Plastic Free July Challenge What is plastic free

Plastic Free July Challenge

What is plastic free July? v Plastic Free July is a global movement developed in 2011 by the Western Metropolitan Regional Council (WMRC) Earth Carers program in Western Australia. v It aims to raise awareness of the amount of plastic in our lives by encouraging people to eliminate the use of single-use plastic during July each year. v Think of it as a “reset”. This month is about showing you all the ways you can consume more mindfully (and not just in regards to plastic!)

The focus is on single use – but we can do better!

How big is the problem? v Plastic was invented just over a century ago in 1907. Plastic bags were only invented in 1965, and widespread use didn’t occur until the 1980’s. Plastic water bottles weren’t invented until 1973. v There are now an estimated five trillion pieces of plastic floating on and in the world’s oceans.

v The patch is not a solid mass of plastic. It includes about 1. 8 trillion pieces and weighs 88, 000 tons — the equivalent of 500 jumbo jets. The new 2018 figures are as much as 16 times higher than previous estimates. v Sadly, the Pacific patch isn't alone. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest of five such trash collections in the ocean.

How it affects the environment v It affects wildlife through entanglement (at least 344 species known to be affected), ingestion (at least 233 marine species, including all marine turtle species, more than one -third of seal species, 59% of whale species, and 59% of seabirds) and interaction (shown to cause abrasion and damage to coral reef ecosystems upon collision). v 100, 000 turtles and marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales and seals, are killed by plastic marine litter every year around the world.

What about our health? v Humans are eating around 5 grams of microplastics in their weekly diets — or about as much as your ATM card, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature released this month. v Most of the 2, 000 particles ingested every week came from regular drinking water, whether tap or bottled. v Beer, salt and shellfish are full of plastics too.

What about our health? v Direct toxicity from plastics comes from lead, cadmium, and mercury. These toxins have also been found in many fish in the ocean, which is very dangerous for humans. v Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contained in some plastics, is a toxic carcinogen. v Other toxins in plastics are directly linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues. v Other types of toxic plastics are BPA or health-bisphenol-A, along with phthalates (mentioned above). Both of these are of great concern to human health. v BPA is used in many things including plastic bottles and food packaging materials. Over time the polymer chains of BPA break down, and can enter the human body in many ways from drinking contaminated water to eating a fish that is exposed to the broken down toxins. Specifically, BPA is a known chemical that interferes with human hormonal function.

What about our health? v Thus far scientists have concluded that an exact outline of health effects of plastics on humans is almost impossible to determine. This is due to the fact that the problem of plastic contamination in humans is globally spread; there almost no unexposed subjects (we can no longer compare). v Scientists remain concerned about the human-health impacts of marine plastics because they are ubiquitous and they eventually will degrade and fragment into nanoplastics, which measure less than 100 billionths of a meter—in other words, they are invisible. Alarmingly these tiny plastics can penetrate cells and move into tissues and organs. But because researchers lack analytical methods to identify nanoplastics in food, they don’t have any data on their occurrence or absorption by humans.

Swapping plastic for paper or other waste isn’t the solution. . . …

Every item we use has environmental consequences

Plastic free is the beginning, zero waste is the goal!

The 5 R’s

And even more if we change our purchasing habits…

So today we’re going to make some pledges…

Cooking and eating at home v Step one is packaging your shopping – reusable grocery bags, produce bags and bulk food bags v Bring a bread bag to your local bakery (great for freezing)

Fruits and vegetables v I’ve never been able to find berries I have however bought tinned berries for recipes and with yoghurt. Bulk frozen berries is also less packaging. v Cherry tomatoes are also difficult but when they come in Styrofoam trays I’ve been able to ask and get them from out the back. v Mesh bags are great for salad leaves – you can wash them and hang them on the tap. v Northey St Markets can be good for more elusive things but is quite expensive sometimes.

