So why is plastic so bad? Plastic has become one of the most harmful materials to our environments, threatening wildlife, spreading toxins and exacerbating global warming. Living and working in coastal England, the visible change in our natural environment due to pollution is sadly becoming more and more apparent. Harmful chemicals and plasticides entering our waterways is an unfortunate effect of business operations that prioritise price and transient fashion trends over looking after our surroundings. This past month I’ve been trying to make conscious choices about how and why I am consuming everyday products.
Set up by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz , Plastic free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce or eliminate their plastic consumption leading to cleaner streets, oceans and healthier communities.
As July comes to an end I thought it would be a great time to talk about how Norfolk natural living is centred around providing products that are safe, natural and environmentally friendly, from the packaging to every single ingredient that goes into our formulations. I am always striving to find a more eco-friendly option for producing and packaging as it's vital that we as humans work towards preserving the beautiful country we live in.
Here are a few simple changes I’ve made to live plastic free that perhaps will inspire you to do the same:
1.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Perhaps you remember the three R’s from school or maybe you’ve never heard of them. The three R’s have been so helpful when thinking about what I am consuming. I always try to run them through my mind to help me to make a more valuable choice. Buying second hand (it’s amazing what you can find in charity shops or on facebook marketplace), sharing or not buying at all can help you to save money whilst reducing your impact on the environment.
2.Find your tribe
Find or create a group of like minded people who are also working towards living plastic-free. Stay motivated and inspired by sharing ideas and tips on how to avoid single use plastic. I’ve found it’s so helpful to connect with people to create action rather than reaction. There are so many groups available, if you fancy joining the Norfolk Natural living community, you can sign up here for weekly newsletters and tips for eco friendly and joyful living.
3.Refills not landfill
Where possible look for alternatives, before you buy try to think about low or no waste options. Refills are a great way to lower your carbon footprint and plastic consumption. If you’d like to find out more, I have written about why refills are so important here. Buying in bulk can significantly cut the amount of plastic you are consuming if any at all, it also lowers your carbon footprint of shipping the products.
4.Buy less
Buy less; refusing products that you know will end up in landfill and making a conscious choice to change your shopping habits. Of course there are some things we simply cannot live without, whilst food shopping always try to take reusable bags with you, I take my own containers too for loose items, or perhaps try a zero waste shop which are growing in popularity. Choose reusable items; my new find is my reusable coffee cup, there are plenty of options available however a favourite of mine is the rcup made entirely from recycled coffee cups.
I hope that we can all form healthier habits and think about living in a different way that will not only benefit us but the world we are living in and future generations. Making simple changes may not seem much but when we collectively choose to lower our plastic consumption there is far more power than we think possible. My personal challenge is to continue these habits beyond July and to hopefully make you think differently about your everyday choices.
Talk soon,
Bella x