We all know to stop using plastic straws, bring our own coffee cup to the local cafe and cart our own water bottles out and about by now. But what about the more insidious and less obvious plastic woven into our everyday lives? This week I’ll be sharing how plastic has stuck into our personal items and bedrooms and share some eco- friendly alternatives.
Clothes
While clothing isn’t usually flagged as a ‘plastic’ to manage, it’s unfortunately a huge contribution to micro plastics in our environment.
You may not have considered it, but it is likely a significant portion of your wardrobe is made up of clothing made from a synthetic fibre. Perhaps you were unaware this meant you were essentially wearing petrochemically derived plastic all day. Studies are now linking the wearing of synthetic fabrics with serious health side effects, with underwear and sportswear the most concerning, so it’s not just an environmental issue.
But all is not lost. Next time you buy clothes (and bedding) check the fabric label first before even looking at the price. If it is made from something other than cotton, linen, hemp, silk or wool it will have been made using synthetic fibres and therefore is a fabric essentially made from plastic. When synthetic fabrics are washed, they gradually disintegrate over time, and tiny plastic fibres make their way into our waterways via grey water. When you empty out the lint of your dryer, most of those fibres are actually very fine synthetic fibres that won’t easily biodegrade.
In addition to seeking out only natural fibre clothing at the shops, consider purchasing high quality secondhand clothing as an alternative to always buying new. It will not only save you plenty of money, but it will also give you a chance to seek out lovely linens, cool cottons and warm woolens as you update your plastic free wardrobe.
Shoes
Shoes such as crocs, thongs, cheap gumboots and slippers are often made from a type of plastic, as are many dress shoes. Instead, seek out high quality footwear made from plant-based leather, canvas and rubber and find slippers made from high quality felt or wool. They will invariably cost more, but they will also last much longer and allow your feet to breathe and sweat less, therefore reducing issues such as tinea and smelly feet.
Accessories
Avoid the cheap plastic-based jewellery items and instead opt for a couple of high-quality precious metal items or quirky carved timber pieces that will last a lifetime. Replace vinyl belts with plant based leather and synthetic ties with natural fibre alternatives.
Makeup and toiletries
When buying cosmetics look for products packaged in cardboard or glass with minimal boxes and reduced additional external packaging. Many lip balms and eye shadows are now available in cardboard or small glass jars. Many brands are responding to consumer demands and providing refill options for cosmetics.
When it comes to skincare (such as moisturisers, toners and cleansers) seek out brands that prioritise glass packaging and plant-based ingredients (as the alternative is petrochemical based which is not only toxic to the environment but our bodies too). There are so many high-quality brands available these days, with all budgets covered.
There are plenty of deodorants now available in either a cardboard tube, aluminium tin with some brands even doing refills.
Many natural zinc-based sunscreens are available in an aluminium tin rather than a plastic tube such as Sunbutter. Being chemical free, mineral based water resistant, Aussie made and reef safe, it ticks a few other boxes too.
Bathroom
Swap out your body wash for a bar of soap (packaged in a box) and buy refillable shampoo and conditioners to minimise plastic waste or eliminate it all together by using an award-winning shampoo and conditioner bars.
Buy toilet paper packaged in paper rather than plastic wrap, and even better if it’s made from recycled paper and supports a good cause.
Swap out the disposable and oh so plastic nappies and feminine hygiene products for reusable where possible. There are so many options now available to suit every budget.
Buy bamboo toothbrushes over plastic ones. Consider even trying a toothpaste that doesn’t come in a plastic tube (yep, you can get tooth powders packaged in glass). And while traditional dental floss is plastic thread packaged in a plastic dispenser, there are now plastic free dental floss alternatives on the market.
Next time you need to replace a comb or brush look for a timber or bamboo one. Disposable razors can be replaced with a high-quality reusable razor with replaceable blades.
Did you know many face and body scrubs on the market actually have tiny micro beads of plastic in them? Opt instead for a scrub with gentle and natural ingredients such as finely ground sugar or salt, oatmeal or coconut shell. Replace plastic body loofahs with a natural loofah made from a dehydrated fruit husk or a woven body wash cloth to gently exfoliate and scrub your skin.
Instead of buying disposable makeup remover pads, look for reusable ones you can wash in the washing machine. When it comes time to buying new towels or bathmat, replace synthetic fibres with pure cotton or linen fabrics. Linen especially is an excellent choice for bathrooms as it is a naturally bacteria-resistant material as well as being lightweight and less tightly woven meaning it dries more quickly than typical plush towels so no more damp or musty smelling towels greeting you after a shower.
The above may seem like a long shopping list and initially perhaps, a higher investment. However, if you only replace items as needed and seek out plastic free alternatives when they are on sale you can slowly build up a collection of plastic free personal items that will last you many years rather when compared with disposable or non-durable plastic items which will continually need to be replaced, and as a result, over time you will also save money.
Online natural retail brands such as Biome, (a B Corp retail brand that also stocks B Corp brands), Shop Naturally, Go For Zero, Flora and Fauna and many more specialised in stock brands that are not only toxic free but also plastic free too. Supporting brands and businesses that endorse sustainable packaging will not only reduce your own personal plastic waste, but it also encourages businesses to embrace more responsible practices in the long run.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and owner of aromatherapy business Alyssum Alchemy. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
