"We may never reach the zero in zero waste, but that's no reason to take zero action".
We saw this quote on Instagram recently and it sums up perfectly how we feel. This is not going to be a lecture on the evils of plastic, we all know it is bad and we need to do something about it. However taking steps to eliminate plastic from our daily lives can often be difficult for a number of reasons: financial, time or just simply remembering to make that change. It would be hard for many of us to eliminate all the plastic in our homes overnight however every step helps, no matter how small. Whether you are already on a plastic-free journey or looking to take those first steps, we've rounded up a selection of our favourite products to help you. You will be surprised, some of these changes can help you save time and money at the same time and remember, all these items can be ordered online and delivered to your door!
1. Swap plastic garbage bags for bags made of cassava
Cleanbodia's bags are made with cassava, a root vegetable grown throughout Southeast Asia. The cassava reduces plastic usage and allows the bags to biodegrade in under five years, whether it is in water, soil, or even buried in garbage. They are as strong as plastic bags and come in three different sizes. Buy them here.
2. Swap cling film for beeswax wraps
This is one of those changes that requires an initial investment but then will save you loads of money. Beeswax is a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial agent, helping keep your food clean and protected, while the coconut oil and tree resin make the wraps sticky so they easily shape to your food or dish. They last for up to two years and when you're done with them, they can be composted. We have lots of pretty patterns available in either Individual Wraps or a Beginner Set of three wraps.
3. Swap single use hand soaps for a refillable option
We use the Coconut Oil Soap from Naga Earth at home, both in the kitchen and in all our bathrooms. It is antibacterial and gentle on the hands and the super efficient pump dispenser produces 500 pumps per bottle, meaning this lasts a lot longer than store-bought liquid hand soaps. The Starter Pack includes a pump bottle and 2-litre refill which last for ages.
4. Swap zip lock bags for a reusable food storage bag
Say farewell to the single use plastic baggies with these reusable silicone food storage bags. Made from food grade silicone, they are suitable for liquids or solids and can be used in the freezer, microwave and oven! We stock them in three different sizes and this is one of our bestselling products!
5. No more single use coffee cups and water bottles
This is such an easy switch to make. Our collapsible and reusable coffee cups and water bottles fold up small so just stick them in your bag for drinks on the go. We have a range of different colours for coffee cups in small and large sizes and lots of fun, bright water bottles.
6. Going grocery shopping, take a reusable bag
This is another very easy switch to make. Keep one of our tote bags in your moto, car or handbag and you will never need to ask for a plastic bag when you're shopping again. Bring some style into your shopping with our bags from Tribe and Babel.
7. Swap single use straws for reusable ones
Thankfully most restaurants and cafes don't use single use straws any more and we can help to banish them from your home too. We have bamboo straws and silicone straws available - both long-lasting and eco-friendly solutions.
8. Brush your teeth the plastic-free way
The average person uses 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime and each plastic toothbrush takes over 1000 years to decompose, with most ending up in our oceans or landfill. On top of this, over 1.5 billion double-packaged toothpaste tubes enter our landfills each year. An easy switch is to start using a bamboo toothbrush paired with toothpaste tablets for guilt-free brushing.
9. Swap styrofoam and plastic cutlery for reusable alternatives
Street food is ever popular in Cambodia but unfortunately that means a huge number of those hideous styrofoam boxes are still being used every day. Say no to the styrofoam next time you get a takeaway by brining your own collapsible lunch box or coconut bowl. Pair this with a travel cutlery set for a completely plastic-free meal.
10. Lids, lids lids
One of our bestselling products is the Set of 7 Stretch Lids. Banish the cling film in your kitchen with these reusable silicone stretch lids! No more getting tangled up, frustrated and best of all – no more ants! With a set of 7, they can accommodate almost any size or shape of container, and make an airtight seal. They can even be used directly on fruit or vegetables.
Remember, making even one small change to your daily routine is a fantastic start on your plastic-free journey. We are always on the lookout for new ideas to help you live a more sustainable life. If you know of any products made in Cambodia that we don't yet feature then please do get in touch!