How To Get Started

Over the weekend I was chatting to several friends who said how much they’ve been enjoying reading the blog (thank you 😀) and would like to start doing more. So with that in mind, along with my children’s school promoting the Plastic Free Lent challenge, I thought I’d share a few ideas for getting started.

1. Start slow

Start off by making one or two changes. It’s tempting to try and change everything at once but it’s much easier to do it in small steps so that reducing your plastic doesn’t become overwhelming and you end up giving up.

2. Try the milkman

This was one of our easiest changes as it requires very little effort! Milk & More deliver milk (and fruit juices) in glass bottles and cover most of the UK. You can order online up to 8pm the night before your delivery day. It’s a bit more expensive but it’s definitely one of the quickest and easiest changes to make.

3. Switch to bar soap

The whole family now use bars of soap in the shower. It’s so much cheaper than shower gel and lasts a lot longer.

4. Get a reusable water bottle

This is another easy one to do. The Husband and I have glass ones and the kids have stainless steel bottles. It took a while to get into the habit of taking them with us but it’s second nature now and we’ve not had any problems with getting them refilled at cafes and restaurants when we’ve been out.

5. Get a reusable coffee cup

As with the water bottles, it takes a little while to get into taking them with you but it’s now part of my routine. In fact, I’ve started to feel a bit irritated when I see people using disposable coffee cups!

6. Ditch the cling film

When our last roll of cling film ran out we decided not to replace it and I can honestly say I haven’t missed it. Foil or paper bags can but used to wrap sandwiches etc…and I use plates to cover dishes in the fridge or microwave.

7. Get a bamboo toothbrush

I’ve tried several different makes and the best one has to be the Humble Brush. Make sure you dry the handle off after using and it’ll easily last a couple of months. They do a children’s size brush too.

8. Always take a reusable bag

As with the cups and bottles it takes a few weeks before it becomes routine. I hang my fabric totes with our coats so it helps remind me to take them with me.

9. Ditch the plastic fruit and veg bags

Most supermarkets sell loose fruit and veg so I just put it straight in the trolley. For delicate things like tomatoes I use the paper mushroom bags or some paper bags purloined from the bakery section. Better still try going to your local market for a great choice of loose fruit and veg – it’s often cheaper and fresher too.

10. Get rid of the plastic dishwashing brush

When our last plastic brush finally became unusable we bought a wooden one with replaceable wooden heads. I think the bristles are nylon but at least it’s a big reduction in plastic.