Cleobella's Plastic Free Tips

According to the United Nations environment programme we produce 300 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. That's nearly the equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. 

 

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are teeny tiny bits of plastic that accumulate through the breakdown of larger plastic products, industrial, and post consumer waste. Many industries contribute to plastic pollution like the plastic bottle industry and the fishing industry leaving nets, lines, and other plastic based products all over our waterway’s floors. 

What are Microfibers?

Microfibers are created through the washing and drying of clothes and the textile and fashion industry are the main culprits. Particularly harmful microfibers are the ones that are released from materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex.  When we wash and dry our clothes the friction causes tiny bits of fibers to be washed into waterways and released into the air we breathe. 

Impacts of microplastics and microfibers on the planet:

Microplastics and microfibers get washed into waterways harming ecosystems and negatively impacting biodiversity around the world. They also clog irrigation systems and cause harmful chemicals to be released into surrounding environments. Researchers are trying to find solutions to this issue but a reliable fix has yet to be discovered. What we do know is that we can make a difference by choosing to say no to plastic when we can and investing in garments that are easier on our earth. 

How to help: 

- Say no to plastic when you can- Bring your own reusable cups/ water bottles / straws- Invest in reusable utensils you can pack with you - Support companies and organizations that are working hard to eliminate plastic in all areas of their supply chain- Do not panic! Take it one step at a time. Try your best to eliminate plastic in all areas of your life you as well as donating to these organizations paving the way: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Plastic Free Tips for...

In The Kitchen:

- Cook at home and fall in love with your space - Buy in bulk for all things you can - Choose paper wrapped alternatives - Invest in wax wraps for storing leftover items - Opt for reusable baggies vs. individual disposable single use plastic ones- Compost what you can -Try growing your own produce or herbs to avoid plastic wrapped alternatives at the grocery store- Do not use a liner for your recycle bin. simply wash, dry, and place in your bin giving your recyclables the best chance at being recycled into something new- Only buy what you need to eliminate avoidable food/post consumer waste - Try reusable paper towels to cut out single use plastic packaging of conventional paper towels- Reuse purchased glass jars for sauces, soups, dressings, and other leftovers 

Your Purposeful Powder Room:

- Once finished with your current plastic packaged products, switch to brands that offer cleaner packaging and safer ingredients like Bite or  Wild minimalist  -Make your next toothbrush Bamboo vs plastic- Try switching to Shampoo and conditioner bars, or have them as an alternative to use so you can make your special products last longer - Switch to bamboo cotton swabs vs plastic ones that are often impossible to recycle 

At the Office:

- Do not trash your work space by Minimizing waste thrown away - Aim to be paperless when possible - Bring lunch from home - Bring your reusable cup / water bottle - Recycle all and anything you absolutely have to 

On the Go:

- Invest in a utensil pack with reusable utensils instead of plastic disposable ones offered - Bring a reusable water bottle / cup - Pack snacks with no waste and in reusable / washable containers- Slow down and Get organized. Make a list of what you’ll need for the day and pack accordingly to avoid impulse purchasing - Keep different sized reusable bags in your car or trunk in case you do come home with something new or if you happen to make a stop at the market on your way home

Consious Gifting:

- Use reusable materials like fabric to wrap your gifts this year- Try using natural materials to decorate your gifts like leaves, flowers, or herbs vs. plastic ribbon and note tags - Cash is king! Opt for giving cash instead of gift cards that usually do not get recycled - Bake someone something you love from scratch- Consciously ask the person what they need or would like.. Avoid buying something that will not be used or loved for many years- Save what you can to reuse for next year's festivities. It helps to organize what you save by category so it is easy to find next time you need to wrap something up!- Explore all the lovely magic Cleobell has to offer. All of our products are ethically handmade by our artisan partners around the world and your purchases brings sustainable incomes back to our people.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope You take the time and use your privilege to free up some of your environments from plastic and help the world to do so as well.

 Xx,

Cleobella