Image via The Daily Routine
In case you didn't know, we're currently in the midst of Plastic Free July, a month-long initiative challenging us all to live without single-use plastics.
This global movement helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution - so we can all have cleaner streets, oceans and beautiful communities. This is something we're so passionate about here at Woman, but let's be real, this seemingly simple task can often become confusing and downright overwhelming.
But the good news ladies is you're not alone. Anyone can get involved and in today's market there are tons of reusable alternatives - including very stylish ones - available.
So to show you just how easy it can be to get started on your Plastic Free July journey, we've teamed up with some incredible creatives to bring you 9 simple product swaps to start using less plastic at home.
Here they are (in no particular order):
1. Hand wash pods instead of plastic pump bottles
Your first stop? The bathroom. Items like soap, shampoo and conditioner are responsible for the circulation of over 100 billion single-use plastic bottles. A simple reduction in this number means good news for both you, and the planet.
Swap out your plastic hand wash bottles for The Daily Routine Co's Starter Kit. With a 100% reusable and recyclable foam pump bottle that is designed to last and 3 pods of coconut husk hand wash, this kit is a no brainer. The plant-based pods are made without any parabens or sulphates AND they completely dissolve in water. We know, our minds are blown too.
2. Bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic toothbrush
We're still in the bathroom, and that's because in Australia over 100 million plastic toothbrushes are consumed every year. On top of that, our used plastic toothbrushes take over 500 years to degrade causing land, air and water pollution. Yikes!
Switch to a 100% biodegradable and sustainably sourced bamboo toothbrush from Bamkiki. Not only are their toothbrushes eco-friendly and made from sustainably sourced MOSO (Phyllostachys edulis) bamboo, they are also ergonomically designed and come in 6 different aesthetically pleasing colours.
Need more convincing? 5% of Bamkiki profits are donated to back to the Royal Flying Doctor Services for their Outback Oral Health Program. Snaps for Bamkiki!
3. Reusable bags instead of plastic bags
This might be an obvious one, but reusable bags are a non-negotiable in our book and Bare & Boho's wet bags are taking things to an all new level. These super handy and convenient water-resistant storage bags are perfect for use with everything from groceries and general travel to cloth nappies or swimming gear.
Made with water-resistant PUL and feature stunning Australian designed prints, they are double-pocketed for convenience; allowing you to store dry and wet items in separate pockets when needed. Genius Bare & Boho, absolute genius.
4. Dissolvable cleaning bars instead of plastic spray bottles
This one is another easy fix that you may have heard of but have some reservations about. And look, we get it. No ones likes putting in the cleaning effort to only have their products then let them down.
But the two clever gals behind Australian start-up Pleasant State have thought of it all. Working alongside a chemist, they have created a range of plant-based dissolvable cleaning bars that are non-toxic, vegan, grey water safe and much more. And most importantly, they work... very well!
Their Full House Kit comes with multi-purpose, glass and tile-specific cleaning solutions as well as drop protected glass spray bottles and colour matched microfibre towels. Simply fill the reusable bottle with warm water, drop in the concentrated cleaning bar, watch as it fizzes and dissolves and then get spraying!
5. Beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling wrap
Did you know that the average Australian family uses close to 1,000 plastic bags and 24 rolls of plastic wrap per year? Per YEAR! This results in an eye watering 300 million tonnes of plastic produced of which only 1–2% is properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfill where it takes anywhere up to 500 years to decompose.
But never fear... saying see ya to plastic cling wrap is so much easier when you have beeswax wraps on hand. Beeswax wraps are reusable, breathable and easily moulded to fit around all types of containers. They are long lasting and biodegradable too!
Stock up on a range of sizes, colours and prints from Wrappa or make your own with Settler Hives DIY kit.
Pssst... read our interview with Settler Hives founder Hayley Mason here.
6. Nut Mylk bases instead of single-use cartons
Ulu Hye has prevented more than 500,000 cartons and containers from entering landfills thanks to their revolutionary Nut Mylk bases, a sustainable yet healthy solution to plant-based milk offerings.
Their Mylk Bases come in a recyclable, reusable glass jar and when added to water and blended, they create up to 10 litres of fresh, creamy milk. It’s essentially “milk in a jar”, allowing you to create delicious, homemade milk in 60 seconds right from the comfort of your own home. Amazing, right?!
Take 20% off Ulu Hye's entire range by using the code ABBYROSE20 at checkout.
7. Menstrual cup instead of tampons and single-use sanitary pads
Did you know that around 45 billion single-use period products end up in landfills and waterways around the globe each year? Urgh. Enter bold and colourful menstrual cup brand, The Hello Cup.
Designed by founders Mary and Robyn from scratch, Hello Cups are made in New Zealand from the highest quality medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) available. Hypoallergenic and recyclable, they contain no nasties and are free of silicone, rubber, latex, BPAs and heavy metals. Add to that the fact that a single Hello Cup is the equivalent of more than 2, 000 single use tampons or pads and will last you at least five years!
Watch our interview with Robyn and Mary here and score yourself a cheeky Hello Cup discount too!
8. Modern cloth nappies instead of disposable nappies
We're sure most parents are already aware that millions of disposable nappies end up in landfill every day. But Brisbane based Bare & Boho are here to put a stop to that with their revolutionised and reimagined range of modern cloth nappies. Think soft, think comfort, think dry, think next-level-eco!
Featuring a 100% recycled yarn outer shell to replace raw polyester fibre, PLUS recycled yarn inner soft suede, to keep your little one feeling high and dry, Bare & Boho's collections feature gorgeous prints curated by local Australia designers, eco friendly and organic materials, water resistant covers, and easy functionality.
Sign. Us. Up!
9. Cloth Wipes instead of single use wipes
Swapping out single use wipes for reusable cloth wipes is the perfect, cost-effective and environmentally conscious choice for parents wanting to take the next step in their minimalist parenting journey.
Bare & Boho's luxuriously soft and durable double-sided bamboo velour baby cleansing wipes are completely reusable, washable and multi-purpose for nappy changing or general cleansing. Pair with your new modern cloth nappies and you'll be the most stylish (and conscious) Mumma around!
Have a simple product swap you'd love to share with us? Post it on our Facebook page!
