The challenge starts at home!
There are so many positive improvements that we can all make to reduce our plastic waste, reuse, recycle, and generally do our bit to help the environment. Sometimes it can all be a bit overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a simple beginners list that anyone can do, to help you get started. Best of all, once you jump in, you’ll find that it’s incredibly rewarding and satisfying.
Of course, if you are already doing all of these and would like to step up your game, there is a wealth of expertise to be found on the Plastic Free July website.
Our top five tips to get started at home
Tip 1 - FOGO it up
Collect all of your food and organic waste in your kitchen and use the handy FOGO bin. Pop in the potato peels, the veggie scraps, the scrapings from your plates. Use it to make your own compost and reap the benefits in your garden the following spring. Hello home grown veggies! And if you’re not that into compost, then pop it into your bright green lidded FOGO bin to be collected and turned into compost at McRobies.
Tip 2 – Don’t buy new clothes
There are so many second-hand quality and quirky options that can be smart on your wallet and smart on style. You’ll be amazed at what you can uncover in a friend’s wardrobe or a second-hand clothing shop! Or even go for a fossick at the tip shop at McRobies – it’s got a world of fantastic fabrics and vintage accessories. Buying second hand is the smart way to look good and save money. It’s a great talking point and surprisingly addictive.
Tip 3 – Where’s your travel mug?
Travel mugs are made for people on the go. If you’ve got in the habit of buying a coffee like the rest of us, think of all that wasted cup packaging that goes into the bin every day. Then times that by every customer, and then again by every coffee shop and you can soon imagine a mountain of waste. Even though most of it nowadays is compostable, why waste it when we don’t have to even use it? Even better, find a café that gives you a discount when you bring your own mug. Now that’s a coffee with a smile.
Tip 4 – Reduce that plastic
Just about everything comes wrapped in plastic especially when you walk down the bigger supermarket aisles. Before you reach for the broccolini, don’t grab one of those green veggie bags from the roll, just pop your veggies straight into your basket and away you go. Or bring a mesh bag to the supermarket with you. Oh, and while you’re at it bring your own grocery bags…fabric and reusable of course!
Tip 5 – Buy in bulk
Sometimes its impossible to buy household goods without also buying the plastic packaging it comes in. If you really need that hair shampoo in that glammed up bottle, then buy in bulk. Buying bigger serves is generally the cheaper way to go and as it will last longer, the less frequently you’ll need to go back to the supermarket.
Got more tips? Why not share them with us and let us know.