We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly. Anne Marie Bonneau aka The Zero Waste Chef
Plastic free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution - so we can have cleaner streets, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single use plastics?
Find out more about the movement at the Plastic Free July website.
Here's our top 5 ways that you can help reduce your single use waste this July.
Hint hint - that's us!
Grocery stores are overflowing with plastic packaging, ranging from produce to cereal, drinks to snacks. As you embark on your journey to reduce plastic, you may notice this more and more. Fortunately, there is a solution: opting for bulk and loose foods. By visiting Bellarine Wholefoods before your regular supermarket shop, you can stock up on essential items like flour, nuts, and dishwashing liquid without contributing to single-use plastic waste.
We offer paper bags for filling, or you can bring your own reusable produce bags, containers, and glass jars. Prior to filling your chosen container, weigh it, either by yourself or with the help of our team, so you only pay for the product itself and not the weight of the container.
At Bellarine Wholefoods, we buy in bulk, so you don't have to.
Shopping with us means you can buy just what you need for your weekly shop.
Shopping in this way has a myriad of benefits: less food waste, a more cost effective weekly shop and fresher produce for your cooking. Plus, the added bonus of being able to visit the BWF team on a weekly basis!
Coffee Cups, Silicone Straws, water bottles - the possibilities are endless!
Most products these days have a reusable option or substitute. You can keep silicone straws and reusable cutlery in your glovebox, and remember to take your water bottle with you to refill, rather than buying a plastic option on the road.
Aussies love coffee. Ditch the paper take away cup, and invest in a reusable option instead. It keeps your coffee warmer, saves waste from landfill and tastes much better than drinking from a plastic lid - go ahead, give it a try!
Bye Bye Clingfilm - there's other alternatives!
Extending the shelf life of food will forever be a priority - silicone food covers are a great alternative to plastic. If looked after, they should last 10-20 years before being replaced, that's a lot of clingfilm saved from landfill!
You can also take your own containers to local butchers, fishmongers and bakeries, this means you're saving plastic from the environment, but you can also pop the container straight in the fridge, ready for consumption when you need it.
Reuse, Reuse, Reuse!
Here at Bellarine Wholefoods, we have a wide range of eco cleaning products that you can refill your existing containers with. Hand soap, disinfectant cleaner, dishwashing liquid, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash - these are all eco friendly options that save unnecessary plastic from ending up in landfill.
Also, don't forget the humble bicarb soda and white vinegar. Both are amazing cleaning products that don't cost the earth.
The wrap up
There's plenty you can do to help reduce your plastic waste, but the most important thing is, every little bit counts. As Anne Marie quotes above, we don't need a few people doing 'waste free' perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly.
Thanks for reading!
Bellarine Wholefoods x