Concern about the environment and climate is driving manyconsumers to re-evaluate their choices when it comes to purchasing goods. ‘Fast fashion’ has cultivated a throwaway culture, but the tide appears to be turning towards sustainability.
In the home, consumers are opting for eco-friendly products and stepping away from single-use plastics for more sustainable solutions.
Unsure of where to start? The Canberra Environment Centre (canberraenvironment.org) runs a number of workshops throughout the year to empower people to create a sustainable future. Upcoming topics include: Introduction to cloth nappies (2 June), and Making beeswax wraps (6 and 13 June). Alternatively, we’ve found some simple swaps you can make to reduce your use.
Bag it up
Ecosilk shopping bags
$39.95 for 4
Stockists: ecosilkbags.com.au
The ACT banned single-use plastic bags on 1 November 2011 in a bid to “reduce unnecessary consumption, reduce waste sent to landfill, and reduce litter and other environmental impacts of plastic bags”. Single-use plastic bags are banned in all States and Territories except NSW, with Victoria’s ban due to start by the end of the year.One Ecosilk bag is estimated to eliminate up to 1,000 plastic bags during its five year life span.
Caffeine fix
KeepCup Brew – Cork Edition
From $30
Stockists: au.keepcup.com
Pod Star reusable stainless steel coffee capsule double 2pk
$69.95
The ABC’s War on Waste program highlighted that of the more than 1 billion disposable coffee cups used by Australians each year, approximately 92% go to landfill. The rise of the coffee pod machine is also adding to waste. For the conscientious consumer there are biodegradable and compostable pods on the market. Alternatively, Nespresso has several methods for customers to recycle used aluminium coffee capsules including dropping off at a participating collection point or posting back.
That’s a wrap
Wrappa vegan reusable food wraps
$37 set of 3
365+ silicone lid
$3
Finding it difficult to ditch the cling wrap? In addition to beeswax wraps, other alternatives to help keep your food fresh include reusable silicon wraps or food covers, cotton food covers, or glass containers and lids.
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