Ditch the plastics! We have 10 alternatives
It’s convenient but detrimental to the environment. Let us help you move away from plastic.
New Year’s resolutions are no longer just about personal fulfillment and health. People are resolving to do their part to help our beleaguered planet too. Plastics are on everyone’s mind because they end up in every water body (and sadly in too many marine animal’s bellies). One statistic promises that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050.
Some manufacturers are taking strides to reduce plastic use, especially single use plastic. Many coffee houses will supersize your order if you bring in a mug, rather than using a plastic-lined takeaway cup. And our mayor promised to open a discussion on a proposed plastic bag ban.
There certainly are easy ways to reduce plastic usage. Stop buying bagged salads. Donate plastic toys to a toy library, such as Action Centre Day Nursery in the North End. Do a plastic audit of your home and see how much stuff is made of plastic. In the bathroom, you’ll likely find toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, deodorant bottles and liquid soap, all packaged in plastic. In the kitchen, there’s everything from lunch boxes to plastic wrap. Then think of ways you could switch it up. Here are some ideas to get you started.
PRODUCT: Onyx Stainless Steel Straw
MERCHANT: Generation Green
PRICE: $3.50 each.
WHAT IS IT? A stainless steel straw big enough to drink smoothies from. And they have an old school bend in them. Easily cleaned. You’ll want to pick up a straw cleaning brush as well ($2) and a straw bag to keep in your purse or bag.
PRODUCT: Shampoo bar in tea tree/peppermint/rosemary
MERCHANT: Public General Store
PRICE: $14
WHAT IS IT? A compact, 100 per cent natural shampoo bar to replace your plastic shampoo bottles. Perfect for home, camping and travelling. It’s safe for pets and kids. Each bar gives 50+ washes.
PRODUCT: Our soap refill station
MERCHANT: Public General Store
PRICE: Varies, dependent on amount, average $4.50 to $12.80
WHAT IS IT? The pretty lifestyle store’s soap refill station consists of hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, countertop spray and concentrated all purpose cleaner, all made in Canada. All natural, biodegradable, pet and kid friendly. You can purchase glass bottles or bring your own to fill.
PRODUCT: b.b.begonia reusable grocery bag
MERCHANT: Humboldt’s Legacy
PRICE: $8.99
WHAT IS IT? b.b.begonia, the Winnipeg manufacturer of beautiful outdoor rugs and bags has some good eco credentials. Their shopping bags are super strong and each holds the equivalent of two standard grocery bags. And they come in pretty patterns. Roll one up and keep in your handbag.
PRODUCT: Leabee Beeswax Food Wrap
MERCHANT: Humboldt’s Legacy
PRICE: $19.99
WHAT IS IT? Beeswax and pine resin food wrap. Use them to wrap leftovers, as sandwich bags or to cover bowls in the fridge. Wash with mild soap and reuse. The wraps are compostable at the end of their lifecycle. They come in various sizes and in packs of three and with really nice patterns.
PRODUCT: Bambrush Bamboo Toothbrush
MERCHANT: Generation Green
PRICE: $6.95.
WHAT IS IT? The handle is made from bamboo, one of the fastest renewable resources, and one of the most eco-friendly. It’s available in four different colours. The bristles (soft/ medium) are not compostable. When you’re done with the toothbrush you pull out the bristles, but compost the handle.
PRODUCT: Fairtrade Tiffin Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes.
MERCHANT: Pollock’s Hardware
PRICE: $27.99
WHAT IS IT? Tiffins, the classic Indian lunch boxes have long been a model of ingenuity. The three stacked boxes are attached via a clip and keep the hot hot and the cold cold. This one has a cute Eat, Drink, Live logo. It’s long lasting and durable. And much more fun than a sandwich bag or a plastic lunch box.
PRODUCT: Onyx Ice cube tray
MERCHANT: Pollock’s Hardware
PRICE: $ 37.99
WHAT IS IT? A stainless steel ice cube tray that hits a nostalgic button but is also very forward-looking. The trays are long lasting to be sure and people who use them swear they make better ice than plastic trays.
PRODUCT: Frank Green Stainless Steel Travel Thermos
MERCHANT: Café Postal
PRICE: Starting at $44
WHAT IS IT? Contribute to the end of all those plastic-lined takeaway coffee cups with this stylin’ stainless reusable canister. They’re great at keeping drinks airtight until you are ready for them. They’re the perfect size for bicycle holders and car cup trays.
