rap worked for two years to create the world’s first certified compostable cling wrap, which can break down in home compost in under 180 days. Hunt and Gather Bee Co makes beeswax wrap from the hundreds of thousands of bees they house in Raglan, New Zealand. Owners Rory and Hannah O’Brien package their honey in glass jars, use wooden hives, and print their labels on paper to avoid plastic.
Sustainable grocery shopping
A trip to the grocery store or online delivery can quickly accumulate unnecessary plastic wrapping. Take reusable shopping bags to the supermarket and if you’re buying fruit and vegetables you could try using these produce bags from Australian-based business Flora and Fauna. The business has plastic-free packaging and in July 2020 launched an industry wide initiative called ‘Take It Back’ to reduce plastic packaging used in shipping orders.
Another easy way to reduce plastic food packaging on dry food is by heading to your local refillery. GoodFor in New Zealand allows customers to bring their own reusable storage containers and fill them up with bulk foods such as flours, nuts, herbs and spices, as well as cleaning staples. The store also offers a range of reusable storage options, such as stackable stainless steel lunch boxes, glass jars and organic cotton bags.
Reducing plastic at the weekend
When that time of the week rolls around for takeaway food, ask them not to include plastic cutlery or straws. And for dessert, treat yourself to an ice cream cone instead of taking a plastic spoon and cup! If you’re a smoothie lover, say no to the plastic straw and swap it for a CaliWoods metal straw. CaliWoods founder, Shay Lawrence studied environmental science at university and is glad to see an increase in awareness and adoption of positive habits since launching her sustainable straws many years ago.
If you’re out and about, be sure to take your own water bottle with you so you don’t end up buying bottled water. Single-use plastic bottles take 700 years to start to decompose, and it can take up to 1,000 years for them to fully decompose.
Another treat to enjoy if you’ve left your reusable coffee cup at work, is Kiwi business Twiice’s edible coffee cups. The biscuit-based cup is leakproof, free from additives, preservatives, and it will stay crisp while you drink your coffee.
A household plastic item that is often forgotten about is clothing pegs. There are some funky plastic-free alternatives available, like Bento Ninja’s stainless steel pegs and clothes racks which won’t snap easily. Founder Noriyo started the business creating Japanese-inspired stainless steel bento lunchboxes, and has expanded to make living sustainably simple for families.
Here’s one for new parents – Diaper Stork is a Seattle-based cloth diaper service and baby boutique providing a healthy and eco-conscious alternative to disposable diapers. They also provide resources for parents who want to learn more about making sustainable, environmentally-friendly choices.