DO you steer clear of plastics where you can?
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Are you reasonable at recycling?
Are you unreal - banana peel at putting the food scraps into the compost bin?
Like me, you probably thought you scored well at all of the above until you took the Pesky Plastics Quiz online ahead of Plastic Free July.
While I refuse plastic straws, avoid some pre-packed fruit, vegetables, meat and fish and rarely buy bottled soft drinks or water, the next category tripped me up.
I buy spices, nuts and grains in packages (Australian-made but in small amounts). Not bulk.
I buy washing powder in a box. Not bulk.
I use handwash liquids in plastic containers. Not bar soaps.
However, I take my own reusable shopping bags, make nude food lunchboxes, store leftovers in containers instead of plastic wrap and avoid bin liners (despite the annoying mess and ultimately, bad smell!).
When the recycling bin and red bin are collected fortnightly, the former is almost overflowing and the latter is about one-quarter full.
The weekly compost/green bin is overflowing in summer and basically empty in winter when we're too lazy to garden.
We collect any soft plastics to put in the REDcycle bins now at most major supermarket chains.
But I'm still absolutely rubbish at remembering my takeaway coffee cup around town.
We can always do better.
What started as a little grassroots movement in Western Australia in 2011, Plastic Free July has grown into a global phenomenon. During Plastic Free July millions of people around the world this year pledge to be more aware of their plastic use and "choose to refuse".
It's also worth asking if you really need a plastic bag. You don't need a plastic bag for a bunch of bananas!
Seven out of eight Australian states and territories have committed to ban single-use plastics with many categories coming into effect in NSW this month and in Victoria next year.
Here's what we can do to make a difference in Plastic Free July:
- Follow the three Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). Reduce what you buy. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if you actually need it or if you can repurpose other items that you already have. Shopping for secondhand clothing and products helps contribute to less waste. Reuse plastic items as much as possible or donate to a secondhand store. Recycle correctly, and choose to buy recycled products to close the loop.
- Bring your own cup. You can easily avoid takeaway coffee cups by bringing along your own reusable alternative. If you forget your reusable alternative and don't have time to dine-in, consider going without. It might not be easy, but will probably mean you never forget again!
- Buy fruit and vegetables without plastic wrap. Look out for loose fruit and vegetables in your local grocery store, or head to a farmers' market or organic store. It's also worth asking if you really need a plastic bag. You don't need a plastic bag for a bunch of bananas!
- Avoid bottled water. Not buying single-use plastic water bottles is as simple as carrying your own reusable alternative.
- Choose to refuse pre-packaged meat, fish and deli products, particularly those sold on polystyrene trays. Shop around for a local butcher, fishmonger or deli-counter who sell unpackaged items. Take your own reusable container when you go shopping.
- The last straw. Many bars and cafes put plastic straws in every drink. Reduce plastic waste and protect wildlife by requesting your drink without a plastic straw, and bringing your own reusable alternative.
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