Travelling during my last holidays made me realised how much plastic waste us kiwis make. So, upon my return I decided to change some of my habits towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Of course, it does not mean that I have eliminated ALL the plastic from my life as that sounds a bit terrifying. However, by taking little steps I think we can achieve a bigger goal.

In order to help combat this, I have come up with a few very simple but achievable actions on how to reduce the plastic use. 

1. Use Reusable Food Wraps

Get rid of zip lock bags and cling wrap and get on board with reusable food wraps! Honestly, it is the BEST alternative to plastic cling wrap! You will never regret investing into good quality beeswax wraps that will last you a very long time.

Honeywrap Beeswax Food Wraps are reusable, sustainable and offer a natural alternative to plastic food wraps. Check out our bestseller Three Pack of Honeywrap.

2. Buy a Good Quality Reusable Drink Bottle

Instead of keep buying a single-use plastic water bottle that ends up in our landfills and oceans, a reusable water bottle is a superior option. Personally, I prefer a triple-walled insulated stainless-steel bottle as it keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot water hot for 12 hours! Check out Everyday Honeywrap Bottle. You can’t go wrong with that 

3. Treat Yourself to Stylish Reusable Cutlery

Everyday tons of pieces of plastic cutlery are used once and then discarded, often ending up in our environment. Plastic cutlery has been listed as one of the most deadly plastics to marine life - this is forked! I try to remember to keep my Honeywrap Reusable Cutlery in my handbag as it is not only stylish and practical but also essential for a plastic free life. 

4. Carry Reusable Stainless Steel Straws 

Paper or plastic straws may seem small and harmless, but they accumulate very fast and end up entering our landfills and oceans. I have found that Honeywrap Stainless Steel Straws are not only durable meaning these straws will be the last I will ever need, but they also provide me with a deluxe drinking experience.

5. Try Reusable Organic Produce Bags

Have you already ditched your plastic carry bags? I definitely did! Then now it’s time to take the next step with these reusable produce bags, perfect for your fruit and veg. Honeywrap Organic Produce Bags are awesome as they are durable, washable, foldable, ideal for all kinds of produce as well as being great for the planet!  

Also, I have found that buying in bulk rather than single serve individually packaged snacks, nuts and grains is cheaper! Just split them into little containers, Honeywrap or bulk bin bags. This will be cheaper and massively reduce plastic waste.

6. Choose Stainless Steel Pegs

 If you keep throwing your plastic pegs because they keep breaking, then you need to invest into Stainless Steel Pegs. Made from Marine Grade Stainless Steel – Honeywrap Stainless Steel Pegs will not only hold a heavy towel in the wind but will last you a lifetime of washing! I’m so in love with mine and will never go back to using plastic pegs.

7. Drink from Keepcups

Keepcups been out now for a while and they are awesome! They look cool, more practical when you are on the go and save the environment! Also, some cafes will even give you a discount for using your own cup.

8. Use Your Power

And remember, plastic free living doesn’t have to be scary and overwhelming. It also doesn’t mean that you have to give up the things you love by ditching plastic. Small changes collectively will make a big difference. Choose products with less or no plastic and support your local NZ stores. 

So, start small, take your time, have your essential reusables handy with you, and start building on your awesome sustainable habits.

- Olya Meehan, Honeywrap Sustainability and Communications Manager