By Lottie Dalziel
I'll be the first to admit that reducing your waste is a lot harder than it sounds. In early 2018, on my weekly swim, I noticed plastic floating in the water. From that day, I started picking up a few pieces of rubbish every time I went to the beach, and I couldn't believe how easy it was to find.
I decided to make more of a conscious effort to reduce my waste and found it overwhelmingly difficult to find reputable information, products that were actually good for the environment and that came in plastic-free packaging, it sounds simple right? I thought if we want Australians to make a difference we need it to be a whole lot easier, so I started Banish to help provide Aussies with the best information and tools in the biz to help make a difference.
The average Australian generates 2.7 tonnes of waste each year, but who wants to be average? Together we can be extraordinary.
So what's the best thing you can do? Start. It's not about being perfect, doing something is better than doing nothing. Here are ten products that will have you kicking eco-goals in next to no time. Start with one or two and build your collection as you progress, we're in this for the long-run.
1. Veggie Saver Bags
Veggie Saver Bags keep your fresh produce fresh, crisp, and happy for weeks on end. Waste less, save money with fewer trips to the store and live healthier with each bag.
2. Reusable Coffee Cup
Aussies are coffee feens, slurping down at least six billion cups of coffee each year. One of the simplest swaps you can do is use a reusable coffee cup, plus responsible cafes will give you 50c off for BYO so you'll be saving money and the planet. High-five!
3. Reusable Baking Mats
Featuring a non-stick surface, these reusable baking mats make it easy to prepare and cook your favourite dishes, including pastries, cookies, macaroons, pizza, and more. They are heat resistant up to 250°C, ensuring that your food cooks evenly without burning or sticking to the surface.
4. Silicone Food Wraps
One thing I've never quite mastered was cling wrap. Not only could I never get it to tear off smoothly but it never lasted as long as it should. Using these silicone food wraps was a game changer and I never have to use other flimsy wraps again.
5. Stainless Steel Pegs
Are you sick of crumbling plastic pegs? Make the switch to stainless steel pegs. Activated Eco Stainless Steel Infinity Clothes Pegs is the perfect solution for laundry baskets that are mostly composed of regular or small-sized clothing with some bulkier garments, like jeans, towels, or blankets.
6. Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Cut down on the number of plastic products in your shower in a couple of simple steps! One shampoo and conditioner bar is worth up to 6 bottles of regular hair product. Save time, money and the planet by making the switch today.
7. Onya Reusable Bread Bag
Say NO! to single use disposable bread bags, toggles & ties and Hello to Onya's vintage-style reusable bread bags, designed to carry your bread home in style without any packaging waste!
8. 29L Parker Safety Razor
Similarly to plastic toothbrushes, every plastic razor you've ever used still exists somewhere on this planet and will last between 300-400 years. Make the switch to an ol' fashioned safety razor and you'll have one for life.
9. Niaouli & Myrtle All-Purpose Disinfecting Spray
When it comes to cleaning it is important to be mindful of what chemicals you're spritzing around your home. Not only are they bad for your lungs but they're not good for our waterways too. Well played.
10. Onya Produce Bags
Slash plastic from your grocery shop with these produce bags that are made from recycled plastic drink bottles. Perfect for beans, spinach and bulk foods! Plus they are great for travelling.
So there you have it, my ten ideas on how to get started. If you've got any questions please sing out or follow Banish on Instagram for lots of simple and easy sustainable swaps.
About the author
Lottie Dalziel is the founder and editor in chief of Banish. She has a passion for the environment and wants to help educate and inspire individuals to make small changes towards a more sustainable future. Stay up to date with her latest challenges on Instagram @banish.au.