Week 3 of Plastic Free July is here!
We are well and truly into the middle of the month now.
Hopefully you've been able to keep up some of the changes we suggested back in Week 1, while also trying a couple of new changes during Week 2.
We would love to hear how you're going - what's been easy? Have you had any major challenges? Send us an email info@thesimplesustainablestore.com.au with your thoughts and a photo of one of the changes you've made this month and we'll send you a discount code for our online store :)
YOUR MISSION FOR WEEK 3
CHANGE 1: Quit the single-use baking paper and invest in a reusable silicone mat.
The problem: Baking paper is a single-use item that is often overlooked when making sustainable lifestyle switches. Unfortunately, the name 'baking paper' in itself is very misleading, as most baking paper is covered in a plastic-based or chemical-based waxed material which means that it is not able to be recycled in the same way as standard paper.
The solution: Switch to a reusable silicone baking mat! These mats come in a range of sizes and can be used over and over again, reducing waste. They are heat resistant in the oven up to 220 degrees Celsius. After use, simply wash with warm soap and water after use and you're ready to reuse.
If you needed even more convincing, silicone baking mats are non-stick! This means no more paper stuck to the bottom of your cookies or cakes.
Shop our range of silicone baking mats at this link.
Using our silicone baking mat to bake some balsamic brussels sprouts and broccolini - yummy!
CHANGE 2: BYO cutlery and straw when ordering takeaway.
The problem: Disposable plastic cutlery is one of the worst offenders of plastic waste in our environment. We get it, sometimes you get stuck and there is no other solution - but if you are ordering takeaway food to bring back to your home or office, you should reconsider whether you can keep a reusable set on hand.
The solution: Reduce your reliance on plastic disposables with a portable stainless steel or bamboo cutlery set. Stash a set in your desk drawer, your handbag, your glovebox compartment or your backpack - wherever you think it may come in handy! You'll never be caught out again. Keeping a reusable straw in your bag or backpack takes no extra effort and can help you get into the habit of refusing a plastic straw with your daily juice or smoothie.
Besides, reusable straws are so much prettier than plastic straws! Shop our range of reusable straws here.
Delivery apps such as UberEats and Deliveroo now have an option to refuse plastic cutlery - so if you're ordering to your home, please remember to select this option and use the cutlery you have at home instead.
BONUS CHANGE: Get your walk on.
Yes, we know that this one doesn't involve plastic - but we thought we would add it as a bonus change for the week! Enjoy :)
The problem: Did you know that transport is Australia's third largest source of greenhouse emissions? Often we find it all to easy to jump in the car and pop over to the post office, the bakery or the grocery store. This is great for convenience but not always for the planet.
The solution: Reduce your personal emissions by making a rule for yourself - if it's under a 30 minute walk to your destination, put on your shoes on and walk there, rather than taking the car. Enjoy the extra time to chill out and get some exercise and fresh air.
You never know, you might even get lucky like we did and get to see something beautiful :) the below snap was taken from one of our walks a couple of weeks ago in Sydney Park.
As always, keep an eye on our social media (Instagram and Facebook) for other easy swaps and sustainable living tips.