Easy plastic swaps for parents
As parents, switching to plastic-free products can seem difficult. Alongside the sheer convenience and accessibility of plastic, many of us are also having to cope with the rising cost of living crisis, making many plastic-free alternatives unaffordable. Our easy swaps are kinder to your pockets, as well as to the planet!
Plastic-free alternatives for your home
It’s undeniable that plastic is polluting our planet, and many of us are trying to do our bit to cut down on it. As part of Plastic Free July, we want to bring you some easy, eco-friendly ways you can swap out everyday items for greener alternatives.
Plastic-free clingfilm
Clingfilm is arguably one of the most common single-use plastics going, and can be found in almost every kitchen across the country. For parents, in particular, this handy product keeps those leftovers and lunchboxes fresh and dry. Removing it from your kitchen is impossible, but replacing it couldn’t be easier.
Beeswax wraps are becoming more and more popular around the world. Effective, affordable and plastic-free, these reusable wraps can keep contents dry and protected time and time again. Prices range anywhere from £2 - £15, and there are some adorable patterns out there to choose from. This is a fantastic green, food-safe solution for clingfilm!
Bamboo toothbrushes
Another popular alternative for an everyday product is a bamboo toothbrush! This quick and easy switch offers the durability of plastic but with a more sustainable material. In fact, bamboo is rapidly taking over as one of the world’s favourite alternative materials, thanks to its high quality and versatility. There are plenty of bamboo toothbrushes on the market, with options for both children and adults so the whole family can enjoy a greener bathroom!
Reusable straws
You’ve probably noticed by now that drinks ordered at the bar, pub, cafe or coffee shop all come with the same flimsy paper straws. While this is a great initiative to cut down on single-use plastic waste, it also means you have to finish your drink before your straw turns to mush. The solution? Metal straws.
These sturdy alternatives will hold their own in a drink, and are actually far more durable than their plastic predecessors. They’re inexpensive additions to your cutlery drawers, and often come with a specially-designed tool to keep them clean, ready for use over and over again.
Alternatives to plastic toys
The toy industry is one of the worst culprits for plastic production, but it’s easy to see why. When face-to-face with a toddler, a toy needs to be hard-wearing, non-toxic, easy to clean, hard to break and with no dangerous sharp edges.
Over recent years wooden toys have grown increasingly more popular. Harkening back to a time before the flood of plastic products, this simple material makes for adorable, durable toys. In addition to wooden toys, you can find plenty of soft teddies, felt books, craft activities and more that can keep your child entertained without the need for plastic. Plus, on the whole, they’re safer for your children!
Where you can’t reduce, recycle!
As well as going plastic-free, you can also actively invest in products made from recycled materials. These products give old, discarded plastic a new lease of life, saving it from landfill, oceans and parks. It can be a great way to counter the constant flow of new, single-use products being produced every day.
As part of our dedication to sustainability, our new Stargazer travel system is made using recycled PET bottles. Over 150 plastic bottles are transformed from harmful waste into quality, stylish fabrics for each Stargazer. It’s also an incredibly affordable way to turn single-use materials into a product that will serve your family for years. The whole 11-piece bundle is just £799, which means you get £251 worth of accessories included for free! That’s green living for great value.
To find out more about the Stargazer, visit our shop. Or, to read more parenting advice, check out our blog page.