Other Places to Buy v Food Connect – supports local farmers (they’re paid 4 times more!), seasonal foods, often organic or chemical-free, biodynamic and permaculture. Local pick up partners – you return your box = zero waste (great selections or make your own box!) v Charlies – do ugly fruit and veg boxes for $10 v Spray Free Farmacy – similar to Food Connect

Fruits and Vegetables Storage

Fruits and Vegetables Storage v If a fruit grew in the tropics then you can happily assume it won't like the cold. Bananas, pineapples, mangoes, melons, lychees, pomegranates, coconuts, mangosteen, guava and papaya prefer the fruit bowl. Grapes and watermelon need to be solo. v Fruits which prefer the cold or will last a decent time if kept in the fridge include apples, pears, berries, grapes and oranges (except navels – they become bitter). v Avocados can be tricky but your best bet, if you find a bargain and want to buy in bulk, is to leave them on the bench until almost ripe then stash them in the fridge and bring them out for a day's ripening as you need them. v Stone fruits are a particular lot and if you refrigerate them before they are ripe they will turn mealy and lose flavour.

Fruits and Vegetables Storage v Potatoes store best in dirt - store them dirty somewhere very dark. Onions, whole pumpkins and sweet potatoes are also best stored somewhere dark with good air circulation. v All the hardy greens like silverbeet and kale like a bit of humidity to keep them fresh and love to be wrapped in a damp cloth in the crisper. v Delicate greens like lettuce and rocket, however, will turn to mush at the first sign of water, make sure these ones are stored wrapped in a dry cloth in the fridge. v Although root veg look pretty with their green leaves make sure you remove the tops, otherwise the leaves will continue to grow causing the root to soften and lose flavour

Herb Storage v Thyme and rosemary need to be kept dry - will go moldy when damp. v Basil and mint hate the cold and love being on the bench in a glass of water. v Parsley, oregano, chives and coriander are best wrapped in damp paper or a damp tea towel and put in the fridge. v Why not grow your own? Such a huge money saver!

Limp veggies v Many veg will come back to life if left in a bowl of very cold water for a while. Even the saddest silverbeet and salad mix saved and floppy carrots re-crisp overnight!

Food Waste in Australia v The Australian Government estimates food waste costs the Australian economy $20 billion each year. v Over 5 million tonnes of food ends up as landfill, enough to fill 9, 000 Olympic sized swimming pools. v One in five shopping bags end up in the bin = $3, 800 worth of groceries per household each year. v 35% of the average household bin is food waste.

Bulk food shops brisbane v Kiah Organics (Mt Gravatt) v Wray Organic (Mt Gravatt + others) v The Source Bulk Foods v Flannery’s v The Produce Wholefood Pantry (Ashgrove) v Fundies (Paddington) v Market Organics (Rocklea + others) v Northey St Markets v Naked Foods (Camp Hill) v Coles & Woolworths

Tips for Bulk Food Shopping v Save your jars and containers (especially larger ones) v Bulk food bags are great for ease v Don’t be afraid to ask for help! v Compare and know your prices – the calculator on your phone is amazing! v Get away from the ‘wealthiest’ suburbs v Look online too – especially if you have friends and family who would like to share! v Write what it is and what date you purchased it on the jars.

Meat , deli and seafood v Bring your own containers! v Just ask – lots of smaller places are ok with it! Explain that you are doing a Plastic Free July challenge (they can only say no – and that’s ok!) v Buy in bulk and freeze (1 bag vs 5 bags) v Try vegetarian protein sources – canned beans, lentils and chickpeas or try bulk versions (often just need to be soaked in water)

Cheese, milk & dairy v Find a local deli that’s cutting up a large wheel of cheese – some will have specific ‘days’ v Try making your own cheese and yoghurt v Brands like 4 Real Milk and Barambah have milk in glass bottles (often from IGAs and local fruit stores) v Meredith Dairy’s sell goats cheese in a jar v Look for wax or foil coatings v Try Nut. Mylk (or if you’re feeling really adventurous make your own!)

Tortilla or Wrap Recipe v 2 cups flour (can be wholemeal or corn maize) v 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) v 3/4 cup water v 3 tablespoons olive oil v Seeds or grains (optional) Make the dough in advance and leave in the fridge to make each day!

Eating out v Bring your own containers and cutlery v Eat in! If you’re in a rush, try calling beforehand to order v Food delivery services are some of the worst culprits – go and pick it up (with your own containers!) v Ask for no food on flights – bring your own snacks and sandwiches v If you love straws, bring a metal one v Or even better, drink out of your cup like a big boy or girl!

