Change can be overwhelming when it comes to lifestyle habits. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can begin your journey towards a greener, more sustainable, plastic-free lifestyle, while juggling a growing family.
We asked the team at Designer Bums, makers of eco-friendly nursery essentials, for some tips on substituting plastic household items with more sustainable alternatives.
Here are some of their suggestions for sustainable swaps.
Reduce your reliance on single use products
- When it comes to supermarket swaps – try bringing your own bags, selecting unwrapped fruit and veg or buying from a bulk food store using your own produce bags. Try to keep a couple of spare reusable bags in your car or pram. You can significantly reduce plastic waste by being prepared.
- If you need to buy a product with plastic packaging, try to buy a bulk version of the product.
- Choose children’s toys made from wood or other natural materials.
- Choose reusable cups, straws, and cutlery and carry them with you when you are out and about.
Reuse your products
Start small and think big! Every little switch adds up to a big impact on reducing plastic waste. Designer Bums has several reusable options for personal and nursery items that can help in your efforts to ditch plastic.
- Reusable period products are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to manage your period. They’re also handy for postpartum bleeding and light bladder leakage.
- Ditch single use plastic water bottles and opt for a reusable bottle that you can refill on the go. With so many great options out there, you are sure to find one that suits your lifestyle and needs.
- Nursing pads are a staple for breastfeeding mums! Save money with re-usable options, while also preventing landfill from single use varieties. When you’ve finished breastfeeding, you can upcycle your nursing pads as makeup wipes or baby face cloths.
- When it comes to storing food products, there is much more choice these days beyond single use cling wrap. Beeswax sheets, silicone food wraps and bowl covers, or reusable containers to store leftover food are all much more sustainable options.
Recycle
If you have hard plastics lying around - take them to your nearest recycling center or participate in a local curbside recycling program.
Learn more about your local recycling system by checking out the Victorian Government’s guide: https://www.recycling.vic.gov.au/can-i-recycle-this
We hope the above guide can inspire you to make eco-friendly swaps. Thank you to Designer Bums for sharing some of their handy tips to reduce plastic waste!
28 April 2023