Author: Bronte Vincent
Published: June 14, 2017
I think we can all agree that our environment here in Esperance is beautiful, but devastatingly vulnerable at the same time. ABC’s War on Waste has given us the facts so now it’s our duty to make the change. These products are local and can help us keep living in these beautiful surrounds. Plus they will actually save you money in the long run.
When you’re doing a bigger food shop in town, it can be hard to avoid buying 500 grams of loose apples without the use of a plastic bag. Reusable produce bags replace the single use plastic bags when buying your fruit and veggies. BJ’s Fruit & Veg and Naturally Esperance both stock different styles that you must add to your pantry. Say NO to the plastic bag… always.
Every plastic toothbrush impacts the environment. Over 30 million toothbrushes are used and disposed of by Australians each year, amounting to approximately one million kilograms of landfill each year. Replace your plastic toothbrush with one that is 100% biodegradable. Biodegradable means it won’t last forever. Once you’re done with it, you can chuck it straight into the compost. The Barefoot Tribe and Naturally Esperance both stock these.
It’s quite amazing to think that a plastic straw will get around 20 minutes of use before being thrown away. If you can’t quite say no to using a straw, purchase a reusable stainless steel straw instead. Naturally Esperance sells them in packs of four and includes a cleaning brush.
A lot of the regular sunscreens you buy contain the chemical Oxybenzone, which can rub off into the ocean and harm our marine-life and reefs. We Are Feel Good Inc is a 100% Australian owned company that sell sunscreens. They are not only good for our skin but for our environment too. You can pick up a bottle in town from Woven.
These not only look great but come in handy for the smaller shopping trip to town or the markets, eliminating the use of the dreaded plastic bag. There is a range in town with prices being quite affordable. My personal favourite is the Baba Tree baskets currently selling at BJ’s Fruit & Veg. These colourful baskets come in different shapes and sizes and are handmade in Ghana, making each basket completely unique. Side note: they do lay-by as well!
Single-use coffee cups can result in a large amount of unnecessary waste. By using a reusable, environmentally friendly coffee cup, you can help reduce this waste. Just don’t leave it at home! Make it a rule that no coffee cup, no coffee. Many coffee shops in town reward customers with discounts for bringing their own cup.
Not only are these kind on the environment but will also save you money. Little Mashies curved shaped pouches with zip-lock bottoms are easy to clean and to fill and are perfect for holding yoghurt, pureed food, smoothies and chia puddings, and are available from The Barefoot Tribe in packs of two. Naturally Esperance also sells 100% organic cotton sandwich bags which are the perfect size for your child’s lunchbox.
We’re cutting down trees, wiping our bums and flushing them down the toilet, consuming loads of energy and water along the way. Who Gives A Crap, a tissue and toilet paper brand stocked by Bj’s Fruit & Veg, uses only forest friendly materials saving thousands of trees and thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Say goodbye to expensive rolls of glad-wrap. You can now buy plastic-free wraps which are made from natural fibres infused with a special blend of beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil. They are perfect for wrapping snacks, fruit, veggies, cheese, bread, the list goes on. Being both washable and reusable, you will save money if you invest it a couple of packs. You can pick these up from both Naturally Esperance and BJ’s Fruit & Veg.
Import Ants creates beautiful natural alternatives that replace plastics in the home. From body brushes to brooms and dishwashing brushes, each product is environmentally-friendly, biodegradable and even handmade. Check out Naturally Esperance to see what’s in stock.
