As the growing need for plastic-free goods finds its way onto our high street, it has never been easier to ditch the plastic. From eco-friendly kitchens to waste-free beauty routines, learning how to go plastic-free is essential if you want to keep contributing towards a greener future.
As the world moves forward towards a plastic-free tomorrow, the introduction of the single-use plastic ban and handy ‘bag for life’ initiatives have transformed our globe’s plastic footprint. However, as we still see more than 300 tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, it’s clear that work still needs to be done.
Is It Possible To Go Plastic-Free?
The question is, can we ever be truly plastic-free? As new global initiatives continue to reduce our plastic consumption and eco-friendly retailers create more sustainable alternatives around the world, the answer is probably… one day.
While the fight to completely eliminate plastic continues, remember that shrinking your own plastic footprint is about progress, not perfection.
If you’re ready to embark on a zero-waste journey, we are here to help. Read on to learn how to go plastic-free in just 5 simple steps and become the master of creating an eco-friendly household.
How To Go Plastic Free
Is It Really ‘Single Use’?
One of the biggest mistakes eco-conscious folk can make is trying to be 'plastic perfect' at the beginning of their zero-waste journey. But, before you throw out your plastic-based products and dispose of that single-use packaging, it’s time to rethink and reuse.
‘Single-use’ plastic can actually live up to 450 years in the ocean, so why not put its strength to the test. Upcycling plastic waste is a great way to make use of your redundant plastic during your zero-waste transition. Why not start reusing plastic packing to store bulk food, eco-friendly cleaning products and personal care essentials?
As for single-use cutlery, why not keep it in your bag as the perfect travel essential that can be washed and reused on the go. This reduces plastic-waste build-up and gives your plastic a purpose for more than one use.
Create An Eco-Friendly Kitchen
If you’re still wondering how to go plastic-free, one of the smartest ways is to take a look at each room in your home and take a plastic-based audit for future reference.
Ask yourself, how much plastic is essential for the room to function. Anything that isn’t needed can be noted down and replaced with an eco-friendly alternative.
Take the kitchen, for example; this is one of the easiest rooms to transform, and often one of the worst culprits for plastic waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 45% of global landfill waste is directly sourced from plastic food packaging and containers.
Instead, try bulk buying – this process will save you cash and help the planet too, as you consume less plastic packaging. Better still, why not store your food in plastic-free ways too. Swap those clingfilm covers for beeswax wraps and swap those plastic containers for sturdy and sustainable alternatives that can be used over and over again.
Plastic-Free Cleaning
Switching to a plastic-waste-free cleaning routine can be challenging as most laundry detergents, dish soaps and surface cleaners come packed in single-use plastic bottles.
But what if we said you could buy your favourite cleaning products with no plastic-based fuss? You can also think about using ingredients such as baking soda to clean up, rather than using harsh chemicals in plastic spray bottles.
At Bower Collective, we offer refills for your cleaning essentials. Simply order your favourite cleaning products in their refill pouches and empty the pouch into your sustainable storage system.
Better still, these plastic pouches can be mailed back to us free of charge, to be recycled.
Waste-Free Beauty
If you’re looking to improve your plastic-waste management, your beauty and personal care products might be a great place to start. Not only should you search for sustainably sourced products, but it’s time to start looking at the packaging too.
In fact, even though over 90% of the population now say they recycle kitchen waste, only one in two of us recycle our cosmetic products. Instead, opt for plastic-free, biodegradable packaging or simply reuse the container for future use.
One of our favourite personal-care essentials are the skin care products and hair-care shampoo bars from Beauty Kubes, a new sustainable movement that eliminates plastic packaging from the hair-care equation. For other personal-care needs, you can also try menstrual cups, which save on single-use plastic. Opting for plastic-free, biodegradable packaging always gives the best zero-waste results!
Create An Eco-Friendly Bathroom
Your zero-waste household isn’t complete without the perfect plastic-free bathroom. It’s therefore time to disown those disposables and make bamboo your best friend.
Why not swap plastic-based toothbrushes for bamboo alternatives? Did you know some types of bamboo are also naturally antibacterial, making this material a great eco-friendly addition to your oral hygiene routine?
Why not also invest in a sturdy set of reusable dispensers, perfect for bulk-buying bathroom essentials while also tying in with your bathroom decor design.
How To Shop Plastic-Free In The UK
Shopping plastic-free in the UK has never been easier. There are plenty of quick wins to avoid plastic pollution, such as reusing your own bags at the grocery store instead of plastic shopping bags, and ditching plastic water bottles for stainless-steel or glass bottles instead. And if you are ever in a position where you need to buy plastic, then check to see if it is recycled plastic.
At Bower Collective, we stock hundreds of plastic-free products, sustainable swaps and waste-free refills of your favourite eco-friendly products. It's never been easier to move towards more plastic-free living and put an end to disposable plastic once and for all.