Did you know that every year more than 32,000 plastic bottles, bottle caps, and lids are littered across Australia? Amy Fox from The Low Tox Fox is one individual who has successfully rid her life of toxic plastics after watching a documentary on the Pacific Garbage Patch (which is a collection of rubbish floating in the North Pacific Ocean and said to be three times the size of the state of Victoria, can you believe it?).
“The plastic pollution problem won’t go away if we don’t do something about it, says Amy. “It’s heartbreaking seeing animals washed up on beaches with their stomachs full of plastic all because of our ‘convenience items’ such as plastic straws and single-use plastic bottles”.
In line with World Earth Day, Amy has shared some of her top tips for reducing your plastic consumption and living a healthier, more environmentally conscious life!
1) Shop Local
Local farmer’s markets are a great way to get out into the community on the weekend and the perfect way to avoid unnecessary packaging of fruit and vegetables whilst also supporting local small businesses. Bulk food stores allow you to purchase based on weight, making them an environmentally and economically friendly option!
2) Make a Reusable Kit
Amy has created her own ‘reusable kit’ containing a glass coffee cup, bamboo cutlery set, stainless steel straw, produce bags, and a stainless steel drink bottle, which she keeps in her handbag or car where it can be easily accessed at any time to make sure she can take her plastic detox out of the house!
3) Alternatives to bottled water
Bottled water is one of the most expensive and unnecessary products available! There are so many alternatives to purchasing bottled water like SodaStream, which is a convenient way to have fresh sparkling water instantly. One SodaStream bottle saves 2,190 single-use plastic bottles from going into landfills in their lifetime!
4) Use natural cleaning products
Natural and plant-based cleaning products are increasingly available and lack the toxic chemicals that are harmful to our bodies and the environment. Try to use cleaning products you would find in the kitchen like baking soda or vinegar instead of bottled chemicals. Alternatively, purchase products that have refills available to reduce the number of plastic containers going into landfills.
5) Avoid plastic takeaway containers
Avoid collecting unnecessary takeaway containers. Dine in at your favorite restaurant or have your friends round for a dinner party for homemade poke bowls, or if you are on the go, opt for glass travel containers instead.
