Monday 22nd April is Earth Day – a day when the whole planet comes together to increase awareness about the ways that we can safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future
This year, there is a real focus on reducing plastic manufacturing and consumption, with the Planet v Plastics campaign. It’s an initiative which requires all of us to look at the way we buy and use plastic, and investigate alternatives that could make all the difference in reducing plastic pollution and all the health risks associated with it.
In this article, we aim to share some small but powerful ways that you and your family can try to reduce your plastic consumption at home from this day forward…
Plan your food shops differently
You might have noticed that when you purchase many food items from the supermarket that they’re packaged in plastic containers for easy transportation and storage. But, when you buy your food from local producers, butchers, bakers and greengrocers, very often you will be able to avoid the harmful plastics and have them replaced with brown paper bags or tissue paper instead, which are easier to dispose of or recycle.
Many fresh products, fruits and vegetables don’t even need packaging at all – they can be placed straight into your shopping carrier, washed and placed straight into your fridge or storage cupboard. Similarly, purchasing food items like cereals, rice, flour, nuts, and spices from bulk bins using your own reusable containers or bags is much more earth-friendly than buying them in pre-packaged cartons. Planning your weekly shops a little more carefully and locally can really make a big difference to the amount of plastic waste you accumulate.
Say no to plastic water bottles
Heading to the gym or the office and need a bottle of water to take along? Say no to shop-bought plastic water bottles and take a refillable water bottle made of glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic instead. It’s estimated that 1.3 billion plastic bottles are used each day across the world, which is about 1 million per minute! Just think what a difference this could make if we all decided to stop.
Do away with disposable crockery this summer
Single-use plastic items like disposable cutlery, plates, and cups might all seem handy for outdoor entertaining and summer picnics, but in reality, they are causing a huge build-up of plastic waste, which is contaminating waterways, harming wildlife and spreading harmful chemicals into the environment.
Using reusable alternatives made from materials like bamboo, stainless steel, or biodegradable materials are much more environmentally friendly and can actually make your food and drinks taste better than their plastic counterparts.
Fill your home interior with natural materials
You will generally find that interior design items and home decor pieces that are made from plastic elements are cheaper and easier to source. However, if you take the time to research and find natural alternatives to fill your home with, then you will be creating a more healthy and sustainable way to live.
Surprisingly, many items like flooring, window treatments, furniture, lighting fixtures and even some paints will contain plastic components. And, many of these are easy to replace with glass, ceramic, stone or wooden alternatives without the need for plastic consumption. If you take a bit of time to research alternatives online, visit local artisan markets and source items directly from the manufacturer, you will discover many ways to make your home more natural, sustainable and individual.
Try making your own cleaning products
Making your own cleaning products will reduce the need to stock up on sprays, cartons and tubs made from plastic. Using some simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can find plenty of recipes and blends to make your own natural-based products that are just as effective at cleaning, gentler for your wellbeing and better for your bank balance too! Remember to also store your homemade products in reusable glass containers instead of plastic ones too!
By starting to incorporate these 5 simple changes into your daily routine, you can feel proud in the fact that you are significantly reducing your plastic consumption at home and contributing to a healthier environment. Let’s all mark this Earth Day 2024 as the start of better habits and much less plastic in our lives!