Plastic is everywhere, bags, bottles, wrappers, and straws. It’s convenient, but it stays in our environment for centuries. Cutting back on plastic doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Here are easy actions that make a big difference:
Carry Reusables
Carry a reusable coffee cup or a refillable water bottle with yourself, and avoid buying new ones every time you go out.
Get yourself signature cloth tote bags and carry along on your shopping sprees and grocery store trips, they look hot.
Add a spare spoon and fork in your bag’s sidepocket, use instead of plastic ones.
Plastic and food
Restaurants serving plastic cutlery? Leave. But not before lending them apice of your mind.
Buy spices and dried nuts etc packaged in paper instead of plastic. They stay healthier that way.Get your honey in glass jars, they’re prettier as well.
Use metal or paper straws over plastic ones. Have juice too often? Get a life-time silicon straw.
Ditch the cling wrap for aluminium foil or a more sustainable alternative.
Planning an outdoor picnic? Don't look at disposable cutlery, carry your own, wash it later.
Say no to plastic
Uproot the problem while you can. No need to be the reason behind a new plastic bag produced. Buy cloth and paper bags. Expensive, yes. But not as expensive as clean air.
Buy only from brands and people who don’t use plastic like it grows on trees.
Reuse sturdy plastics
Plastic containers? Repaint and repurpose. Store snacks, jewellery, rubber bands. Plant mint or coriander. Make it into a small first aid box. Collect autumn leaves and pebbles. The world is your oyster and the plastic box your container. It’s even microwave proof!
Water bottles? Lay horizontally, cut open like a surgeon, stuff with compost and punch in some seeds (and holes in the walls) while you're at it. New member to your kitchen garden, great for vines.
Ice cream tubs? Sandwich boxes, store extra napkins or screws.
Confused on where to start? Get yourself a cloth shopping bag and customize. The effort utilised will make you use it automatically!
Alisha Khan
The Leaf Project Executive