On yer bike plastic!
All I can say is, “why didn’t I do this sooner?” (cliche alert # 1).
How often do we hear people say that? But heck, “it’s better late than never, right?” (cliche alert # 2).
Embracing a plastic-free lifestyle is not without its challenges, but it’s probably one of the most rewarding and mindful habits I’ve adopted in recent years.
Like a lot of us, I was rather ignorant (through sheer lack of awareness) to the real perils of plastic - and to a certain degree, I still am - but I’m learning quickly, and it’s very much on my radar.
Who knew that plastic particles were hidden in things like sunscreen, paper coffee cups (not to mention paper plates, milk cartons and, takeaway food cartons) clothing, tea bags, tin packet foil, disposable wipes and even freakin’ chewing gum for God’s sake!
But most alarming for me, was learning about the sheer nastiness of glitter. Riddled with microplastics, it might as well be the devil incarnate as far as environmental health is concerned.
And because glitter is so small, it makes its way down drainpipes and into sewage filters, which lead to our oceans - and in our oceans, all matter of shell fish, fish and seabirds, ingest the suckers. The outcome is not good for anyone.
So please, I implore you not to use it, as “all that glitters is not gold” (cliche alert # 3), clearly.
If you really must have a little sparkle in your life, try investing in a biodegradable option, if at all.
So - what piqued my interest in this subject?
Ironically, in this case, online shopping and social media were used for the greater good and not evil (is that another cliche?).
Self-confessed eco-warrior and founder of Seed and Sprout Co, Sophie Kovic, caught my attention.
She’s a smart cookie that one.
Embodying that unmistakable Byron-Bay-boho-dreamy-eco-chic vibe, she knows how to attract people like me. The ones who love an engaging story and who admire beautiful things, with heart.
I know it sounds a little superficial, but it helped open my eyes to adopting a plastic-free world even further, and her site and feed, spur me on to make a difference.
And if that means swapping-out all my plastic and adopting a heightened outlook on nurturing Mother Earth, then I’m all for it.
Onya Soph!
She’s not alone. I love Biome Eco Stores and Made by Fressko too.
They’re all doing their bit (as are countless others like Flora and Fauna and Coconut Bowls) and I’ll share my faves from their stores further below.
Guided by Sophie’s keen eye in the creative process, Seed and Sprout Co custom designs most of its products. You can feel her influence across the entire range and I really dig that.
If you are overwhelmed with where to start, I’d suggest taking a virtual stroll through Seed and Sprout Co. If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel virtuous just by browsing. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of consciously-curated goodness.
Here are my well-used hacks to date:
My organic farmer’s market bundle. The generous canvas bags were used on a recent trip to Byron Bay for all number of activities - beach, shopping and day-trips. GOLD!
Bamboo travel utensil set. You’d be amazed at how often you whip these bad-boys out.
Food grade reusable silicone wraps. Seriously, the best invention ever. Baking, wrapping fruit and sealing left-overs, the sheer thought of cling-wrap makes me cringe.
Can’t get enough of my snacker and leak-proof pots, especially when salad dressings are concerned.
Before I discovered Seed and Sprout Co, I invested in a pile of Glass Lock glass containers. Mine are from KitchenWarehouse, but Sophie’s range is adorable, and I’ll be adding more. Not only is glass safer for storing food, but it stays fresher, for much longer.
Now for my wish-list essentials (when finances are flush):
I’m swapping-out cotton face pads for bamboo cotton makeup remover pads. I currently use two cotton pads a day, so I won’t miss buying these.
Food-grade silicone pouches. Oh the amount of times I’ve needed these in my arsenal. Frozen bananas, left over soup, snacks on the go, salad greens…. shall I go on?
Biodegradable dental floss - because I have to floss (courtesy of two shonky crowns). And how adorable is the little glass vile? Did you know many main-stream dental floss brands are made from plastic, then sugar-coated in PFCs - the lovely chemicals found in Teflon? Yikes oh mighty!
Other cherished investment items:
My rose gold and chrome reusable razor from Biome Eco Stores. After I overcame my fear of slicing myself, I never looked bag. And oh boy, does she look pretty in my shower.
If you have read my previous blog, you’ll be familiar with my obsession for my Made by Fressko Camino reusable coffee cup and sexy flask which keep liquids steaming hot or icy cold.
Okay - so I’m excited. And I’m so proud of our eco-influencers who are changing the way we live our daily lives.
If you are feeling as empowered as I am, and you want to make a small difference in a big problem, feel free to start browsing or shopping with intention - right over here, at my top pick - Seed and Sprout Co. baby!
Image courtesy of Seed and Sprout Co.