Creativity, Planning and Patience to live with Less Waste
It’s mid month of Plastic Free July®, and I’ve pledged to ditch single-use plastic packaging this month. How has it been so far? As it turns out, I have been trying to reduce waste for several years now. It’s an imperfect path-one that requires creativity, patience, and a certain level of planning. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned on the way.
Become aware, and start easy
Some things have been simpler than others. One of the first things I did when I got started was open my eyes to the amounts of plastic packaging available in a typical supermarket and begin making conscious choices – when I had a choice. Did I really need the 2 kg plastic bag of potatoes, or could I choose unpackaged ones? The net of onions is handy to grab, but what about loose onions? Sometimes, it’s just as simple as becoming aware and opting for the plastic-free choice if you can.
Refuse, and pick healthier options instead
Walking through the aisles of a supermarket, there’s so much plastic packaging – and, most often, food that comes in shiny plastic wrappers is highly processed. That could be an opportunity to turn to better alternatives. Instead of cookies and crackers, what about bananas and apples? If you’re trying to change some old habits, looking at it from the angle of avoiding plastic may add another level of motivation and determination to your goals.
Small steps, and use up what you’ve got
I noticed, when ditching the single-use plastic, that long-lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. When you start, you may notice that you still have lots of items in your household that are packaged in plastic. Use up what you’ve got, and while doing so, think about alternatives. Do you have a refill or bulk store in your area where you can bring your own containers to buy staples like flour and salt, herbs, or bathroom items like shampoo and conditioner? Go step by step and don’t get overwhelmed, plastic has been designed into all aspects of daily life. It takes time to find and implement other solutions.
I’m not a great cook or baker but I learned to make simple things myself – like seed crackers. (Photo: Doris)
Identify habits, and find alternatives
The next step for me was to identify habits in my daily life that I wanted to turn into plastic-free options. Things that I would do or buy over and over again. Where and when did I choose single-use packaging? In my case, I travelled a lot between two places; leaving without preparation, I’d buy a snack or a take away meal on my way – with a lot of waste in tow. My other challenge was craving chocolate or sweets. To really tackle my habits, I had to come up with a plan and replace those old routines with new solutions.
Change happens over time, go easy on yourself
Changing habits is a very personal thing. Take inspiration from others, but don’t compare yourself to them. Your life situation is different, and everyone has their own unique challenges. Not everyone has a bulk food store on their doorstep, or a farmers market around the corner. The idea is to stay curious, do the research, make it an adventure, enjoy the process, and celebrate the little wins. Over time, you’ll slowly ditch the plastic and single use packaging – one item at a time. Tell us how you go!
Shampoo bar and soap instead of plastic bottles. (Photo: Doris)
My (imperfect) list of packaging-free swaps over the years
Muesli ingredients -> bulk food store (own containers)
Nuts & dried fruit -> bulk food store (own containers)
Herbs & spices -> bulk food store (own containers)
Baking ingredients -> bulk food store (own containers)
Maple syrup -> bulk food store (own containers)
Almond milk -> homemade
Chocolate -> homemade carrot cake
Cookies -> homemade sweet potato cookies
Snacking -> fruit, dried fruit, nuts
Apple chips -> homemade
Seed crackers -> homemade
Potato chips -> ditched
Drinking water -> tap
Face cream -> homemade calendula salve
Plastic bags -> cotton bags
Plastic produce bags -> reusable produce bags
Packaged produce -> loose produce
Veg, herbs -> homegrown
Garden liquid fertiliser -> worm tea, banana peel fertiliser, weed brew
Garden mulch store bought -> Home sourced, chop and drop
Bought seedlings -> homegrown seedlings
Kitchen paper towel -> cut up cotton tea towel
Plastic wrap -> beeswax wrap (or covering bowls with a plate/using containers)
Kitchen cleaning detergent -> bulk store
Toilet gel -> bulk store
Sanitary pads -> Reusable cotton pads
Toilet paper wrapped in plastic -> wrapped in paper
Plastic toothbrush -> bamboo toothbrush
Shampoo -> bulk store (own containers)
Conditioner -> bulk store (own containers)
Shower gel -> soap (paper packaging or unpackaged)
Beverages on travels -> reusable bottle, keep cup
Snacks & food on travels -> prepare and pack homemade goodies
Take away meals -> homemade hot meals in thermos
Cut-up tea towels replacing paper towels. (Photo: Doris)
For more inspiration visit Plastic Free July® website.
Doris Langer, July 2025
Feature image credit: Doris