My 3 Month Challenge To Reduce My Plastic Waste in Association With GreenAware*
Like everyone I am conscious of the amount of single-use plastic that I use and try to reduce it but sadly for some household essentials it isn’t always practical. I am so excited to be collaborating with GreenAware to embark on a 3 month challenge to look for ways to reduce single use plastic in my home and lifestyle.
GreenAware is a high quality range of environmentally-friendly, 100% compostable products including Food Waste Bags, Garden Bags, Dog Waste Bags, Handy Bags & Shopping Bags4Life and they have been an incredible help in my challenge so far.
Our lives are essentially made up of habits and over the years I have made changes that at the time felt like a stretch, but now I’ve fully adjusted to my new normal. I eat a completely plant based diet, buy my clothing as sustainably as possible and look for organic fabrics, use natural and cruelty free beauty products and recycle as much as I can but it’s time to take it to another level.
Why I wanted to collaborate with and use GreenAware products?
They’re 100% Compostable, made from plant-based ingredients, extra strong and durable and also leak-resistant which is essential for kitchen and food waste.
I have made the mistake of placing some items that were only suitable for Industrial composting into my home compost and over a year later found them still intact but all GreenAware products are tested & certified as suitable for Home and/or Industrial Composting. As we are currently at home much more these days I’ve more time to be mindful it seemed like the perfect window to take on the challenge. Quite Simply I’ve looked for ways I can do better and I’ve outlined them below.
The Changes I made:
Switch all my bin liners to Green Aware
In my home I typically use one large bin liner and a second smaller one in my bathroom also weekly. For a while this seemed unavoidable as I couldn’t find a durable alternative until now. It might seem like a small change to make but the effect over a lifetime will be enormous and even over a year changing weekly that’s 52 large bags saved already. Green Aware Compostable bags come in a range of sized suitable for a small pedal bin, right up to a wheelie bin liner (12L, 25L, 60L, 140L, 240L). Food Waste Caddy liners are €2.49 for 14 for so it’s an acessible and easy swop to make.
To keep things efficient I bulk shop and have enough to see me through 6 months so I know I will be consistent with this practice. Although the contents of my bathroom and kitchen waste can’t be composted I still want to use compostable bags to help reduce the amount of petroleum based plastic bags I use. GreenAware bags are made from starch which is a renewable resource unlike the traditional plastic bags and it’s a step in the right direction.
Compost at Home
My second change was to compost all home food waste. I juice a lot - daily most weeks - and whilst I have some recipes for the pulp I prefer to compost the waste as it quickly goes off.
In terms of what can go into home compost nitrogen rich materials – like grass clippings, fresh plants, fruit and veg peelings (basically soft, wet green materials) & carbon rich materials – like straw, twigs, dead leaves, even paper or cardboard like toilet roll inserts work well. However some exceptions I have found that don’t work are coconut shells and too many avocado skins and stones which slow down your compost pile's process. You can put the avocado pit into the compost pile however it may take even longer to decompose than the rinds. I found mine still there after 18 months. I’ve more detailed information in the graphic below.
I keep a little caddy on my counter and as well as lightening my weekly bin load and reducing any smells in my kitchen as I empty it every couple of days, it’s become an efficient way to ensure nothing that could go on the compost is missed.
Always Always Carry Reusable Carrier Bags and look for Zero Waste Shops
The amount of plastic I can generate in a weekly shop is scary so much so that I make a point of seeking out places that have plastic free loose produce. I also shop online in zero waste stores where I bulk buy pantry essentials such as nuts, seeds, pulses and grains. I love that you can choose the exact quantity also so I get what I need without excess which is more cost effective long term. I decant into old jam and coconut oil jars at home.
I also never leave the house without my reusable shopping bags after occasionally struggled home trying to carry loose produce because I was so determined not to buy another plastic bag!
Make my coffee at home as much as possible
With the current Covid 19 outbreak coffee shops are not accepting reusable cups so. If I am buying coffee which is rare, I will decline a plastic lid if possible and aim to go to places that use degradable cups and dispose of it properly. Mostly I make my own coffee at home and I actually prefer it now as I customise it and make it exactly as I like adding in some adaptogens, my unsweetened dairy free milk and cacao butter which makes it really creamy. I found I used to like to ‘go for a coffee’ for the walk as much as the drink so I will take this with me for a walk. Over the course of a month this is easily saving what could be about 20 disposable cups.
Support companies that are seeking to reduce plastic impact
It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the sea (source). As much as I know plastic is oftentimes a practical solution that you can’t avoid I specifically will pay a little more and choose to buy from companies that are channeling resources into an environmentally friendly solution. Social media is a fantastic tool to engage with brands and access their values and query them on their environmental impact and goals. The loudest voice you will ever have is where and how you spend your money - so use it!
Over the coming months I will be talking to environmental experts and sharing tips and my findings at the end of the 3 month period and my new habits. Be sure to follow GreenAware on Instagram where they are sharing advice on food waste, composting & sustainability and use their #DoBitsHelpLots if you’re sharing online.
*Thank you to GreenAware for collaborating with me on this wonderful challenge.
Green Aware are available in all major Irish retailers. See my Instagram where you could win a Green Aware Bundle.
