Alternatives to plastic

Here are some tips from to assist you in switching from using plastic:

1. Use glass or ceramic food storage containers instead of plastic.
2. If you have plastic cutting boards, replace them with bamboo or wood choices.
3. Instead of plastic bottles, try glass or stainless steel bottles instead.
4. When packing lunches for the kids, plastic storage tend to be unavoidable. However you could use a stainless steel insulated storage container for the heated foods. For drinks, if you’re up for investing in this new reduced-plastic approach use a water bottle made out of aluminum instead.
5. Stop getting new cups when purchasing coffee/hot drinks, bring your own thermos
6. If plastic is unavoidable, try and choose the less harmful ones:

When possible choose plastics

• #1 PETE, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP

and Avoid

• #3 PVC, #6 PS and #7 polycarbonate.

 You can also find out more about alternatives from:
 http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/plastics.html

Alternative to Plastic Bags:

• Bring your own bags when you shop - This will hopefully reduce the need for retailers to provide plastic checkout-style bags. This could the result in plastic bags no longer filling landfills, littering the environment, interfering with recycling or killing our fauna.
• Use sturdy reusable bags such as ‘Green Bags’. These last for in excess of two years, are easily washed and can be reused time and time again. Other reusable alternatives include baskets, calico or canvas satchels and backpacks.