7 ways to prep for Plastic-Free July in a pandemic

Dear Reader, I've begun preparing for Plastic-Free July, a whole month of avoiding single-use plastics and replacing them with sustainable alternatives. I have done this before but things are going to be different his time around...because COVID-19. Many environmentalists are understandably concerned that the pandemic has reversed many, many years of hard-won battles against disposables. Single-use face masks, gloves, tiny bottles of hand sanitizer and a reversal to disposable cutlery are all part of the efforts to protect people against the infection. So, while shopping and eating out might not be the same any longer, it is possible to adapt our lifestyles to reduce our plastic footprint, keeping in mind that sustainable living involves a whole lot more than avoiding plastic bags. Here's how I am getting ready to kick the plastic habit during lockdown: 1. Buying more fresh fruit and veggies: When you buy processed food or order takeout, you have no control over the type and volume of packaging it brings into your home. Opting for fresh produce instead, allows you to cut out unnecessary packaging. Since more of us are staying home and cooking our own meals, this also ensures you are upping the nutritional quality of your meals. 2. Avoid things wrapped in cling film: That sweet corn sheathed in plastic wrap, cut fruits, veggies and sprouts on a styrofoam bed, blanketed by cling film, tiny bunches of coriander wrapped in plastic - one cannot deny the convenience of these pre-prepped foods, but all these are plastics you can avoid simply by making a small switch to the way you shop. 3. Avoid packaged beverages and condiments: Staying away from bottled beverages, packaged juice, energy drinks and carbonated drinks keeps tons of plastic - from the packages and the accompanying straws - out of your home. If you want to stay hydrated, opt instead for homemade juices or herbal teas which are simple to make and nourishing for your body. 4. Buy groceries in bulk: There is some plastic you just cannot avoid, such as dry groceries, household cleaners and personal care products. When you can, buy the largest packs of these products so you can minimise the overall quantity and frequency of bringing plastic into your home. With dry groceries, you can portion out the amount you will use and store the rest in airtight containers in your fridge or pantry. 5. Buy less stuff: Staying at home all day means you will sometimes cave, giving in to the temptation of buying stuff to fill in gaps of time that were once occupied by other things such as commuting to work, going to the gym etc. But all the stuff you buy comes packaged in plastic, some of which - such as thermocol and styrofoam - are impossible to recycle. Attempt to go on a one-month shopping detox this July. 6. Find a recycler for your dry waste: I was appalled to discover what happens to the dry waste that I carefully segregate, clean and hand over to the collector every week. It is dumped in open piles not far from my home and burned when it reaches a pile of unmanageable size. This prompted me to research organisations that collect household dry waste (some even pay you for the waste collected) and ensure it is responsibly managed. While this is not a way to reduce our plastic footprint, it is a good way of acting responsibly about the plastic we put out into the environment. 7. Reusable face masks: Unless you are in a high-risk profession or environment that requires a disposable mask, a cloth face mask keeps you well protected during grocery runs, at the workplace, or while exercising. Keep 2 or 3 homemade masks handy. Wash and sun-dry them regularly, with a disinfectant, if necessary, to prevent bacterial build-up. Several NGOs and home-based entrepreneurs are stitching and selling these masks, and this is a good way of supporting their efforts. Are you attempting to go plastic-free this July? How are you getting ready for it? I'd love to know. Write in and tell me. Best, Maya PS: 'The Better Home' just launched a range of cleaners that are effective, earth-friendly and gentle on the skin. Subscribe today and save up to 35% 👉 [Tour The Better Home]( [Facebook]( [Link]( [Website]( Copyright © 2019 The Better India, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted for it at our website. Our mailing address is: The Better India The Better India Office 402, 4th Floor, Prestige Feroze 74, Cunningham road Bangalore - 560052 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.