Cleaning v Baking soda v Washing soda v Castile soap v Vinegar v Citric acid v Bulk dishwashing liquid v Soap berries (must use hot water) v Washable cleaning cloths

Make your own toilet pods v v v 1 cup baking soda 1/4 cup citric acid 1 tablespoon dish soap Ice cube tray Dry for at least 4 hours

Washing Your Clothes v Cora Ball v Microfibre bags v Metal pegs (last soooo much longer!) A recent survey of water samples found that plastic fibers accounted for 91% of marine particles and 92% of freshwater particles. Almost every item we wash is releasing hundreds of thousands of tiny synthetic fibers into our waterways and the ocean beyond.

Side note on clothes v Buy natural fibres wherever possible and go for quality not quantity – fast fashion is a huge environmental issue! v Baptist World Aid do an ethical fashion report every year – it’s a great way to check in on brands v Cost per wear!

Bathroom v Look for bars – shampoo bars, conditioner bars, moisturiser bars, soap bars and face bars v Lush have great completely packaging free options, but Biome, online stores and even Priceline stock them (I even found a dog wash bar!)

Feminine Hygiene v Menstrual cups v Period panties v Cloth pads

Toilet Paper v Who Gives a Crap (choose from Bamboo or Recycled Paper). Also do tissues and paper towels. Purchase in bulk and share with friends and family! v There are options at Coles & Woolworths too v There is an option of a “Family Roll”, may work for you

Toothpaste recipe This one is for the budget conscious - about 60 c worth of products saves a $6 tube of whitening toothpaste! v 4 Tablespoons Coconut oil (which comes in a glass jar – yay! Or you can buy in bulk – double yay!) v 4 Tablespoons baking soda v 20 drops peppermint oil v Xylitol (optional)

Other Oral Care Options v Grab a tin v Grab toothy tablets (which contain fluoride) v Plastic free floss (silk) v Bamboo toothbrushes

Shaving v Try old style razors where you just replace the blade (rather than plastic disposable razors) v Shaving foam in blocks or tins with a brush are great! v Works for male and female razors

Deodorant v Try pastes in tins or jars v Sticks in Cardboard tubes v Make your own! (Including sprays)

Beauty v Brands like Aesop, Perfect Potion are available locally (they use glass and tin), Biome stock options and online Flora and Fauna have a tonne of options. v Make your own – cocoa powder makes a good bronzer, beetroot powder makes a good blush

Where do I recycle the plastic I still use?

What plastic can you recyle in your council bin? v Hard plastics 1 -7 that have been containers can be put into your BCC recycling bin (you cannot recycle toothbrushes or toys) v They do not need to be rinsed v You can get a larger recycling bin for just $30 (an extra 100 L) by contacting BCC

Red. Cycle v Soft plastics (anything you can scrunch) can be Red. Cycled at Coles & Woolworths (it’s a green bin near the checkouts)

Terra cycle v www. terracycle. com v Toys v Safety equipment v Plastic gloves v Toothbrushes v Mail satchels v Coffee pods v Contact lenses v Dish and air care packaging v They give points that can be used for donations v Download a free label to ship or find a drop off location

Containers for change v 10 c per bottle (glass, plastic & aluminium) v Recycling efforts are focused on drinks generally consumed away from home (eg. soft drinks, water bottles, small flavoured milk). v Drink containers generally consumed only at home (eg. cordial, plain milk, wine and spirit bottles, condiments and cleaning) are excluded

General zero waste tips

Composting v Smaller options like the Bukashi or Urban Composter are great for apartments and townhouses v Brisbane City Council has communal composting – find a location nearby v Freeze your veggie scraps for broths before composting v Freeze composting materials so you can take a large amount at a time

Clothes Swaps v Find a group of similar friends – whether it’s for yourselves or your kids v Bring all your old clothes (or with larger groups 10 pieces each) and go nuts!

Food Swaps v Make pickles, jams, chutneys, banana bread…. You name it! v Find a group of friends and everyone brings something v Works well with excess veggies grown (you can find co-ops on Facebook too!)

Online Ordering v Use the notes section – always ask for minimal packaging! v Many brands are now using sugarcane or compostable packaging materials (just ask!) v Click and collect is often a better option if you have the time!

Conscious Purchasing v Researching her film The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard discovered that of the materials flowing through the consumer economy, only 1% remain in use six months after sale. v Give experiences! v Give usable items (wine, food – things that you know they like and will consume!) v Repair items v Thrift shop v Facebook marketplace & Gumtree