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Eco-friendly alternatives to try for plastic-free July

Small changes make a big difference. - by Laura Barry
  • 01 Jul 2019

Giving up single-use plastic products is harder than it seems. From sandwich wraps and bin liners to shopping bags and water bottles, the use of plastic is widespread and having a terrible impact on our environment, and killing our marine wildlife. In fact, According to the World Wildlife Fund 80 per cent of marine pollution is generated by land-based activities to devastating effect. 

Plastic Free July is an initiative started in 2011 by a small group of people in Western Australia and has now grown to include millions of participants across more than 150 countries to date. Their goal is to create a world without plastic, and you can do your bit just by swapping single-use plastic for a few eco-friendly alternatives.

1. Swap plastic bags for shopping totes

Fashion retailer Cotton On raised money for humanitarian aid via the sales of their tote bags. 

cottononfoundation View Profile
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Time for a winter holiday? There are so many fun online exclusive life-changing totes available now! #cottononfounation #empoweringyouth

2. Swap plastic bin liners for compostable liners

Made with corn starch, Multix Greener Compostable Tidy Bags are great sustainable alternatives to plastic liners and are Australian certified compostable.

multix compostable tidy bags
Multix

3. Swap plastic wrap for reusable beeswax wraps

Sustomi is a Tasmanian business and not only do they make reusable beeswax food wraps, but heaps of other gorgeous, sustainable and reusable food storage goods, too. Beeswax wraps can be washed and reused time and time again to keep your sandwiches wrapped and your food fresh.

sustomi View Profile
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Use the warmth of your hands to mould the beeswax wrap over your bowl. ⠀ You don't need to wet it, simply place over your bowl or food and the warmth of your hands will help it adhere. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #sustomi #sustoming #beeswaxwraps ⁣⠀ #foodwrap #noplastic #beeswax #organiccotton #lunchbox #lunchwrap⁣⠀ #tasmanianbusiness #waronwasteau #zerowaste #zerowastestyle #zerowastekitchen #sustainable #sustainability #ecofriendly #zerowastehome #lunch #lunchtips #foodprep⁣⠀ ⁣⠀

4. Swap vegetable storage bags for The Swag bag

The Swag bags are made from three different types of 100 per cent natural unseeded, unbleached cotton and can keep your fruit and vegetables fresher for longer than plastic food bags. The bags are non-toxic, breathable, machine washable and sustainable.

theswag.original View Profile
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The Large Swag is perfect to store a large variety of fruit, veggies and leafy greens of any size. If you're going to order just one Swag to get you started - we always recommend starting with this all-rounder - you can even have a combination of fruits, veggies and leafy greens all in one Swag, saving you money, time and of course looking after the planet too! #theswag #swagbag #vegetablebag #producebag #freshvegetables⠀ .⠀ .⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #ecofriendly #vegetables #zerowaste #ecowarrior #sustainability #sustainableshopping #allnatural #veganlifestyle #healthylifestyle #fruitandvegetable #wellnesslifestyle #freshfood #noplastic #fridgebags #naturalproduce #organisedlife #reusable #foodwaste #wasteless #environmentalist #saladbag #takeaction #planetfriendly #happyfood #pantryessentials

5. Swap freezer bags for reusable silicon bags

Stasher Reusable Bags are made from platinum grade silicone and are plastic free, self-sealing and can be used for storage, freezing and cooking in the microwave.

shopnaturally View Profile
78 likes - View Post on Instagram
Stasher Bag Limited Edition Pack sale 💰💰 40% off our new 5 packs - they won't last long PLUS 💰💰20% off all singles with loads of new colours available. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 100% pure silicone, leakproof, food safe. Say goodbye to single use zip lock bags and stock up now. Buy once, use hundreds and hundreds of times over. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ https://www.shopnaturally.com.au/brands/stasher/ . . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Please note: items already on sale are not eligible for our 15% off your first order when you join Eco Rewards. If you are only buying Stashers, please save your 15% off code for your next order with us. . . . . , . . #stasher #stashers #stasherbag #Reusable #choosetoreuse #plasticfree #wastefree

6. Swap plastic pet waste bags for compostable bags

BioBag make fully certified biodegradable and compostable pet waste bags from a cornstarch polymer.

biobag View Profile
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Happy #NationalRescueDogDay 💚🐾 Comment where you rescued your furry loved one for a chance to #WIN our pet waste bags with handles (now green in color!). 5 winners will be chosen, must live in the US. 🐶: @the_bearryot

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This is how much money you could save by going green

Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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