Guest Post by Kimberley Gifford (Founder of Diminish)

“We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” Ann-marie Bonneau (zero waste chef).

I could think of no better quote to help raise awareness of how you can take action this World Environment Day. Instead of trying to do it all, by making just one or two simple changes you can easily make a positive impact on our precious planet. 

This year’s World Environment Day theme is #beatplasticpollution. So today I’m sharing 10 simple plastic-free swaps to help inspire you to take imperfect action.

1. Switch from Soap in Plastic Dispenser Bottles to Naked Soap Bars

If you were to calculate how many plastic soap dispensers (think hand and body soaps) you went through each year, you’d probably be gobsmacked! 

This simple switch is so easy to make – plus there are so many beautiful naked body soaps to choose from. Our range of plastic-free soap bars here at Diminish come free from nasty toxins, are vegan & cruelty-free.

This simple switch is not only better for our Planet; our body soaps are also kind on your skin and better for your health.

2. Switch from Shampoo and Conditioners in Plastic Bottles to Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Much like soap dispensers, most households go through many plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles each year. 

Switching to a shampoo and conditioner bar could prevent up to 6 plastic bottles from ending up in landfill and harming our environment. 

This is a great plastic-free switch for all family members! Again, with the added benefit of being toxin-free. Diminish’s range of all-natural shampoo and conditioner bars are filled with pure goodness and are highly concentrated, meaning a little bit goes a long way!

3. Switch from Plastic Cotton Buds to Bamboo Cotton Buds

Plastic cotton buds are not recyclable and can be extremely hazardous for our waterways, oceans and marine life. 

Bamboo cotton buds come with a bamboo handle, rather than a plastic one. Meaning once used they can simply be home composted. 

This is a super simple and affordable switch you can make today!

4. Switch from Plastic Cling Wrap to Reusable Food Wraps/Covers

Cling wrap is definitely a thing of the past! If you’re still using it, perhaps finish the roll you’re using and switch to one of the many reusable food cover options:

Reusable vegan food wraps
Reusable silicone food covers
Reusable sandwich wraps

Not only are these reusable options better for our planet; they’re also a super cost-effective switch. Once used, you can simply wash them and use them over and over again.

5. Switch from Disposable Plastic Produce Bags to Reusable Product Bags

 With REDcycle currently paused, it’s never been more important to check in on our soft plastic waste - starting with disposable plastic produce bags.

Think about how many plastic produce bags you would go through each year (approx. 400!). If these end up in waterways and oceans, they’re extremely hazardous to marine life. 

One of my favourite reusable produce bag options is these cotton produce bags. Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, once they do finally reach their end of life they can be home composted are no threat to our environment.

6. Switch from Buying Plastic Bottles of Water to a Reusable Drink Bottle

There’s an abundance of reusable drink bottles on the market. Find one that works for you (and your family members) and make sure you keep it clean and labelled.

Opt for BPA food-grade stainless steel and choose one with replaceable ‘parts’ so that you don't have to replace the whole drink bottle every couple of years. Glass is also a great option – but remember once glass breaks it is no longer recyclable, where as stainless steel is. 

This is another cost-effective switch and great for all family members.

7. Switch to a Bamboo Comb/Brush

I'm going to bet that somewhere in your household you have a plastic brush or comb lying around. Don't fret - we have some in our house too.

Switching to plastic-free products is not about throwing away what you already have; it's about using what you have first, and THEN making the switch. If you are ready to make this switch, check out our sustainable haircare range here at Diminish.

8. Switch from Dishwashing Liquid in a Plastic Bottle to a Naked Dishwashing Soap Bar

Cleaning products and plastic seem to go hand and hand. But, there are plastic-free options out there, many of which also come without any nasty toxins.

At Diminish, our best-selling super-sized dishwashing soap bar lasts up to 4 months (depending on how often you use it). It’s extremely concentrated so a little bit goes a long way, plus it’s vegan and cruelty-free. 

4 bars should last you through the year!! This switch could stop up to 12 plastic bottles from harming our beautiful planet.

9. Switch from Synthetic Dish Scourers to an All-natural Loofah

Green and yellow dish scourers are not recyclable. They’re made from synthetic fibres (plastics) and they will never biodegrade. If they end up in our waterways and oceans they simply break down into microplastics. Microplastics are very hazardous to our marine life.

Make the switch to an all-natural loofah. These ones are plant-based and can be home composted at the end of their life – plus they leave your dirty dishes sparkling!

10. Switch from Plastic Zip Lock Bags to Reusable Food Pouches

Choose to reuse!! There’s a reason why this catchphrase is used amongst us eco-conscious businesses. The more you choose reusable products over disposables the more you will improve your eco-footprint. 

Here’s what my friend had to say when she decided to switch from plastic zip lock bags to a reusable option “By switching to reusable food pouches, I realised I saved over 600 zip lock bags from ending up in landfill”. Proof that your one small switch can make a big impact!

Celebrating the Small Steps!

I hope these ideas have inspired you so that you can easily take action this World Environment Day.

Remember, it’s all the small steps that count! Those 400 disposable plastic bags that you’re no longer using, or those 12 plastic bottles of dishwashing liquid that you’ve said no to – IS making a difference!

And don’t forget to celebrate your action. With every step you take you are helping to better care for our precious planet.

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About the Author

Kimberley Gifford is the founder of Diminish, an online eco and low-waste living store. As a nature, ocean and animal lover, Kimberley launched Diminish to help families leave minimal impact on our precious planet. Diminish’s range is vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic and inspires sustainable living through their range of carefully sourced plastic-free, reusable and eco-products. 

Website:          www.diminish.com.au

Instagram:      @diminish.au

Facebook:       @diminish.au

Community:   Eco Living Membership