#PlasticFreeJuly: sustainable products that will make you ditch the plastic versions
July is finally here! It means school holidays, carefree days out, ideally a lot of sun and also, a commitment to continue with our efforts to remain plastic free. After all, plastic-free July starts today, and it is now more important than ever given our plastic use in the last year.
Did you know that, due to the pandemic and lockdown, the amount of plastic wastes generated worldwide since the outbreak is estimated at 1.6 million tonnes/day? Unfortunately, the pandemic also hit recycling facilities and procedures, particularly as people demanded more and more new plastic products, from face shields to gloves, takeaway containers, more bubble wrap and packing items for online shopping.
So instead of going for recyclable plastics, we came up with our favourite sustainable products that are so good, you’ll want to ditch the plastic versions.
1. Charcoal water filter pack
Okay, so you have a reusable water bottle, but like to filter your water at home, which is great because if you don’t like tap water you don't need to buy bottled water - success! Except, how do you filter your water? Most of us will have used or encountered a water jug with a plastic filter that needs to be changed every 3-6months. Let us give you an alternative: charcoal.
Charcoal filters are a great way to purify your water, as it adds minerals (such as calcium) and removes chemicals (such as chlorine). Plus, they are so versatile, you can pop it into any water bottle, jug or other holder you have and it lasts for 6 months! At the end of its lifespan, simply pop it in your house planters for added nutrients, or in the fridge as a natural deodoriser.
Buy it here
2. Shampoo and conditioner bars
Join the new craze for shampoo and conditioner bars. Yes, just like soap bars, shampoo and conditioner are now available almost everywhere, from the chemist and supermarket to beauty sites. They are a huge space saver in the shower but more importantly, there is no need for the plastic bottles and no waste (you know as hard as you try you’re never going to reach the bit at the end). Haircare bars have become so popular that big brands are joining in, from Garnier to L’Occitane, there is a plethora of options, just have a look at this Indy Best article.
Our favourite ones though are the sets that come with soap rests, so there is no mess! Buy it at KinKind.
3. Concentrated cleaners refill tablets
Talking about plastic bottles, another household item we use a lot is bottled household cleaners. Whilst there are ways to ensure that you minimise plastic use and waste through bulk buys and refillable options, nowadays companies like Smol or Homethings keep breaking the mold. This is because they’ve developed small, concentrated tablets that can be dissolved in water, which means there is no need to keep buying bottled cleaners!
They usually sell an introductory pack of glass or recycled plastic bottles and dissolvable tablets, once you finish the product just order new tablets for a fraction of what a bottled cleaner would cost in the shops. They have subscription services and tablets will normally be wrapped in home compostable wrappers or dissolvable ones.
4. Silicone food bags and stretch lids
We’ve all heard about bees wax wrappers, but sometimes they can be really expensive, or just simply not an alternative to our trusty (and convenient) reclosable food bags! Enter silicone bags and stretch lids. No, they are not a cure to our landfill problem, as they are not biodegradable but they are washable and reusable (more so than plastic!) even if they can be a bit expensive. Say goodbye, properly, to cling film and plastic bags!
Get your reusable bags and silicone stretch lids at Lakeland
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