Zero waste swaps for beginners: Plastic Free July
July is the month dedicated to Plastic Free, a movement that began in Australia in 2011 and quickly took hold in 177 countries and involves more than 250 million participants.
Choosing this as a lifestyle is not easy and a lot of goodwill is required, but once this path has begun and the first results have been seen, I can assure you that going back is impossible. In this blog, I want to talk about zero waste swaps for beginners that will help you in taking this path and notice how, with small gestures, you can decrease the use of plastic.
So, let’s get started with this list of the zero waste swap for beginners:
1) Sandwich box
Whether I go to work or for a long walk, the sandwich box is always with me. I like this one because the wooden lid can be used as a cutting board, however, I do not recommend to use this type of sandwich box to contain liquid (click the link).
2) Reusable water bottle
The brand I use is called Bru, I have chosen this product after reading several excellent reviews. Thanks to this bottle I have avoid to use so many plastic bottles. Such a satisfaction! To find out where to fill your bottle, I recommend using the Refill App. If you also want to know more about cool sustainable App, I invite to read my blog 8 minimal App to simplify your life.
3) Coffee cup
The one I bought is from the Planet Organic Brand and is made of glass. At first, I was very enthusiastic about this cup, but after a while, the spout began to no longer adhere completely and I began to find coffee stains on my bag and on my clothes. If you want to buy a cup to take with you to the office and avoid using plastic every time you have a takeaway coffee, I recommend the Bru brand. Yes, the same one of the reusable bottle. I will continue to use mine until the end then I will use it as a glass because I am sorry to throw away items that can still be used.
4) Silicone mat for the oven
This product is fantastic because it eliminates baking paper and aluminium. The one I have was recommended by you and is really functional (click the link).
5) Infuser for herbal teas
I wondered why I hadn’t bought them before! I love them! Furthermore, I read that the tea bags release microplastics in the cup in contact with boiling water and studies are trying to understand how bad it is for the human health. I obviously buy tea in bulk, which I replaced the tea in a sachet to completely avoid any form of packaging (click the link).
6) Toothpaste powder
Another of my musts is Georganics toothpaste. I replaced the tube one with this one and I’m happy with the result. Whether it’s in powder or paste, it comes in a glass jar with an aluminium cap so goodbye to plastic! Obviously, I love to upcycle the jar once finished.
7) Mouthwash
Another product easy to swap is the mouthwash. I use this one from Georganics that comes in a glass jar with tablets that dissolve in water. In this way it’s easy to say goodbye to the ugly mouthwash plastic bottles from the supermarket.
8) Cotton bags
I love my cotton bags which I use when I shop at the Zero Waste stores or at the supermarket. I have them of various sizes and they have been an essential product to help me eliminate plastic bags.
9) Beeswax Wrap
They are cotton handkerchiefs coated with wax. I use them to store products in the refrigerator to cover leftovers and as a wrapper for lunch to take out. They are the easiest way to get rid of aluminium and foil.
10) Bamboo toothbrush
Many fakes are already on the market. I suggest you to choose those that have bristled with nylon 6, a biodegradable material. The handle is made of bamboo which has antibacterial properties and for this reason has not received pesticides to be made. It is also biodegradable unlike the plastic toothbrushes. This is the one I use.
11) Safety razor
I find it handy and easy to use, I have been using it for a month and I am very happy with it (click the link).
12) Glass jars
Instead of buying new and nice glass jar, let’s upcycle the ones we already have. It’s a wonderful and easy swap that help us eliminate plastic packaging in our kitchen.
13) Solid shampoo and conditioner
Stop coming back from the supermarket with heavy bags full of shampoo and conditioner bottles. Let’s move on to the solid ones! They have no plastic packaging and are made with natural ingredients that do not impact the environment.
14) Solid soap
I tried them and I fell in love! Also in this case an easy swap to eliminate the plastic (click the link).
15) Reusable cutlery
I have two, a steel pair and a bamboo pair. I used to use them in the office or simply when I go for a picnic at the park. Since I started to use them, I have realized how much plastic I was eliminating daily.
16) Cotton and mesh bags
I use them for shopping, to carry books or to my lunch. They are washable and made of cotton. I can’t live without them anymore (click the link).
Here are the zero waste swaps for beginners that I have adopted and easily entered my routine. Let’s start with small steps to choose the product that best suits our lifestyle and begin our journey towards eliminating plastic. And may this Plastic Free July be an inspiration for all the other months to come.
Read also: how to approach sustainability – 8 ideas for beginners
Read also: 8 must products for your minimal bathroom
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