#makethezwswitch

My stainless steel army

Homemade

Since I've tried to reduce my waste, I discovered that going plastic and package-free means ditching some of my staple food products.

Yet, what I also discovered is that it makes me appreciate what I eat even more and have fun while doing things from scratch.

Plastic trash challenge

I've just completed my first 8 days of Platic Free Life challenge. So here's the result:

Name: Inês

Total number of items: 15

List of recyclable items: tetrapak packages; yogurt packages; can of tomatoes; noodles package; batteries package; contact package; bread paper; toilet paper package; vegan protein package; detergent bottle; Justin's peanut butter cup packages.

List of non-recyclable items: as far as I know, 0.

Feelings: I feel overwhelmed by the amount of plastic I have in my home. Most of these items were not new purchases, which really made me think. Even re-usable batteries come in plastic - how ironic is that?

What items can I easily replace with plastic free or less plastic alternatives?

I can definitely not buy noodles with packaging - I can either make my own pasta or buy the ones available in bulk (without packaging).

I will definitely no longer buy bread with packaging - although this is something I was only doing once in a while, it's not an option now.

Buying tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes in a can - it's so easy to make them from scratch. I've already done it twice since last week :)

Detergent - I will use this very own bottle to buy it in bulk. Unverpackt (a package-free store in Berlin) is finally selling detergent and other liquid cleaning products.

Soy milk and yogurt - these two are the most difficult ones. However, I did found out that the production of Provamel products is CO2 neutral so I'll be buying those instead. (Learn more about it here). At least until I can make them on my own.

What items would I be willing to give up if a plastic free alternative doesn’t exist?

Justin's peanut butter cups. They are amazing but still not worth it.

Vegan protein. At least this brand. I did get in touch with them to ask why they have to store the powder in plastic, and it's true that they've been struggling with packaging. In the end, it's a give up item.

What items are essential and seem to have no plastic-free alternative?

Toilet paper is unfortunately essential for me. However, the one that I buy is organic and made from 100% recycled paper, including the packaging.

Contact lenses. I could try to use my glasses more and reduce the overall consumption but they are still essential.

Pain-killers. Tooth pain is unfortunately impossible to ignore.

LWhat lifestyle change(s) might be necessary to reduce my plastic consumption? Honestly it's just a matter of being aware of your choices. Being mindful about what you buy and how can you make a difference. Additionally, making your own food from scratch really helps.

What one plastic item am I willing to give up or replace this week? Already did - all the give up items mentioned above.