15 Tips to Use Less Plastic

Did you know that July is #plasticfreeJuly? Changing our habits takes time! But making an effort to change our habits when it comes to plastic is definitely worthwhile, for future generations but also for us. Even though most plastic (though not all!) can be recycled, most plastic ends up as microplastics in our water which affects both animals and humans. In humans, plastic can act as estrogen in our bodies, known as “xenoestrogens”. Xenoestrogens cause a whole host of health issues including acne, fatigue, depression, and weight gain — even fertility issues. Try these tips and check out these local South African items to make the switch:

Carry reusable shopping bags in your handbag or car.
Drink from reusable cups or bottles .
Avoid bottled water and instead fill up your own stainless steel water bottle daily.
Use reusable straws .
Try reusable cotton dish covers instead of clingwrap.
Use bamboo toothbrushes .
Instead of coffee pods that are single use, go for reusable coffee pods.
When choosing a brand from a shelf, go with one using cardboard packaging.
If a friend is having a baby, buy them a cloth nappy / diaper to trial.
Look for wooden pegs or steel pegs instead of plastic ones to hang laundry with.
Find your people: some restaurants or grocery brands are committed to being plastic-free. When you find them, keep supporting them!
Look for cotton swabs that have paper rods instead of plastic.
Instead of plastic balloons or plastic confetti at a party, look for creative paper decorations.
Try ditching the plastic food containers for a stainless steel one – a bonus is that the flavours of your leftovers won’t stick around since steel isn’t porous the same way plastic is.
Instil a plastic-free value in your little ones and invest in wooden or fabric toys that will last much longer than plastic ones.