It's World Environment Day today, so we thought we'd revisit our round-up of eco alternatives to single-use plastic. We've been reasonably successful in avoiding it for some time – taking our own cups, water bottles and carrier bags out with us and switching to shampoo bars. Here are a few (colourful and stylish) ways for families to cut their plastic waste.
As always, let us know if we have missed something and do share your ideas with us – you'll find us on Facebook and Instagram as @bambinogoodies.
Ecoffee bamboo cup, £7.99, Oxfam.
I've tried lots of reusable cups over the years and they all too often either leak or taint the taste of the coffee. These are the best I've found and, as a bonus, are biodegradable!
Turtle Bags string shopping bag, £5, Arket.
The cotton string 'sac' is a classic way to avoid plastic bags, but now you don't need to stick to boring old cream – choose from red, green, blush, lime, pink, black or blue.
Bamboo toothbrush, £3.50, Brush Hub.
Trade in your plastic toothbrush for a BPA-free, naturally antibacterial bamboo one – this one also recyclable bristles and packaging.
A Slice of Green stainless steel container, £13.75, & Keep.
Take a stainless steel container to your local shops or supermarket and visit the cheese, meat and fish counters to avoid unnecessary packaging on off-the-shelf goods.
Light My Fire spork, £5.99 for four, Mind Your Fingers.
Eschew disposable plastic cutlery in favour of popping a three-in-one spork in your bag if you might be eating on the go. Also brilliant for camping and picnicking.
Shampoo Bar, £9.50, Shine.
The beauty industry is one of the worst culprits when it comes to plastic waste. Give bottles a miss and opt for soap and shampoo bars – this one is particularly lush.
Insulated bottle, from £20, Chilly's.
Most people I know seem to carry refillable water bottles around now. I'm a big fan of Chilly's – they really do keep drinks cold for 12 hours and the designs are fab.
Re-Sack produce bags, £8.45 for a set of three, Boobalou.
Fruit and veg packaging drives me mad – especially on bananas and avocados which have their own packaging! These net bags are a sustainable alternative to paper bags.
Klean Kanteen steel straws, £10.96 for set, Babipur.
Pubs and cafes across the UK have pledged not to use plastic straws, but kids do love a straw – solve the problem with this colourful stainless steel and silcone set.
Bee's Wrap beeswax sandwich wrap, £15, John Lewis.
Beeswax wrap is such a great alternative to the dreaded cling film. And it looks so pretty too – makes me think of Enid Blyton-esque picnics. Just add string.
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