Healthy Life became the first major Australian health retailer to ‘ban the bag’, removing single-use plastic bags from its 45 nationwide stores last year. But with bags only part of the plastic problem, the retailer has reminded Australians about other simple ways to reduce their impact on the environment and, in most cases, on their hip pocket, too!
Sink your teeth in
We all use them, usually twice a day, and replace them every few weeks, so imagine how many plastic toothbrushes are clogging up landfill sites? Bamboo toothbrush handles are biodegradable and recyclable; you can even toss them in your compost once you’ve shaved off the bristles. Go Bamboo toothbrushes are BPA-free, 100% biodegradable and come in a recycled cardboard box; $6.95 at Healthy Life.
The last straw
There is a growing movement to ban plastic straws and with an estimated 10 million used in Australia every single day, it’s little wonder they’re among the top 10 items found in the ocean. Primal Nature’s stainless-steel straws come with a cleaning brush and last forever so you won’t have to buy more and you can sleep easy knowing they won’t end up as a bird’s breakfast; 4pk $16.95 at Healthy Life.
Stop being so clingy
Our great-grandparents managed without cling wrap so why can’t we? Save the earth from another piece of plastic by investing in a healthy, eco-friendly, sustainable replacement for plastic wrap. Queen B Beeswax Wraps are thin and flexible, easy to seal and clean, and will keep everything from veggies to cheese fresh without the need for plastic; 3pk $24.94.
Safe sunscreen
Despite concerns about the impact of oxybenzone and octinoxate on coral reefs, many popular sunscreens contain the toxic ingredients. Hawaii has gone so far as to ban sunscreens with these chemicals to prevent further damage to its reefs. Natural sunscreens protect from the sun while also nourishing your skin and preventing damage to precious water environments; try Natural Instinct Invisible Sunscreen 200g $25.95.
Ditch the coffee cups
One of the easiest ways for Australians to stop single-use waste is to curb our use of disposable coffee cups. Most cafes will happily fill up a reusable cup; in fact, many encourage it. Made from healthy and highly durable materials, Joco’s reusable cups are designed to last a lifetime; $29.95 at Healthy Life.
Bottle up the issue
Use reusable drink bottles and spare landfill the 100,000 tonnes of plastic drink bottles Aussies consume each year. Bottles used to package water take over 1,000 years to biodegrade and the process of pumping, packaging and transporting water is also reportedly creating more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouses gases annually. S2U have BPA-free 1.89L bottles, $9.95 at Healthy Life.
Healthy Life is open 7 days, level G shop EG05 Canberra Centre.
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