Make This Your Last Straw

What’s your last straw?

Our “Make this your Last Straw” initiative encourages you to make those small changes that eventually lead to significant changes. So, what’s your last straw?

Need some easy zero-waste swaps? Here are a few to start with…

• Swap plastic straws for stainless steel straws and remember to request no straw upon ordering your drinks whilst you are out.

• Swap cling wrap for, sealable containers, stainless-steel lunchboxes or beeswax wraps.

• Reuse the existing bottles and jars you already have and refill your staple condiments such as oils, honey, vinegar at your local The Source Bulk Foods instead of throwing them out and buying new ones.

• Endorse the “no cup, no coffee” rule: if you don’t have a reusable cup with you, you can’t buy a hot drink.

• Throw a reusable cutlery set in your handbag, so you don’t get caught out in food courts. We can’t live without our handmade Wooden spoon.

• Carry a stainless-steel water bottle with you or a recycled glass jar. Perfect for your smoothie or juice!

• Do a mini-audit of your pantry and cleaning cupboard, and make a note of what can be run down and eventually be replaced with unpackaged items — for instance, loose leaf tea rather than tea bags.

• Instead of buying cheap and wasteful party decorations, make your own. It’s a wonderful activity to do with the kids! Instead of balloons and streamers, cut triangles from brightly-coloured scrap fabrics and create reusable bunting and banners.

• Before buying brand new furniture or household items, consider buying second-hand items or creatively upcycling it to a unique treasure. Check out local op shops, garage sales or online. Be sure to ask friends and family to any leftover and unwanted hardware supplies (You’d be surprised how many have a spare can of paint lying around!).  Not only can you luckily score items that are in almost new condition for a quarter of the price, but you can also potentially help reduce landfill.

• Get the kids involved. Bring them along on the journey and show them how small changes can be part of the solution to avoid plastic pollution.

• Keep it simple and remind yourself to focus on 2-3 goals at a time.