It is highly likely that you encountered numerous mentions of Plastic Free July last month. If you missed it, Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people all over the world to consciously reduce their plastic consumption. While July may have passed us by, plastic alas, has not. In a world seemingly shrouded in plastic at every turn, how do we actively avoid it, especially beyond July?
It starts with small steps while also looking at the bigger picture. Thankfully, as more and more people seek out plastic free options for their home, brands are emerging to meet consumer demands.
Read ahead for some simple swaps for a plastic free kitchen.
Storage
Tupperware was a huge innovation in its day complete with parties and its own celebrity status. But let’s be honest. It’s had its day. The brand itself, famous for its plasticware now has glass storage options available. It’s time to swap out your plastic food storage containers for glass ones. Store leftovers as well as pantry supplies in glass containers, jars and canisters. Rather than just throwing out your plastics, to keep them out of the garbage, keep them for storing nonfood items in your garage, stationery and games cupboards.
Lunch & picnicware and eating out
Find a good quality stainless steel lunchbox and drink bottle that will last you forever. I invested in stainless steel lunchboxes for the kids and they have lasted four years so far (and many more to come). Stainless steel drink bottles are now relatively easy to source (but ensure you check the grade of stainless steel (should be on the inside or the base of the bottle) to ensure you truly are drinking out of a high-grade stainless steel and not a cheaper hybrid metal.
For smaller snacks and on the go treats swap out the cling wrap and snap lock bags for brown paper bags or reusable beeswax wraps.
Invest in a reusable tea or coffee cup to avoid plastic coated takeaway cups and keep a set of reusable cutlery and stainless steel or silicon straw in your car for meals out. If you love a freshly pressed juice or smoothie from your local cafe opt to consume it onsite to avoid plastic takeaway containers cup or bring your own insulated smoothie cup for cool thirst quenching on the go. When eating out, where possible opt for dine-in options over takeaway to minimise waste.
Dishwashing and surface cleaning
Replace your plastic sponges and scrubbing brushes for cleaning and dishwashing with wooden or bamboo alternatives.
The famous Chux wipe is actually tiny plastic fibres woven together and those coloured dish sponges? Yup, they are synthetic too. Next time you need a new dishwashing cloth buy a bamboo, cotton or linen one.
There are now plenty of brands that offer eco-friendly surface cleaning products some refillable and others in glass bottles. Alternatively, you could source your own glass spray bottle and make your own.
You can even replace plastic brooms and dust pans with metal or timber alternatives.
Produce and pantry staples
Shop at local farmers markets where possible and at the supermarket choose loose produce over packaged. I have never used the little plastic produce bags at the supermarket, I just pop my fruit and veggies directly into my trolley! For items like loose salad leaves, beans or other smaller items you can bring your own mesh cotton bags to hold produce.
Opt for glass jars over plastic bottles and boxes over plastic bags for pantry supplies. Many sauces, condiments, spreads (such as jam) and fermented foods are usually available in glass options. Buy butter wrapped in paper over spreads packaged in plastic tubs.
Shop at places like Source bulk foods or your local health foods co-op where you can fill paper bags (or your own glass jars) with whatever needs a top up in your pantry. A completely plastic free shopping experience.
Buy beverages in glass bottles over plastic bottles or cans where possible (some cans are all lined with BPA a type of plastic harmful to health).
When you make more of your own food, treats and snacks you tend to end up with fewer packaged foods in your pantry. We don’t all have the time to bake our own bread and make everything from scratch, but even a few dishes per week will make a difference over time, saving you money, improving your health and reducing your packaging waste.
Tableware
A new study has shown micro plastics enter waterways when plastic tableware are washed in dishwashers. Eating off plastic surfaces has also been linked to health issues. Swap out your plastic cups, plates and serving ware with plastic free alternatives for the safest and most sustainable sustenance. Ceramics are one of the safest surfaces to eat off and are also available at all price points. Swap your black plastic cooking utensils with wooden options and drink out of glassware instead of plastic tumblers. For young children seek out heavy based stoneware items which are generally more robust and less likely to break or be knocked over than lightweight fine bone china.
Communal kitchens
Next time you are at work, scan the communal kitchen and look at ways your workplace can reduce plastic consumption. Speak to your manager about implementing some of the suggestions above to minimise plastic waste in your office kitchen. Every little change makes a difference, and if promoted to staff as a positive change, these subtle shifts may inspire staff to make changes at home too.
While it might all seem a bit overwhelming and a lot to eventually replace, don’t feel the need to replace everything all at once. Instead replace items bit by bit, either as they break or when motivation hits. Choose one area to focus on at a time (such as lunchware, cleaning products, storage items or tableware) and work to reduce plastics in your life gradually. Seek out second hand plastic free alternatives and hunt for new items on sale to keep the swap budget friendly. An idea might be to aim to be completely plastic free within 12 or 18 months as a goal.
Sustainability is a key pillar of Australian Mutual Bank’s ethical framework and as such articles on sustainability feature frequently here on our website. We are excited to share, over the next few months, a new series devoted to supporting our members in reducing their plastic consumption as we invite members to invest in more sustainable and durable alternatives.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. 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.
