From a metal dustpan and solid shampoo to refillable deodorant and organic veg boxes, readers share the eco-friendly changes that stuck with them. As studies reveal the harm plastic does to our health, many want to eliminate it from their lives. With global talks on a plastic pollution treaty deadlocked, reducing plastic consumption is a personal challenge that many are tackling.
Charlie found Life Supplies' refillable eucalyptus deodorant through a targeted ad. 'I was amazed to discover an effective and pleasantly fragranced sustainable alternative exists,' he said. The glass bottle with a metal lid is pleasing, and the refillable pump looks nice in the bathroom. Judith swapped to Seep for cleaning sponges, cloths and dishwashing sponges several years ago and has never looked back.
Jo, aged 75, switched to a metal dustpan with magnets to hold the pieces together. 'It works well,' she said, recalling the original metal dustpans of the 1950s and 1960s that were replaced by plastic ones that split or broke. Morag discovered period pants for occasional post-menopausal urine leakage, finding them comfortable and great for travelling, eliminating the need for panty liners.
Phil now uses large recycled paper bags for general waste, as much plastic, glass and food waste is separated for recycling. Anne buys cleaning products from HomeThings: an AllThings cleaner that comes as a small paper-wrapped pellet dropped into a reusable spray bottle with tap water. She also uses Grüum's shampoo and conditioner bars, which last for ages and leave her hair in great condition.
Adele Zaslawska makes her own beeswax wrappers but also reuses cheese wrappers by folding and securing them with an elastic band. Kerry discovered bicarbonate of soda as a great stain remover through Nancy Birtwhistle, a Great British Bake Off winner and author of eco-friendly living books. One reader buys staples like flour, rice and sugar in large quantities every two to three months, decanting them into smaller containers to reduce packaging.
Henry Richards recommends a scrub brush for washing-up that is better than plastic ones, cheaper and more effective, lasting months and then compostable. Christine found face soap that has lasted at least 16 months, saving money. 'Being green saves money – perhaps that’s a message that not enough people get,' she said. Another reader uses 100% cotton looped-pile towelling for washing-up, which doesn't get clogged with food and can be washed with towels.
