In the last few years, we have been bombarded with movements and causes to save the environment. And while I acknowledge and believe in them, it often becomes overwhelming.
You get suffocated with information and get told what to do or what not to do and of course, then comes the inevitable “guilt trip” associated when you accidentally accept a plastic straw with your cocktail and potentially kill a dolphin (slight exaggeration but you get the idea).
I believe in looking after the environment in simple, practical ways that you can easily implement into your daily life. With little to no cost, no real stress, and of course no additional time taken.
So here are my 5 Simple Changes you can make to help save the environment
1. Swap Tea Bags for Loose Leaf Tea
If you are a lover of your morning cuppa like me then this is a really easy change you can make. Simply swap your teabags for loose leaf tea.
All you need is a strainer. You can get one here and a box of loose leaf tea. I like to use Madura Black Leaf Organic Loose Tea.
Loose leaf tea comes in a cardboard box or reusable tin, with some plastic wrap on the outside to keep it fresh which is hard to avoid in this day and age. However, you will just have simple tea leaves left, no staple or bag lining and you can easily compost the leaves when done making your tea. And you have the added benefit of reducing any micro-plastics you might be ingesting which have been found in some products.
2. Use Refillable Hand Wash Containers
Well, 2020 certainly proved how important it is to wash your hands properly! Most people have the pump foam handwash in their homes. I actually have one in all 3 of our bathrooms, the laundry, and the kitchen #overkill.
But a good way to reduce plastic and also save some coin is to buy it in bulk and refill the pumps. You can even get pretty glass pumps like this and leave the plastic out altogether.
Another step further would be to make your own foaming handwash. I have tried this and it did work, however, to be frank “Aint nobody got time for that!”
3. Swap Dish Tabs to Dishwashing Powder
Most people use dish tabs daily (and even laundry pods) and while they are convenient they may contain microplastics and have highly processed packaging. They are also more expensive when you work out the per wash cost.
An alternate is Dishwashing Powder. It is very economical, has simple packaging (sadly some are still in plastic but you can find some in cardboard) and does the exact same job.
I keep mine in a simple glass jar and use an old scoop from an old measuring set. You can also check out bulk supply companies like The Source Bulk Foods who sell not only in larger quantities but also totally package free. Simply take your glass jar to the store and get it weighed with how much you want.
I find the cleaning power is exactly the same and have not had any issues with residue or streaks.
4. Buy In Bulk
Bulk buying has so many benefits. It’s usually way cheaper, has less packaging and another benefit is that you have to go out and buy it less often. (In case you were unaware I hate going to the shops)
Most products come in some sort of bulk option. Things like toilet paper, paper towel, rice, pasta, flours, cleaning products, shampoos, coffee and tea, and more.
A great supplier of bulk toilet paper is Who Gives A Crap, you can check them out here.
There are of course stores like Costco that really take it to the next level but don’t forget to check out the usual places like Woolies and Coles, Officeworks, eBay and Amazon.
Next time you want to purchase something, do a quick Google Search and you may be surprised at what you can get in bulk and at a much better price per unit.
5. Recycle Soft Plastics
In Australia, there is an awesome soft plastic recycling program called Redcyle.
Anything that is soft plastic, think of bread bags, plastic shopping bags, cheese wrappers, chip packets, chocolate wraps, produce bags, etc can all be recycled into new items such as park benches, seats, and more.
Simply collect your (clean) soft plastic and drop off at any Coles or Woolworths designated bins. They are clearly signed and usually right out the front or near the service desk.
It amazes me how much soft plastic I can collect in a week from a small family of three. Imagine how much you can save from landfill every year but doing this one simple change.
To find out more about the program or what you can and cannot recycle click here.
So what small changes will you make?
I would love to hear your ideas and your experience swapping items in your home and if you have any other great suggestions. Just comment below or message me on social media.
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