Try to make sure it is not simply ‘biodegradable’ though as these cups are not the same thing and not desirable.
Responsible Cafes want to affect behaviour change by helping cafes become more sustainable. For café owners, becoming a responsible café saves money and reduces waste, and gives customers an incentive to do the right thing by bringing their own cups. Cafes can reduce or eliminate disposable coffee cups by offering a discount or a loyalty program to customers with reusable takeaway cups.
You may think you can’t live without cling wrap but you quite easily can!
There are so many alternative options available from DIY beeswax wraps, reusable silicon wraps or lids and sandwich wraps to putting a lemon upside down on a plate! The options are endless!
Invest in or save reusable containers and start by buying in bulk or bring them along and eliminate altogether!
Below are links for some simple tips and tricks for plastic free shopping:
Buying something and you can't avoid it coming in plastic? Make sure its recyclable.
Know the plastic codes and what plastics can go in the Yellow kerbside recycling bin with this handy Deciphering Plastic Codes information sheet.