Bees wax wraps
Bees wax wraps are a great substitute for plastic cling wrap and can be used to wrap and cover food. Reusable containers and jars are also great substitutes for cling wrap.
It's best to avoid cling wrap as it's a single-use plastic that breaks down into microplastics which harms the environment for many years to come.
Reusable coffee cups
Australians throw out approximately 2.7 million disposable coffee cups every day. Contrary to popular belief, the coffee cups cannot be recycled or composted because of the plastic liner used on the inside of the cup. They instead end up in landfill.
Switching to a reusable coffee cup is an easy way to reduce the amount of waste generated. There are plenty of alternatives available, or you could use a cup or mug from home. To help you remember to use it, be sure to keep a cup handy in different locations that you are likely to need it, like at work, in your car and at home.
Reusable plates and cutlery
While it's tempting to reduce the after-party clean-up, plastic plates and cutlery and are difficult for recycling machines to sort, meaning they often won't be recycled.
Choosing to use your own plates and cutlery when having a party or going on a picnic will greatly help reduce waste going to landfill. You can also keep a reusable cutlery kit handy to avoid the need to use plastic cutlery when out and about.
Single-use plastic cutlery, straws, plates, drink-stirrers, polystyrene food and drink containers are now banned from sale or supply in Victoria For more information visit the Victorian Government's single-use plastics ban webpage.
Reusable drink bottles
Australian buy almost 15 billion plastic bottles every year. Plastic bottles are a common litter item found on streets and washing up in our oceans, putting stress on aquatic life and ultimately ending up in landfill.
Reusable drink bottles come in a variety of sizes and are readily available. With clean tap water easily accessible, even while out and about at refilling stations and drinking fountains, there's no need to buy bottled water.
Reusable straws
Consider whether you really need a straw with your drink. If you do prefer to use a straw, reusable straws are available in a range of materials, including bamboo, stainless steel, silicone and glass. You can easily carry one with you for use whenever you need it.
Reusable containers
Reusable containers for food are an easy way to avoid the use of take-away containers or cling wrap to cover food on a plate or bowl.
Some businesses offer you the opportunity to take your own containers.
Produce bags and bread bags
Many fruit and veg items don't need to be placed in a plastic bag, however if you do find you need bags, consider taking your own reusable produce bags for your shopping. The same goes for bread. A cloth bread bag is a great alternative to a plastic bag.
Reusable sanitary products
On average, women spend about $300 a year on disposal sanitary products. Taking years to break down in landfill, disposable sanitary items come at a cost for you and the environment. There are now many reusable sanitary items available, including period undies, reusable pads and menstrual cups, providing women many eco-friendly alternatives.