7 great ways to be plastic-free
Did you know plastic bottles are estimated to require approximately 450 years to decompose in a landfill? Be part of the solution and work together to a plastic-free lifestyle, creating new habits to avoid single-use plastic.
Sustainability tips
Did you know plastic bottles are estimated to require approximately 450 years to decompose in a landfill?
Be part of the solution and work together to a plastic-free lifestyle, creating new habits to avoid single-use plastic.
1) Reusable shopping bags
Carry a reusable shopping bag around in your everyday bag, as you never know when you might need it when picking up some essentials. Beatdisc Records sell awesome tote bags for $10. They are currently offering contactless pickups and free deliveries to Greater Sydney for 3 or more items. So grab a bag and pick up some second-hand records or CDs so you can spend lockdown jamming to your favourite classics. Who doesn’t love a throwback!
2) Say no to coffee cup lids
Did you know more than a billion disposable coffee cup lids are used every year in Australia? You can individually be a part of the solution by investing in a reusable coffee cup, we recommend getting the insulated ones that keep your beverage warm for hours. If you forget to bring a cup when you go on a coffee run, simply ask for no lid.
Another option that is on offer from our local, White Henry, is the Claycup bank exchange. Purchase a Claycup from them and swap it each time when you pick up your morning coffee.
3) BYO containers
Buying your goods in bulk can help you save $$$ and reduce the use of plastic waste - great for the pocket and the planet! Opt for items that are package-free or packaged in cardboard, glass or tin. Alternatively, you can BYO containers and jars to wholefood stores, allowing you to reuse existing containers and eliminating unnecessary plastic. Don’t forget to bring the containers with you when you visit our weekly Farmer’s Market once it opens again (stay tuned on our social channels for updates).
4) Make your own food wraps
Swap out Gladwrap for beeswax wrap or containers. You can purchase wax-lined cloths that are better for the environment. They last for months and months, helping reduce both cost and waste.
Learn how to make your own Beeswax Wraps, which are a great hobby during lockdown, they make for some great gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Good Housekeeping has easy to follow instructions!
5) Return and earn
Recycling can make you money! Did you know that over 5 billion drink containers have been recycled through Return & Earn in NSW? Most empty 150-millilitre to 3-litre drink containers are eligible for a 10-cent refund and the best way to identify an eligible container is by the 10c refund marking. We recommend having a bucket where you can dispose the empty drink containers at home so you can recycle them with ease. Find your nearest Return & Earn collection point.
6) Save the turtles
Choose to refuse single use plastic straws! There are a huge variety of straws made from sustainable materials such as stainless steel, bamboo and rice that are convenient enough to pop in your purse or pocket. Make sure to request your cold drink without a straw when ordering- if the straw is already in your drink when brought over to you, it’ll most likely become waste.
7) Cut your rubbish in half and reduce your carbon footprint
If you have space in your yard or shared complex, look at getting a bokashi or compost bin, or your very own worm farm. You can eliminate over half of your waste and give your garden nutrients that will make it thrive!
City of Parramatta is part of the compost revolution, and residents in the LGA are eligible for up to 50% off RRP on select kits. Join the Compost Revolution and make the commitment to eliminate food waste.
