Hey, did you know that July is all about trying to live a #plasticfreelife? Yep, that’s right, it sure is. Ridiculous you say, or impossible? (Words coming from those who probably protested the plastic bag ban).
Look, you’re right, living a plastic-free life can be pretty tough, but in no way is it impossible. And, as an added bonus, you are directly giving the planet a much needed helping hand so yay for you.
This month, Newcastle Live is doing a bit of a series surrounding plastic free July, full of how to’s, hints and tips to help you on your plastic-free journey. You can also find some like-minds in the facebook group if you’re a hankering for tips. Just search plastic free July in newie or follow the link here.
Keep Cups
Please. Please please please go and buy a keep cup. It doesn’t have to be a super fancy one, in fact, it doesn’t have to be fancy at all. Golly, it can be a chipped mug you bought for 2 bucks down at the supermarket or the one that’s been hiding in your cupboard for all these years. I don’t want to rehash the statistics surrounding takeaway coffee cups and what they are doing to the planet but yeah. It’s not great. Keep Cup forever.
Use mushroom bags for loose small produce (think beans, spinach, nuts, dried fruit etc).
Look, you don’t need a plastic bag for that handful of beans you just picked up. No no no. Use a paper one instead. The same goes for nuts and dried fruits. If you’re so inclined, grab a few at the start of your shop as a reminder for when you need them.
Take. Your. Reusable. Bags
Look, I forget every single time. Every time. And now I live in a house made out of reusable enviro bags. I mean not really but it feels like it sometimes. Leave some in your car, on your boat, in the weird front room of your house that keeps your keys. Just don’t buy plastic, please.
Take your own containers to the deli
This is a big one and one that I really struggled with earlier in the week. I live for feta, as well as an assortment of other tasty treats that live behind the glass in the deli section but… everything is always wrapped in plastic. There are ways around this though. Why not take your own container? Or, if you forget, ask them to wrap everything in paper only. I know for a fact that Coles at the Junction are super happy to do this so it’s a pretty #hottip.
Be prepared
This is your number one bae tip to survive plastic free July (and hopefully work towards a much more plastic-free life. Take your keep cup, your metal straw, your enviro bags, your own spoon and containers and you’ll be on your way to living the plastic-free dream.
