10 Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic

There is no denying it, giving up plastic can be hard work, we are surrounded by it every day, shopping bags, drinks bottles, personal care products. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

But there are some small changes you can make that’ll have a big impact on reducing the amount of disposable plastic in your life.

1. Bring your own shopping bag (duh)

No point lecturing you, we know you already get glared at by others in line when you forget your reusable bags. If you forget them, no worries just politely say ‘no thank you’ and go bag-less.

2. Stop buying bottled water

Plastic water bottles aren’t doing anybody any favours, get a reusable glass bottle and say goodbye to harmful BPA.

3. Bring your own coffee cup

Try KeepCup, stylish and practical https://nz.keepcup.com/?country=New%20Zealand#

We think that is pretty rad so check ‘em out!

4. Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags

Generally speaking, it’s easier to recycle cardboard than plastic, plus paper products tend to biodegrade more easily without adding a lot of weight to the product the way glass or aluminum can. So, when you have the choice, pick pasta in the box instead of pasta in a bag, or detergent in the box instead of the bottle. Even better would be to check for companies that source their cardboard sustainably or have a strong stance on deforestation.

5. Say no to straws

Plastic straws are a no, no. You just don’t need them! If you’re like me and have sensitive teeth and like to use a straw. Grab yourself some reusable straws and keep them in your bag.

6. Get the plastic off your face

Yeah, we are talking about microbeads in many face and body scrubs - those little plastic chunks that are next to impossible to filter out. There are many biodegradable alternatives, so ditch anything with these little nasties in them. Try our Step-Up Scrub for a light facial exfoliant.

7. Skip the disposable razor

Instead of tossing a plastic razor in the trash every month, consider switching to a razor that lets you replace just the blade.

8. Toothbrushes

There are loads of bamboo alternatives to the good old plastic toothbrush now, just chop the bristles off and you can throw them in the compost!

9. Make your period waste-free

There are a number of non-disposable options out there to cut down on period waste, like the Lumi Cup - https://lumii.co.nz/

 Ladies, by making this switch alone you’re reducing a huge amount of packaging that most pads and tampons are encased in.

10. Shop in bulk

For many households, the majority of plastic waste is generated in the kitchen. So, one of the best ways to reduce the packaging waste madness is to bring your own bags and containers and stock up on bulk foods. 

If you’re in central Auckland you’ve got to check GoodFor, I love everything about this place, they’ve even got an awesome recipe selection on their website with things like Raweos -  raw Oreos! https://goodfor.co.nz/ - eat your heart out!

If you’re already doing all of these things, good you. If you’re not, go on, give it a go!