Top 10 zero waste swaps
Be part of plastic free July! Let’s make a powerful change together this month by ditching single-use plastics. Here are our top 10 zero waste swaps to make in your everyday life.
July 10, 2023
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Be part of plastic free July! Let’s make a powerful change together this month by ditching single-use plastics. Here are our top 10 zero waste swaps to make in your everyday life.
1.85 billion plastic package items are thrown away every week across UK households, which is 100 billion plastic items per year.
Plastic free July is a global movement that encourages individuals to reduce their plastic waste and make sustainable choices. By participating in this movement, we can actively contribute to preserving our environment and minimizing the negative impact of plastic pollution.
Remember, the goal is not only to participate during the month of July but also to make these sustainable practices a routine throughout the entire year.
Join the Plastic free July movement: to learn more about plastic free July and how you can get involved, visit the official Plastic-Free July foundation website. They provide valuable resources, tips, and ideas for making conscious choices that minimize plastic consumption.
In this blog post, we’ll present our top 10 zero waste swaps to help you embrace a plastic-free lifestyle.
Plastic water bottles contribute significantly to environmental pollution. By investing in reusable water bottles, such as those made of stainless steel, you can help reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated on the go.
Popular brands like Hydro Flask and Chilly’s offer durable and stylish options that keep your beverages hot or cold for hours.
Embrace the habit of carrying reusable shopping bags whenever you go grocery shopping or run errands.
By reusing bags instead of relying on single-use plastic or paper ones, you not only save money but also contribute to minimizing the plastic waste generated.
Tote bags and net bags are excellent alternatives that can accommodate your shopping needs while being environmentally friendly. There are an endless number of brands who produces tote bags – check in with your favourite brand and there should be a tote bag available for you to purchase.
Plastic straws are a major contributor to marine pollution. By switching to stainless steel straws, you can enjoy your beverages without harming the environment.
Invest in a set of reusable straws and bring them with you when you visit restaurants or cafes. Many brands now offer stainless steel straws with cleaning brushes for convenient maintenance, such as FinalStraw and OXO Good Grip.
If you're a coffee lover, bring your own reusable coffee cup instead of relying on single-use plastic cups to save the world but also your own economy. Most coffee shops offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups.
You can find reusable coffee cups made of glass, stainless steel, or other materials at any store close to you, making it easy to enjoy your favourite beverage sustainably. Some of the top brands include KeepCup for glass cups, Ecoffe Cup for bamboo cups and Circular&Co for the best reusable paper cup.
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Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush.
Bamboo is a sustainable material that grows rapidly and can be composted at the end of its life. These toothbrushes are available in both electric and normal formats, making it easy to make the switch. Look for reputable brands that offer high-quality bamboo toothbrushes to maintain good oral hygiene while reducing plastic waste, such as Bamwoo and The Humble Co.
Go for refills instead of buying new packaging for hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other liquid products in your home. Many brands, including popular ones like Rituals, Ouai, and Dove, offer refill options to reduce plastic waste.
Additionally, refill stations like Life Supplies, Algramo and Fill Refill provide an opportunity to replenish your supplies while minimizing packaging waste.
Reduce plastic waste from cleaning products by opting for homemade alternatives or investing in sustainable cleaning brands.
You can create effective and eco-friendly cleaners using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemons. Look up cleaning hacks and tips on social media to get the best inspiration – it's easier than you think. One of our favourites is using scrunched up baking paper to clean hard water stains on tap fixtures in the bathroom.
The eco cleaning industry is huge. Popular brands like Seep, Ecover, and Bide Planet offer sustainable cleaning products that help minimize plastic packaging waste and look good whilst doing it.
Ditch plastic containers and opt for reusable lunch containers made of materials like glass or stainless steel.
These containers are durable, easy to clean, and help you avoid single-use plastic waste when packing meals for work, school, or picnics. Look for leak-proof options to keep your food fresh and secure. EcoLunchbox and Black+Blum makes effective and nice containers of stainless steel for your leftovers.
Instead of using plastic wraps that end up in landfills, consider using silicone food covers or beeswax wraps. These alternatives provide airtight sealing for your food, reducing the need for disposable plastic. They are washable, reusable, and a more sustainable choice for preserving leftovers and covering dishes and can be found in multiple stores.
Start composting to divert organic waste from landfills.
Composting turns food scraps and other organic materials into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or landscaping. By composting, you not only reduce plastic waste but also contribute to the circular economy and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Composting can be both easy and difficult. Simply sorting out your waste accordingly makes a difference. Look into different composting ways online and get started, Get Earthy is one of them. They sell home composters that are easy to use and looks good in you home.
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Want to find out more about plastic free July? Check out our blog post from last year on How to take on Plastic Free July.
If you want to make a change in the world and find impactful jobs – check out our Companies For Good and if they’re hiring!
