Howdy, it’s Cassie and Maria here from Sustainable Table and we’re here to talk about trash.
Trash is for tossers okay? Trash is definitely not #grexy. And since we’re not tossers and we’re doing our best to be #grexy (aka, green and sexy) we’ve transitioned to a zero-waste, trash-free lifestyle.
That means we create as little to no land-fill rubbish as possible. #WaronWasteAU
It’s been a gradual transition over many months, mainly whilst we collected the necessary paraphernalia that could form our essential Zero Waste Survival Kit. We explain below:
MEXICAN OIL CLOTH BAG
We use these instead of plastic bags and snap lock bags. They’re water-proof and perfect for your travelling lunch, cut fruit and so on. You wash them along with your dishes or pop in the washing machine.
JARS JARS JARS
We always reuse jars. We take them with us to purchase things such as grains, legumes and nuts from bulk food stores rather than using plastic bags. Maria uses an old jam jar as her takeaway coffee cup. Barista’s love it as it’s just like a latte glass. And the screw-on lid makes the jar completely leak proof! We also use jars to store leftover meals in the fridge and freezer. Why not?
RE-USABLE COFFEE CUP
We always take ours with us when buying take away coffee, juices or smoothies. We love JOCO cups and KeepCup is popular too.
WOODEN TOOTHBRUSH
These are completely compostable so they break down unlike their plastic disposable counterpart.
SMALL CLOTH BAGS
We use these when buying perishable items such as fresh produce instead of using plastic bags.
MENSTRUAL CUP (in the little navy blue silk bag)
We are converts! We prefer these over disposable pads and tampons. Why? Because the environmental impact of using disposable products just doesn’t make any sense at all. We recommend Juju Cups.
SCRUBBING BRUSHES
We use these instead of disposable sponges – they last a very long time. The Redecker brand pictured here use sustainable, natural and ethically-sourced materials and you can replace the head when it’s had its day.
METAL LUNCH KIT
Perfect for packing a hot lunch to take to work.
CLOTH NAPKINS
We use these instead of snap lock bags and cling film for wrapping sandwiches or other takeway goodies like bakery goods (Maria often gets her croissant from the bakery wrapped up in her cloth). We also use these instead of disposable Chux wipes to wipe benches clean. Just pop them in the wash when they’re dirty.
HOMEMADE DEODORANT
Maria creates her own natural skincare. And yes it really does work she smells fresh as a daisy! See her recipe for homemade deodorant here.
BEESWAX WRAPS
The ultimate alternative to plastic cling film. We use them to cover plates and bowls, wrap up sandwiches, snacks and even cut fruit and vegetables. We love BeeEco wraps.
SECOND HAND SANDWICH BOX
Where possible we like to up-cycle or purchase items second hand. This handy retro lunch box was found at a local op shop.
TOOTHY TOOTHPASTE TABS
From Lush – we’ve ditched the virgin-plastic, non-recyclable tube for these preservative-free toothpaste tabs that come in a post-consumer recycled plastic bottle (that is also recyclable) and amazing naturally-flavoured options!
About the Author: Maria Hannaford
Great article. It might be worth sharing an app called Spare Harvest. I have shared glass jars and plants on this app and sourced local produce that others can spare. Great tool to keep resources out of lanfill as it works on the reduce, reuse and repurpose principles.
So many helpful suggestions. It is well worth your real world ways to reduce waste, and not so much concentrating on trying to keep a whole year’s worth of waste in a single mason jar. It can seem too hard. But your suggestions are really positive.
Thank you,
Bren