Image source: limerickppn.ie
Switch plastic for paper (or something else)
We’ve heard about how so many companies are switching their policies to swap plastic straws and cups for their paper cousins. We’ve also heard how coffee shops are offering decent discounts for refilling customers’ reusable hot drinks containers rather than providing them with a disposable cup like Pret A Manger (who have increased their discount to 50p several months ago). They are small steps sp far, but think about swaps you can make at home from plastic to another material.
Grow your own fruit and veg
There are so many benefits to growing your own produce – it’s cheaper, no packaging and you know exactly where it’s come from! It will obviously demand more effort, but you’ll feel so proud eating your first harvest. Do some research to see what you could grow depending on your own tastes and how much work you’re able to invest in your vegetable garden.
Swap chemicals for natural ingredients
People nowadays are more concerned about the chemicals in their everyday products. If this includes you, take a look at natural alternatives to your cleaning products, toiletries and makeup. As part of the current anti-plastic movement, there are lots of new companies offering natural (and often packaging-free or plastic-free) alternatives. For toiletries and makeup, take a look at companies like Lush or Meow Meow Tweet, and for cleaning products, there are many guides online to mixing your own using everyday kitchen products like vinegar or rubbing alcohol/surgical spirit mixed with essential oils.
Reduce your packaging
It could be that you want to open something while you’re still in the store and leave the packaging there, it might be that you want to look for companies that use clever cardboard alternatives, or it might be that you want to visit a zero waste store and refill your own containers.
Look at the items you currently use and see where you can make a difference as a consumer. You could even write to companies directly and ask for change, or start a petition to stop companies using plastic.