Going Low or No plastic in a High Plastic World. Think twice before buying that bottle of water, or that takeaway coffee. Plastic is overused and wasteful.

Some facts about plastics:

• BPA free – These plastics may be even worse for you than  those containing BPA because alternatives like BPF might be even more harmful.

• Put on weight?  – Some of the chemicals in plastic have been found to be obesogenic, causing you to put on weight.

• Plastic production – Did you know that more than 50% of the worlds plastic production is used once and then thrown away?

• Killing Wildlife – Around 1 million plus seabirds, marine mammals, turtles, fish tea are killed each year by plastics, either entangled and straggled or choked and starved.

What can you do to reduce your plastic use:

• Fruit & Vegetable halves – Stop buying half a watermelon, cauliflower, melon, pumpkin etc as they are all wrapped in plastic. Instead buy them whole and get some inspiration cooking up the extras to ensure you use them all up!

• Ditch the cling wrap – Use reusable beeswax wraps or just pop a plate over a bowl. Its one of those little things that you just don’t need to replace when your out shopping next time.

• Use glass jars – You can use these for everything, from storing left overs to rice and grains, cereal, sultanas, nuts and more. Stop buying convenient squeeze-top products. Choose products in glass jars, save the jars and reuse in your pantry.

• Ice cube trays – Invest in a couple of old school stainless steel ice trays, better than the plastic ones that bend and break over time.

• Buy in Bulk – Other than buying dried goods at the supermarket, buy them in bulk at a local health food store or farmers market.

• Reusable cups – next time you are at a cafe, bring your own reusable cup, there are so many options out there now.

• Party Plastic plates and cups – By paper or fully biodegradable bamboo picnic plates.  Opt for glass or stainless steel options for your beverages and hot drinks or soups.

• Replace your plastic bathroom products – By natural fibres for washcloths, mitts and dry brushes. Replace your plastic toothbrushes and soap holders with sustainable bamboo ons. Ditch the face wipes, plastic ear cleaners and plastic floss, opt for natural eco friendly  brands.

• Tea towels – Keep your herbs fresh by wrapping tightly in a damp tea towel.