Here we go! Plastic Free July is here for another year. No doubt you have heard the statistics about plastic pollution: every day, New Zealanders throw away an estimated 159 grams of plastic waste per person; there is projected to be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050; plastic remains in the environment; researchers found plastic in the blood of 17 of 22 of study participants (77 percent) in early 2022.
Plastic pollution will not fix itself, we must all work towards reducing our plastic consumption immediately.
Here are ten easy steps:
1. Keep a keep cup somewhere convenient. Always use it when getting takeaway beverages. I recommend Earth Ceramics, SUP NZ and Joco Cups.
2. Keep a set of travel cutlery somewhere convenient. I recommend Trade Aid New Zealand’s wooden cutlery set and CaliWoods bamboo cutlery set.
3. Use takeaway containers from home when getting takeout.
4. Go opshopping and discover treasures. You’ll save money too.
5. Prioritise buying clothing made from natural fibres, such as wool, bamboo and hemp. Some great clothing brands are icebreaker, Untouched World, AFENDS and Boody.
6. Prioritise using natural health and beauty products, such as The ECO Brush bamboo toothbrushes and eco floss; effective natural deodorants such as B.BOLD Natural and Ethique; hair bars such as Ethique, Dirty Hippie or Ecostore (whose products are circular and recycled within Aotearoa) and a straight razor.
7. Prioritise using natural cleaning products, such as white vinegar, baking soda, and lemons; Ecostore and Earthwise.
8. Shop at refilleries such as the Bin Inn, GoodFor and Refill Nation.
9. If possible, buy in bulk to reduce packaging.
10. Give gardening a go! You do not need a large garden to grow herbs and some vegetables.
Photo: Aramoana by Sian Mair.