My plastic free journey began one afternoon stuck in Sydney's infamous traffic when Triple Js Jo Launder spoke about going plastic free. I thought to myself, "I should have a crack at that!" and what I discovered was truly astounding – not only was I healthier, I was now wealthier.
Going plastic free makes you live a healthier and wealthier life. By choosing less packaged products you are left with fruit and vegetables mostly. You plan before you shop meaning less money wasted. You are also required to become resourcefull and I dug around for some nifty plastic free products. Below I have shown you my top 5. I love the fact that I am helping the environment and creating wealth.
Fodder
Being a dietitian I love food and cooking. It’s only natural right. Nothing much changed here except now I choose to go to the local Harris Farm markets with my hessian bag and ensure none of my fruit and veg is wrapped in plastic. Sorry cherry tomatoes!
TIP: Write a shopping list. This will reduce food waste and decrease your shopping bill.
Clothes Washing
Soapnuts or soap berries is a product you can use instead of laundry powder. I was sceptical at first but I stand corrected. These little gems have washed my clothes like any other washing detergent. Biodegradable and reusable up to 5-washes. I purchased them from Flora&Fauna like most of the products I used this month. You can also use them for dishes and hand soap, I have yet to try.
TIP: Tie the bag tight so the soap nuts don't end up all through you knickers.
What exactly are soapnuts? They are shells of the fruit from the Sapindus Mukorossi tree.
How they work?The shell is exceptionally high in 'saponin' which is nature's soap. This saponin content reduces the surface tension of the water so it will remove dirt and leave fabrics soft and clean.
Hair care
Lush's shampoo and conditioner bars were next on the list. The shampoo lathers up really easily and feels no different to normal shampoo. The conditioner however didn't have that creamy, silky feeling we are accustomed to. Don't freak out - once washed and blowdried my hair and skulpt have never felt so cared for. I presume it's the natural products. I bleach my hair so I don't believe Lush's conditioner is enough to nourish my hair. It would be great for those with low maintenance hair and men. I’ll stick with the shampoo and have to give the conditioner a miss.
TIP: Purchase a ceramic plate to place them in your shower or a soap holder.
...now gentlemen you may wish to stop reading here. Below is about Female Care.
Hair removal
Finally I decided to take the plunge and splash out on laser hair removal. I opted for underarm, legs and brazilian. I was blown away. It actually worked! Now I save money, time and no more razors in the bin. I think Mother Nature will be extremely happy. Just make sure the salon uses a Laser machine not IPL. Yes there is a difference.
That time of the month
It's shocking to think of the thousands, millions even billions of tampons and pads in landfill or the ocean. So I finally ordered a DivaCup. My sister told me about many years ago. It is a silicon cup you insert and empty as required. You simply boil to sterilise it. You can purchase them online or I found them at Chemist Warehouse. Plenty of brands exist. DivaCup just happened to be the one I chose. If you use pads try Juju organic cloths - the absorption is spot-on! You've got to love a pun. Check them out here! Yet again saving the environment and more dollar bills in your bank account.
That’s a wrap! These were my top 5 finds on my plastic free July expedition. I will continue to use them predominantly for the environment and lets face it, to increase my bank account. Here’s to becoming healthier and wealthier! Go plastic free today!
On a side note, I want to get your opinion. Has plastic caused us to become the obesogenic generation? Let me know your thoughts below. I am asking this because last month I gave a food label reading talk and it dawned on me, "We live in a world of packaged foods that are energy dense and nutrient poor." Since going plastic free all these poor food options were no longer options. When plastic was eliminated I was left with a healthier diet filled with fruit, vegetables and meat/protein sources. I would love to hear your thoughts below.
Meg