Plastic-Free July: Starter Pack

Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

Last week, I published an introductory guide to the mentality of Plastic-Free July. This week it’s time for my starter swaps and tips for reducing your plastic usage.

This is far from an exhaustive list and are just my personal advice; a zero-waste life really varies depending on our circumstances. Some swaps are not plausible for all of us and that is entirely fine. What you are able to do is great!

 

Joining local community projects and groups online, such as a Facebook page for environmentalists in my town. This allowed me to create a network of support, inspiration and information. Often they are called “Eco [your town]” so easy to find.

 

Refusing single-use plastic when out and about where possible by carrying my own canvas bags, cutlery and food containers.

Using beeswax/vegan wax wraps instead of cling film for leftovers and lunches. Not only widely available in shops, but these wraps are also easy to make yourself! 

 

We stock beeswax wraps from local small business Oh Sew Much More

 

Buying dried goods, spices and other foods in refill shops such as our store on the University of Manchester campus: these ‘unwrapped’ shops are opening more and more and often price match their products to big supermarkets, just without all the waste! I use jars and containers I already had to refill goods, so it requires no prior investment (despite what the zero-waste YouTube aesthetic might suggest)
Choosing glass jars instead of plastic bottles for condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise – glass containers are infinitely recyclable and reusable.

When it comes to the bathroom, one of my first swaps was to soap and shampoo bars instead of plastic bottles of liquid. I find that bars last much MUCH longer anyway and work amazingly for my hair.

 

 

We stock our shampoo and conditioner bars from local business Grüum

 

My favourite alternative to plastic-wrapped loo roll is from Who Gives a Crap: their super-soft recycled toilet roll is affordable, and the company donates 50% of their profits to develop sanitation for those in need! You can check them out here.

 

When it came to menstrual products, I was eager to go plastic-free. After trying some of the different alternatives available such as the menstrual cup, organic cotton tampons, plastic-free disposable pads etc. I eventually found that washable cloth pads work best for me! These are great as they can be washed again and again and they’re very durable if sourced from reputable companies.

 

We stock our menstrual products from Honour Your Flow.

 

For razors, I chose a Muehle metal safety razor from a local zero-waste shop and it works brilliantly: it will last me forever and is so cheap to maintain with replacement blades! Here is a list of great UK metal and bamboo options to check out.

Purchasing facewipes made of cotton and scrap fabric from our shop was a very affordable way to replace single-use makeup wipes that contain plastic. These wipes can be washed by hand and used again and again! Keep your eyes peeled for a “how to” guide on these…

 

Profits from both styles of WNW volunteer-made face rounds go to charity, including Labour Behind the Label.

 

Finally for plastic I couldn’t avoid, I started eco-bricking with my single-use, non-recyclable, non-terracyclable plastic. I find it a good hobby to de-stress and I enjoy knowing exactly where my plastic waste it going. Currently, I’m making a footstool with my ecobricks!! Head here for more information on eco-bricking and for ideas on what to do with them.

 

I hope you find this useful and can learn something from my journey to a plastic-free life. Our Instagram and Facebook are sharing lots of resources throughout Plastic-Free July with product reviews and anecdotes from WNW volunteers! Any questions just get in touch on Facebook, Instagram or email and we would be happy to help and as always, tag us in your plastic-free adventures, we love to see your progress.

Author: Lucy