Simply Plastic-Free Swaps in a Pandemic

1. REUSABLE FACE MASKS

It's clear that single-use face masks are creating an enormous amount of waste. Outside of essential clinical settings, there are plenty of environmentally friendly, plastic-free, reusable alternatives that people can choose to use.  

Unfortunately wildlife is getting tangled in mask straps, the masks are being ingested. The standard single-use masks aren't biodegrade and although they will break up, introducing more micro-plastics into the sea and the food chain isn't great.

In instances where disposable masks are essential, the RSPCA is encouraging people to "snip the straps" after use to prevent animals getting caught in them.

Have fun with your reusable face mask choice as a quick social media search on local group pages or Etsy will yield a wide variety of reusable fabric masks in a selection of great colours and patterns.  

2. SUSTAINABLE CLEANING

Our partnership with local Northern Beaches biz Aroma Bottles makes the swap from products in single-use plastic containers to a more sustainable solution easy. View our range of empty amber glass product dispensers ready to fill for yourself or amber glass dispensers filled with SimplyClean self care and home cleaning product. 

3. OUTDOOR MARKET SHOP WITH BYO BAGS

Shopping at markets is still allowed and this open air option is not only safer than shopping indoors, it also supports local vendors. Be sure to adhere to restrictions in place in your area such as social-distancing, check-ins, face mask wearing etc...

Our Freshwater Organic Produce Market continues to operate from 8-1pm and we'd love to see you there. 

BYO your own bags and pickup some great produce and tote bags right here!

4. SHOP PLASTIC-FREE PRODUCE ONLINE WITH US!

In most cases plastic packaging on fresh produce is completely unnecessary. It's important for us to work with organic suppliers that also try to reduce their usage of plastic packaging to help our community reduce their waste with ease. We have been proudly supplying plastic-free produce for more than 8 years now.

5. BYO COFFEE CUPS - YES THEY ARE SAFE & LEGAL

The good news is that although we are in the midst of a global pandemic, reusable coffee cups (or any container) have been confirmed to NOT increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission. These findings are detailed in a statement that has been signed by almost 130 scientists and health experts from 19 countries around the world.

We know it’s different with every cafe, but it’s okay and completely legal to respectfully ask 'your local' about using your reusable coffee cup. Sarah Wilson and Responsible Cafes share many ideas around contactless pours to support cafes to implement safe practices.

If all else fails, the “Go Topless” campaign encourages us to ask for our coffee without the lid. Reducing landfill and plastic in our oceans, one coffee at a time.

Take a look at this link for all of Sarah Wilson’s wonderful research and resources on the topic, including a link to the full statement from the world’s scientists and health professionals.

"We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly."

– Anne Marie Bonneau aka The Zero Waste Chef