When I committed to plastic free living 5 months ago, I never imagined I would have had so much fun. Working towards plastic free July has been the most incredible journey and I ,honestly, will never look back.
We are just one week out from Plastic Free July and, despite my best efforts, there are a few last minute problems I am yet to solve.
Strawberries
If you know me then you’ll know that I LOVE strawberries. I love them with lunches, in smoothies, on muesli and, of course, eating them by the punnet. However, that is exactly the problem - the only way to buy strawberries is in a plastic tub! While these are recyclable and I always recycle them, we go through them so quickly and they really aren’t that different to all the other single use plastics; they get used once, are chucked out and often don’t make it through the recycling scheme only to end up in landfill. Basically, strawberry punnets are something I want to avoid.
We are just one week out from Plastic Free July and, despite my best efforts, there are a few last minute problems I am yet to solve.
Strawberries
If you know me then you’ll know that I LOVE strawberries. I love them with lunches, in smoothies, on muesli and, of course, eating them by the punnet. However, that is exactly the problem - the only way to buy strawberries is in a plastic tub! While these are recyclable and I always recycle them, we go through them so quickly and they really aren’t that different to all the other single use plastics; they get used once, are chucked out and often don’t make it through the recycling scheme only to end up in landfill. Basically, strawberry punnets are something I want to avoid.
I’ve looked around and, as far as I know, all the supermarkets sell them the same way- even Harris farms. I’m thinking my best bet would be a farmers market however I don’t have the luxury of one of these nearby. There is a Saturday market in Manly which has a few fresh food stalls so I think I’ll head down there next weekend. Otherwise, I might have to search further abroad which might not prove convenient or sustainable for me and my family.
If anyone knows of a place to buy strawberries plastic free, please let me know in the comments!
Apples
So running with the theme of fruit, I am becoming increasingly aware of the amount of plastic sneaking into my shopping bags - especially attached to apples.
If anyone knows of a place to buy strawberries plastic free, please let me know in the comments!
Apples
So running with the theme of fruit, I am becoming increasingly aware of the amount of plastic sneaking into my shopping bags - especially attached to apples.
I love apples and I'll typically have one a day however each time I peel off the little lemon-shaped sticker, I can't help but wonder why on earth it's there in the first place! It is such a tiny piece of plastic and I know that in comparison to the rest of my plastic consumption, it is rather insignificant however it is still important to me that I look for solutions to even the smallest plastic items.
I understand that it is a marketing strategy and a way for supermarkets to keep track of the different types of apples at the checkout but I really think we should be looking for alternatives and thinking about sustainable packaging. I know that the community also wants to see more environmentally innovative packaging solutions and I believe that we should be able to sell apples without unnecessary stickers.
I assume that farmers markets would also help me out in terms of finding plastic free apples however for the mean time, I'm thinking I might start collecting the stickers I use - just to see how much waste I'm really making from a healthy morning snack.
Toothbrushes
Heading into the bathroom now and I am due for a new toothbrush.
However, this time I wouldn't mind taking a break from the plastic colgate toothbrushes and try out a slightly more natural version. Despite feeling like you are ingesting plastic every time you brush your teeth, the colgate toothbrushes aren't the nicest looking accessories and they shed micro plastics down the sink every time they are used.
Bamboo toothbrushes are from bulk stores, like The Source, and even places like Harris Farms. I have always thought they look much nicer and natural and ultimately refreshing. Despite this, the bristles often still contain micro plastics or are sometimes even made from plastic. This is slightly alarming and I would really prefer to find something natural. However, I haven't been able to find any completely plastic free options.
I understand that it is a marketing strategy and a way for supermarkets to keep track of the different types of apples at the checkout but I really think we should be looking for alternatives and thinking about sustainable packaging. I know that the community also wants to see more environmentally innovative packaging solutions and I believe that we should be able to sell apples without unnecessary stickers.
I assume that farmers markets would also help me out in terms of finding plastic free apples however for the mean time, I'm thinking I might start collecting the stickers I use - just to see how much waste I'm really making from a healthy morning snack.
Toothbrushes
Heading into the bathroom now and I am due for a new toothbrush.
However, this time I wouldn't mind taking a break from the plastic colgate toothbrushes and try out a slightly more natural version. Despite feeling like you are ingesting plastic every time you brush your teeth, the colgate toothbrushes aren't the nicest looking accessories and they shed micro plastics down the sink every time they are used.
Bamboo toothbrushes are from bulk stores, like The Source, and even places like Harris Farms. I have always thought they look much nicer and natural and ultimately refreshing. Despite this, the bristles often still contain micro plastics or are sometimes even made from plastic. This is slightly alarming and I would really prefer to find something natural. However, I haven't been able to find any completely plastic free options.
While I search for a fully plastic free alternative, I am happy to use a bamboo handled toothbrush. This already makes me feel a whole lot more comfortable with washing my teeth and I can also compost the handle in our home composting system.
For those wanting to get involved with Plastic Free July, check out the website and make your own pledges for July! It can be as simple or ambitious as you like. Dream big and give it your all. Good luck!!!