Anyone can reduce their waste by avoiding single-use and disposable items and choosing reusables instead. By making some simple switches when you’re out and about you can make a world of difference.
Get your reusable kit together and leave it in the car or in a special spot by the front door, and you’ll be saying no to single-use items in no time. And once you’re set up, you’ll be set for years to come – good quality reusables will last a long time.
Here are some suggestions of what to put in your low-waste kit. If you’re new to reusables, start small with one or two items and work your way up.
- Reusable water bottle – we recommend stainless steel as the metal can be recycled at the end of its (long) life
- Reusable coffee cup
- Stainless steel or silicone straw
- Cutlery set
- Fabric napkin
- Fabric tote bags for groceries
- Mesh or fabric bags for fruit and veg
- Fabric bread bag
- Reusable containers for deli items – stainless steel is good here too
Forgotten your reusables? It happens to the best of us! There are still other things you can do to minimise your waste on the go:
- Take a moment to sit down and enjoy your coffee in a café instead of grabbing a disposable cup to go
- Say no to a straw
- Larger pieces of fruit and veg can often be transported bag-free
Most cafes and food trucks now offer food and drink packaging made from paper, bamboo or similar materials, as many single-use plastic items are now banned in WA (or will be soon). While these are a step up from the plastic containers and lined coffee cups of old, reusable items are still the best option – because you’ll avoid creating waste in the first place.
You’ll make a world of difference by avoiding disposable items and remembering to bring your reusable kit with you on the go.