The truth is that nearly all plastic ever produced still exists!
I often watch documentaries highlighting how humans are destroying the earth and wonder if I am doing enough for the success of future generations to come. I do feel honoured to be in a position to run a business that is proudly plastic free. It gives me purpose to know that not only are our Lusid hair care products good for you, but they are good for the planet too.
Can plastic be that bad if it's recyclable? All plastics numbered 1-7 are accepted for recycling in New Zealand, excluding polystyrene and meat trays. But unfortunately not all plastics are recyclable. PET 1 (polyethylene terephthalate) and 2 HDPE High Density Poly Ethylene are the technically recyclable plastics. However if contaminated with food waste it actually costs more to be recycled and PET 3-7 are not even worth recycling according to recycle.co.nz.
Do you feel like we have been brought up in a society brainwashed to believe plastic is fantastic when in reality it is causing irreversible damage? Plastic is now entering every level of the ocean food chain and is even ending up in the seafood that we eat on our plates. Plastic is killing animals and we will be next. Microplastics have now been discovered to be in Antartica and have the potential to accelerate the melting of snow and ice to adversely affect climate change. We supposedly have 8 years to save our planet and we are losing the war on plastic but does the world even care? You would think the solution would be simple but yet corrupt politics, corporate greed, convenience, cost or laziness to change are all influencing factors. Do we leave the issue to those who have the power, money and influence to make the world a better place? Yes New Zealand is phasing out single use plastic by 2025, but is that enough?
I am not going to claim to be an eco-warrior or environmentalist. There are many daily choices that I battle with where I know what the right thing to do is and yet go to the dark side; due to the influences and conveniences that surround me. Habits take serious commitments to change, so I thought I would start small and share my journey down the rabbit towards being a more eco-friendly human.
Ever since I found out about how plastic straws were killing sea turtles I felt a pang of guilt thinking about all the times I have used a plastic straw and thrown it away unaware of the impact that my past actions have had on the environment. So here are my five top tips to be plastic free this July, that are easily achievable without costing the earth. In fact reusing will save you money in the long run.
Five top tips for a plastic free July
Tip 1#
Invest in some reusable straws - I recommend metal ones as paper straws are not durable enough to last. You can get these from your local supermarket or department.
Tip 2#
Stop purchasing drinks from plastic bottles or cups. I am happy to support companies that provide beverages in glass or tetra packs but it is actually super easy to just drink water from a tap here.
Tip 3#
Invest in a good drink bottle and keep cup. keep cups are especially great if you are a coffee drinker. I would just like to give a shout to Frank Green who are a local company on a mission to stop the use of single-use plastic products.
Tip 4#
Try a plastic free toothpaste - There are many options out there and ones that are made in New Zealand too! Depending on your preference you could try a Solid fluoride toothpaste in a glass jar or some toothpaste tablets.
Tip 5#
Try a plastic free deodorant from Everkind. Everkind is genuinely natural, certified-organic body care, that’s people kind, planet kind, and of course body kind.
To partake in plastic free July you could go cold turkey on all plastic to level up to eco warrior status or you could just choose one thing; like plastic bottles and if even that feels like to much of an unachievable goal you could try with just giving up just plastic bottles in your bathroom.
Please join us on the war against plastic and support New Zealand small businesses by shopping local too. Please give these plastic free tips a try and tell us how you get on, or get in touch and share your plastic free tips with us too. We would love to hear from you. You can find us on social media @lusidhair or flick us and email hello@lusidhair.com.
Jen Lee, Lusid Hair Extraordinaire