With just over a week left of Plastic Free July, there’s still time to join in and start saying no to pesky plastics.
Bayside’s Mayor Cr Laurence Evans OAM has taken the challenge this year and is avoiding the top four pesky plastics: plastic bags, plastic straws, single-use water bottles, and single-use coffee cups.
Looking beyond the top four?
If you’re already avoiding plastic bags, straws, and single-use water bottles and cups, then you’re probably keen to learn other ways you can continue avoiding plastics day-to-day.
Here are some ideas to try:
- Toiletries- Try switching out pre-made products like liquid shampoo and soap with plastic free versions, including solid soap and shampoo bars. You could even try DIY soap. Other toiletries could include replacing your plastic toothbrush with a bamboo one or purchasing toilet paper wrapped in paper instead of plastic.
- Sanitary products- Plastic free alternatives gaining popularity include reusable pads, menstrual cups, period underwear, and even reusable nappies. With many brands now offering products in this space.
- Cleaning- Many are now choosing to avoid commercial and chemical cleaning products by switching to home-made alternatives. White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice and essential oils are popular eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Did you hear the good news?
Bayside celebrated our lowest landfill volumes on record beating our previous best in 2019/20 by around 1,000 tonnes.
Over the 2020/21 year, we reduced the amount of landfill by the equivalent of 148 elephants, 24 humpback whales or three Boeing 747 jets worth of waste. That’s a lot of waste!
This is great news and a testament to the efforts of many residents getting involved in initiatives like Plastic Free July and reducing their waste.
