Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash
Plastic Free July inspired me to look for ways to reduce plastic consumption. I have to admit, I have a bit of work to do – like remembering to bring my KeepCup to start with! I've made some changes – I've been on the reusable bag trend for a long time, I make my own yogurt most weeks, and I bought some beeswax wraps. But there are still many places where I could do better. Here's a roundup of some products that I found useful or that I'm dying to purchase!
How have you reduced your plastic consumption? I would love to hear your tips.
PS: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you buy something, I earn a small amount from the sale (but it costs you nothing more). This helps with the running costs of this site.
1. Stainless steel pegs
Stainless steel pegs
The area around our clothesline began to look a bit like a plastic graveyard as one by one the clothespins reached the end of their life. Next I bought bamboo clips – but they get moldy so I loved these. They cost a little more, but because they are made of stainless steel, they last much longer than plastic clips. AND they also have a 10 year guarantee. Check them out here
2. Glass Mad Millie Yogurt Making Kit
Yogurt is a staple in our house and one way to cut down on plastic is to make it yourself. This DIY yogurt making kit from Mad Millie includes a 1 liter glass jar, yogurt culture, thermometer, cheesecloth, and sterile culture jar. With this set you can make up to 8kg of Greek yogurt. You can also purchase more yogurt culture to continue making. Check it out here
(PS if you want to make your own coconut yogurt, I have instructions here)
3. Beeswax wraps
Ok, I have to admit that I wasn't the best at packing groceries. I use containers where I can, but sometimes I also use plastic bags/wraps…. But I bought some beeswax wraps at the Food Show and now they will be a staple. You can find them here or here
4. Bamboo Vegetable Brush
One of my lovely customers gave these to me as a little gift a few years ago and I've had more ever since because they're that good! They have a bamboo handle with bass fiber bristles and are great for brushing/washing your vegetables from dirt. Here it's only $8.30
When I was thinking about ways to reduce plastic use, I wasn't really thinking about cotton swabs. I buy them often and recently discovered these completely biodegradable cotton and bamboo buds. They're also only $5.20 for a pack of 200. Check them out here
6. Stainless steel food container
These three mini stainless steel containers last longer than plastic and are the perfect size for nuts and other snacks. Find out more here
7. Reusable silicone bags
I often use resealable bags to freeze food because they take up less space in the freezer than containers. And even though I reuse them, they usually don't last long before they get a small hole or tear. These reusable silicone bags are a way to reduce plastic consumption.
They are available in different colors and sizes. Check them out here
