Not Lovin Plastic: Here Are Some Tips To Reuse Items And Refuse Unsustainable Products In Malta
Plastic-free July is quickly coming to an end, but really, we should always be operating from the changed mindset that this month brings with it.
From shifting your choices to more sustainable ones, to reusing things that you would have normally opted to throw out, it’s a lifestyle change that we should all be making.
Lovin Malta has teamed up with ReRoot founder Jean Paul Farrugia, to get some tips on some items that can be reused, and those that should be refused!
REUSE
Here’s the average number of single-use items each reusable product would make up based on its average lifetime. These products can all be found locally at ReRoot’s online shop.
1. One stainless-steel razor is equivalent to 500 single-use razors
Traditional safety razors are known to be an effective swap for plastic-free shaving. Metal safety razors were widely used before the mass production of single-use razors. You’ll just need to replace the razor once a new one is needed!
2. One stainless steel straw is equivalent to 650 single-use straws
With Europe slowly fazing out plastic-straw use and shifting to paper-based, why not take it a step further and invest in a stainless steel straw that will last you a long time?
3. One reusable material veggie bag is equivalent to 365 single-use plastic bags
The produce bags are a super useful and simple way to help reduce your single-use plastic. Just pop one or two in your everyday bag when shopping and you’re ready to go.
4. One reusable swab is equivalent to 1,000 single cotton swabs
The brand LastSwab is a reusable, sustainable and sanitary alternative to cotton swabs, buds and Q-tips. It’s also easy to clean – just use soap and water!
5. One reusable bottle is equivalent to 3,000 single-use bottles
Having your own reusable bottle has pretty much become trendy at this point – and it’s uncool if you don’t have one. Owning one will reduce thousands of plastic bottles too!
6. One reusable makeup wipe is equivalent to 1,080 single-use wipes
Standard make-up removing wipes are extremely unsustainable – the material used in their formation cannot even be recycled! So why not invest in some re-washable patches to reduce the trash accumulation?
REFUSE
As for refusing, there is a number of ways to do this. By investing in your own stainless steel straw, or carrying your reusable bottle, you are already refusing the paper straws and plastic bottles that would have been generated.
Furthermore, coffee-lovers can always try carrying a reusable coffee cup with them, so when you’re getting coffee, you refuse to use a takeaway cup that will be thrown away after one use.
Another example is simply taking your reusable Tupperware to the supermarket when you’re buying items from the cheese counter.
Taking reusable veggie bags at the greengrocer is also another great way to reduce plastic bag use.
Stay tuned to hear more from ReRoot’s founder!
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