10 Ways To Reduce Plastic Waste - By Nicole McMahon
In this recent blog post, Nicole McMahon - Founder & CEO of Luksea, shares with us how simple yet impactful changes significantly reduced the level of plastic consumption in her household. It's an inspiring post and one to read if you want to learn about how you can make a difference.
Plastic In Waterways Impacts Marine Life
Let's face it, reducing waste makes sense to most people, however while in theory it sounds easy to do, there can be lots of challenges that present themselves. Sometimes, this can be overwhelming for those who want to do their part and reduce or eliminate the plastic they are using day-to-day.
I thought I would share some of the insights that I have learnt as a result of reading a wonderful book that has been a real game changer for me.
As a passionate ocean enthusiast, I was excited to receive a book as a present from my daughter called "Plastic Free" by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz. The blue cover, with the pale silver fish crafted out of plastic and description "The inspiring story of a global environmental movement and why it matters" grabbed my attention.
After reading this book, I literally halved the amount of plastic I was using in the first week and have really been enjoying learning new approaches.
Fish Caught In Plastic Bag In Ocean
Here are some of the ideas that you may also consider adopting to keep our oceans and streams less clogged and the landfill down:
- Start composting - This changed my life and is great for food scraps
- Keep a cloth bag in the car or bag - To use for shopping
- Shop local produce - Visit farmers markets and take reusable bags
- Bees wax covers - Use instead of plastic food wrap to keep food fresh
- Grease proof paper for sandwiches - They always seem to taste better
- Bamboo tooth brush - It's plant-based and 100% biodegradable
- Dishwashing power from the wholefood store - Amazing and non-toxic
- Sit down for 10 minutes to enjoy a coffee - Reminisce about the places I have visited and love
- Have fun looking for other cool inventions - Find other ways to replace the products creating harm in our ocean
- Create a fun family challenge - Get everyone onboard in the home.
Shopping At Farmers Markets Quickly Reduces Plastic
During the challenge I came across this great statement “Water should be abundant if it is treated with care. That bottled water was successfully marketed to areas of the planet that do have access to good drinking water is horrible. Its tantamount to bottling air. Water is life, and they’ve managed to put it into a bottle and sell it back to us and use it as such a status symbol that people are now completely blind to how much harm it causes the environment" By Berish Bilander, Co-CEO and campaigner of Green Music Australia.
How great to see so many people adopting reusable water bottles and coffee cups also. Green bins are another great idea to dispose of small branches, leaves, grass clippings, plants or weeds. I like to wrap my food scraps in paper, keep them in the fridge and dispose of them together in the green waste bin.
If you've already adopted some of these strategies, good on you! We are all working together to preserve our oceans and the environment. Together we are stronger and I would love to hear any ideas or strategies you have adopted to reduce waste.
Bamboo Products Like Toothbrushes Are A Great Alternative
If you have any ideas not yet mentioned, we would love you to share! Please tell us about how you are reducing waste in your home.