Plastic Free July is back! Try These Zero Waste Swaps
It’s that time of year again… say it with me… Plastic! Free! July!
Whether you’re a long-time shopper at the Apothecary or new to our store, you may have heard of this staff-favourite summertime challenge. Plastic Free July is all about making that increasingly important personal commitment to reducing waste.
Did you know that according to statistical data gathered and updated by MadeInCA.ca, the average Canadian generates 2.33 kilograms of waste per day, more than individuals anywhere else in the world?!
There is always more we can do to reduce waste and decrease our contributions to landfills, and it can be a challenge to work around our waste-producing habits (as a yogurt cup fan myself, I get it). But have no fear! Thanks to the wonderful selection of non-wasteful products we bring in, making the swap from plastic to zero-waste alternatives is easier than ever!
Here are some items we sell right here in Calgary that you can use instead of waste-producing options:
STRAWS
Plastic and paper straws are rarely used twice and their disposal poses a threat to the natural environment, fish and other animals. The swap? A reusable straw! We sell a wide variety of stainless steel, silicone, and bamboo straws for you to choose from—and they all cost under $5!
PAPER TOWELS
If you’ve ever felt like you used up a chunk of forest to clean your bathroom, you aren’t alone. Paper towels are convenient, absorbent, multi-purpose staples, but they are also a single-use resource that we go through quickly. The swap? Non-paper towels! These wonderful towels by Cheeks Ahoy come in a variety of sizes and colours, including napkins, makeup remover wipes and multi-purpose cloths for a reusable, paper-free alternative.
CLING WRAP
When it comes to protecting foods in the fridge from rot and mold, single-use plastic packaging doesn’t have to be the default. The swaps? Silicone Food Huggers and waxed bowl covers! From cheese blocks to avocados to leftover salads, these covers and casings can be washed and reused again and again to keep food fresh.
TOOTHBRUSHES
Plastic toothbrushes are destined for the landfill and must be replaced as frequently as every 3 months, adding up to as much as 300 toothbrushes in a single person’s lifetime! Why not swap for a compostable-handled bamboo toothbrush? These toothbrushes work just as well as regular plastic ones, minus the addition to harmful plastic household garbage!
SOAP
What, you may ask, do most soaps have in common? That’s right: Packaging. Laundry tabs, dishwasher powder, bottled hair conditioner – countless cleaning products are sold in single-use plastic. But not at The Apothecary! We sell bulk refill options to meet nearly all your personal hygiene and household needs. Plus, if you bring some old containers, bottles or jars on the first Tuesday of the month or any Tuesday during July, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your refills!
This is only a brief glimpse into some of the ways you can start making the swap to low-waste living, so you can take out the trash… for good! Happy PFJ!!!