LIVE A PLASTIC-FREE LIFE

The fight against the plastic crisis is real. As much as individuals and countries are aiming for a ban on plastic, can we eradicate plastic?

For the moment, it is clear that plastic cannot disappear overnight. To gradually reduce the amount of plastic, and therefore its impact, small steps towards a plastic-free life can be taken at the individual level. Sus.live offers you some cool alternatives for plastic-free life.

1. Limit your plastic consumption when you shop.

The first step is to minimize packaging and therefore buy in bulk.

Speciality grocery stores, organic stores, and now even conventional stores offer bulk bags, which shows that people are starting to use them. Use your “bulk bags”, very light and thin cloth bags, in different sizes depending on your purchases – pasta, rice, cereals, but also cakes, dried vegetables, rather than the processed products that usually arrive in a plastic tray.

In addition, always try to use packaging other than plastic such as cardboard packages of cakes and sauces in glass jars. For water or juice, use returnable glass containers or reusable bottles and opt for your own bamboo or metal straw that’s a must-have in your carry-everywhere bag.

2. Bring your own containers.

Whether you are shopping or dining out, always carry your own containers in your bag or car.

In stores, “for cheese, cream, meat, fish or cereal, bring your own recycled glass “Tupperware”, boxes or jars and ask the suppliers to pack your purchases in them.

For those who buy their morning coffee, tea or milkshake at the local coffee shop, bring your own inox mug so you don’t waste another disposable plastic cup if there is one. Plus, with thermal cups, they will stay cool or warm.

3. A plastic-free kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, gradually replace all your plastic utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, bowls and plates) with wooden or stainless-steel ones. You might spend a little more money to buy them now, but they last much longer, which is more economical in the long run. Plus, did you know that it’s better for your health? Yes, they are as when plastic comes into contact with heat and therefore hot food, releases particles, endocrine disruptors and bisphenol, which migrate to the food. So, in addition to saving the planet, you’re protecting your health by not using plastic in your kitchen.

4. A plastic-free bathroom

Opt for toothbrushes made with bio-based plastic where only the brush part is replaced. Some brands collect the brushes and recycle them. The second option is a toothbrush with a bamboo handle and synthetic nylon bristles. the bristles can be cut and the handle composted; absolutely no waste!

As for the cotton bud, no more disposable ones!

There are more and more cotton swabs made of recyclable cardboard. Do you know the “oriculi”? It is the best, a small wooden utensil, very thin, which comes from Japan and can last a lifetime.

Moreover, after use, you just need to wash it as it’s washable cotton.

What about shampoo, shower gel and body gel that come in plastic bottles?

First of all, use solid, eco-friendly products that dissolve without leaving waste. You can also create your own products and if they are in liquid form, use your recycled bottles from home.

And yes, even for toothpaste and deodorant, you can make them yourself or buy them from a local artisan. Some brands even invite you to refill your containers or exchange them so you don’t throw away anything when it comes to beauty products.

5. zero plastic parties

No more parties with disposable cups and plastic lids. back to grandma’s cutlery, to pretty dishes that don’t come out of the cupboard enough and even if it means more dishes the next day, at least you know that at the next party, you’ll reuse the same ones and won’t contribute to the landfill.

6.No more plastic bag

If you don’t have a nice tote bag, you are certainly not at the forefront of the trend, the green trend.

Gone are the days of plastic bags at the exit of supermarkets or stores, today, everything goes into the super trendy tote bag that can sometimes be customized.

Opt for Bee Wraps

Although we suggest you use containers directly, some people, mainly in the food industry or at home, need something to wrap food in. A good alternative to plastic wrap is bee wrap. It is natural, composted and degradable.

Plastic represents a real danger for our planet, especially because of its slow degradation. Until we find a solution to completely eradicate it, it is time to reduce plastic waste in our home and, everyday life habits, use and routines.

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