Living plastic free
This featured article comes out of the recognition that although each of us are encouraged to reduce our plastic waste, the reality is that almost all of the items we depend on, as essentials, are packaged in plastic or made with plastic. If microplastics in our biological systems and plastic pollution in the environment is of significant concern, then developing new ways to meet everyday needs - beyond reliance on plastic - is essential. Of course these 'new ways' aren't entirely new. Living beyond plastic has been done before!
Additionally recycling, though preferable to discarding materials that end up in landfill, still requires substantial energy for collection and processing and generates additional waste. Reducing the amount of plastics in our shopping basket, at the onset, is better for the environment and for our health.
There are many ways you can engage with living with less plastic. I encourage people to take it as far as they can. But I'm mindful that all change is a process and small manageable steps are often necessary for each of us. Without these we can easily break! So find your way and make change as you can, growing on it over time. The family featured in the video below offers one example of what is possible, but make your own goals - ones that work best for your situation.
Below we have 3 resources to help you reduce plastic.
- The first showcases items within the supermarket that have minimal plastic compared to others in their similar product type category. You might seek out the products you buy and look for one that has less plastic. For example, milk in cardboard.
- The second lists best-practice zero-plastic swaps - exciting alternatives to replace common items that are either, almost always plastic-packaged, or are made up of plastics themselves (such as toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles, deodorant sticks, dish brushes).
- The third gives some starting places for options outside the mainstream with retail shops where you can source food in bulk, find zero-waste items, and refill your own containers. there's a selection from different parts of Australia.
1. Supermarket choices - less plastic options
Items included here have minimal plastic compared to others in their similar product type category. Items packaged in plastic, whether it be bottles, containers or soft plastic wrap, are excluded. Scroll over the item for the specifics of the packaging type. Click to filter.
Disclaimer: please note that most of the items showcased here, do in fact do have some plastic elements. Specifically these are: Gable top carton - polyethylene (PE) plastic lining, < 10%; Paperboard tubs - polyethylene (PE) plastic lining, < 10%; Glass bottle/jar with steel/aluminium cap - plastic (PE) liner/coating under cap for sealing; Steel can - epoxy resin lining, 1-2% weight; Aluminium can - epoxy resin lining, 1-2% weight.