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I've decided to do my best to go 100% plastic-free.
For a few reasons, firstly, 85% of plastics end up in landfills and it takes 1000 years to decompose.
That's crazy when you think about the fact newly made plastic made today is going to decompose in 3021!
Plastics heavily affect our sea life. The toxic chemical BPA actually impedes the fetal growth of sea life species. And microplastics end up in our waterways harming everything that inhabits that water and us when we use it.
I recently found out that the BPA in plastics can contribute to estrogen dominance which is a hormonal imbalance in humans. This was perfectly explained by Barbara O'Neil see her video in the sources at the bottom of this article.
There are many reasons to go plastic-free, but these are just a few that struck me.
In a city, it's undoubtedly harder to avoid plastics as its everywhere.
So I'm redesigning my life to avoid it as much as possible and here's how.
1. Farmers market for plastic free food.
Most farmer's markets ask that you bring your own bag, which is a great way of encouraging plastic free shopping. Also, fresh fruits and vegetables come without plastic too.
Also, I completely forgot what it's like to haggle and have great conversations with shopkeepers. It wasn't just like going grocery shopping it was a really fun experience.
2. Plastic Free Shopping bag - Fabric Bags
I tried wearing a backpack every time I went to the store but I didn't have enough space in my backpack and sadly I almost always needed an extra bag to carry my food home. Plus carrying backpacks are heavy!
Then I found this:
I totally love this trolley bag, it's going to be a present for all my aunties.
I wanted a trolley to carry around that didn't look old but stylish.
I went to the farmers market with it in the handbag position and let it transform into the wheeled version, to the amazement of the shopkeeper, once my bag was too heavy.
You can also use fabric bags that are available almost anywhere:
3. Make your own soda
I got rid of commercial sodas a long time ago. But I will always have a weak spot for fizzy drinks.
I've been using SodaStream for about 10 years now. It's so reliable and fun.
It doesn't use electricity just a co2 canister.
It comes with a BPA-free bottle or a glass bottle.
SodaStream has a refill service. Send the canisters back to Sodastream by post or exchange your empty canister at shops like Argos in the UK.
I make healthy fruit juices or sparkling water at home in seconds, with manual control over how fizzy my drink is.
Kids love to press the fizz button and watch the bubbles go.
See this on Amazon
4. Plastic free toothbrush
The plastic in toothbrushes is often overlooked, but they are a great simple way of switching to non harmful plastic in your daily routine.
Pure Heart Organic Bamboo BPA Free Toothbrushes
See this on Amazon
5. Plastic free mug
Most coffee shops will allow you to bring your reusable coffee mug for a refill.
In fact, Starbucks gives a reward for using your own cup, see Starbuck's article on environmental responsibility on their website or click here
Try Big Bamboo re-usable Eco coffee mug for a non-harmful plastic-free option.
Can you think of other ways to go plastic free? Leave a comment below.
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Sources
Barbara O'neil - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD2T3fghLBc
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