Our 2023 New Years Resolution
It’s that time of year again…
Now that we are well and truly into the new year, here at Plastics Free we have been discussing what we have implemented this new year so far in our personal lives. Since the relaunch of our brand new website last month, we have been talking about how we can all truly make a difference this year - in new ways than previous.
The best way we have found to make sustainable change last is to slowly implement routines which work for you, using Earth Friendly alternatives to plastic products. Use up what you have first, even if it is plastic, then slowly add plastic free and ethical products when you can.
Take a look at our 10 Eco-Friendly Resolutions for this year for inspiration, and let us know in the comments what changes you are making this year!
P.S. Just a disclaimer to say that every circumstance is different. Be kind to yourself and only make changes which work for you. Not every resolution can happen over night so space them out throughout the year.
1: Plastic Free Morning Routine (skincare, dental, etc)
Routines are one of the ways we can make the most impact, as it encompasses activities we perform every day. And just because a routine is sustainable, it doesn't mean that it can’t be invigorating and set you up in the right way for the day! Take a look at your morning routine, are you running out of deodorant?
Why not try our natural (and biodegradable packaged) deodorant? Or switch your regular moisturiser for a plastic-free body butter?
2: Go vegetarian one day a week
Did you know that going vegetarian reduces your impact on the planet? Why not try and reduce your impact by going vegetarian one day a week, or even one evening meal a week? Just one chicken breast takes over 735 liters of water to produce - imagine how much water you could save by taking out one chicken dinner a week for a year?
3: Cycle/ Walk/ Car pool to work
A simple swap but hard to implement. This one isn’t for everyone!! But where you can try to walk, cycle or take public transport to work or even for leisure. Carpool to the movies with friends, or to that festival in the summer. Though daily routines are where we can make the most impact, every swap makes a difference.
4: Plastic Free Showers
Declutter your shower and make it like a pinterest heaven by reducing the plastic bottles lining the tray. We love shampoo bars, they smell amazing, last a long time and have no plastic packaging! Why not bring one into your next shower and see what we mean! Pop it on a soap dish and it looks so much nicer than a plastic bottle - we promise.
Have a constantly tangled mane like me? Why not try our detangling hair brush (I physically cannot leave the house without having used this) with our conditioner bar in your next shower and see what a difference it makes!
5: Waste free dental routine
In the U.S. alone, 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year. This is adding 50 million pounds of waste to landfills annually. Try and switch your dental routine to a plastic free one this year and save adding to landfill. Why not pair a bamboo toothbrush with toothpaste tablets and a bamboo stand? Even add mouthwash tablets and dental floss - your dentist and planet will love you!
Plastic Free Fluoride Toothpaste Tablets
6: Experiences over physical items
When gifting this year, why not ditch physical items and gift experiences that your loved ones will remember rather than throw away? A cabin stay near a hiking trail your aunt has always wanted to try, or a BnB near the beach for your surfer brother. These memories they create will stay with them longer than a physical item, we promise.
7: Always be prepared
Reduce your waste whilst out on the go and pack your reusables into a tote bag and bring them with you! Love a caffeine fix before work? Why not treat yourself to a reusable coffee cup if you don’t already have one?
Evening trips for fresh produce at the supermarket after work? Don’t leave the house without your produce bags - we never do!
8: Clean out your cleaning supplies
It’s the new year, and we are all about cleaning our home and making it feel fresh again after having people stay at Christmas. But why is everything in our cleaning cupboard wrapped in plastic? Take a look at our new cleaning range, a great way to get started on Earth Friendly cleaning. We have a range of cleaning tablets which are great to pop into a reusable bottle - no need for purchasing single use plastic bottles again!
Top Tip: If you don’t have a reusable bottle at home, why not try our reusable aluminum bottles - available in either 100ml or 500ml! Comes in optional spray nozzle too.
9: Gardening/ grow your own produce
One thing which infuriates us is the amount of plastic found in the fresh produce aisle. Why do bunches of bananas need to be wrapped in plastic, nature has made them a protective barrier already?
We know that certain fresh products we need to buy at the supermarket (we can’t always grow coconuts in our back garden, especially in the UK) but why not try growing a few of your own veggies or fruits this year? A simple and newbie friendly way to start is with potatoes or garlic. Do you grow your own produce? Let us know in the comments!
10: Plastic Free gift giving (gift ideas, paper tape, twine etc)
Last but not least, gift giving. If you are giving physical gifts this year, a train set for your nephew or a plastic free starter kit for your sister, why not wrap it sustainably?
We recommend wrapping your gifts with craft paper, using paper tape or twine to secure. Why not make your own tags using cardboard and old Christmas and birthday cards? And finish off the gift with earth friendly bows. This whole ensemble is recyclable, meaning when your nephew has unwrapped his amazing birthday gift from the best aunt, you can recycle everything - the planet thanks you!
Do you have any Earth Friendly Resolutions this year that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments your resolutions and top tips for taking care of yourself and the planet in 2023.
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