Tips for a Sustainable Summer

The plastic free journey starts with one step. If we each take small actions, it’ll soon add up to a collective impact. Use these simple tips to lessen your single-use plastic consumption this summer and beyond!

 

Emma @justanormalmum_ 

We love the outdoors and our little adventures which is why we have a responsibility to educate and take care of the planet the best we can.  We are proud to support plastic free July so that future generations can have those moments of pure outdoor bliss that take your breath away…. 

Every little adventure of course needs a picnic, which is why we are sharing ideas for creating a plastic free picnic! 

First things first-the picnic box!  The stainless steel PlanetBox lunch boxes are perfect, they are reusable, washable, recyclable, practical, not to mention cool and fun!  Gone are the days of two slices of bread and an apple- these lunchboxes allow you to be creative and to produce picnics that are a delight for little adventurers.

Shop local if you can.  Buying from small grocers, markets, butchers, and bakers offers opportunity to buy loose items. You can bring along your own glass or stainless containers for meat and poultry and reusable bags for fresh fruit and veggies- no plastic packaging needed!

Go homemade! Make a simple zesty tomato salsa for dipping, take prepared fajita style vegetables, and roll up wraps to make up on your picnic. Plan ahead and make meals that can be eaten cold the next day on your picnic such as rice dishes, salads, cooked meats, and homemade pizzas-a favorite in our household!

Keep it simple. Add fresh fruit from your grocer to your PlanetBox and homemade cookies or chocolates. Use molds to create your own chocolate shapes and there's no need for plastic wrappings! Homemade bread is a great option for staying plastic free too- if you have time. 

The freezer is your best friend. While homemade foods are great, it is definitely not always practical to create everything from scratch whilst trying to fasten your boots and head to the hills!  Freeze “leftover” (there is no such word as leftovers!) portions of meals or make extra and freeze for picnics at a later date.  The freezer is great as you can simply grab some tasty bites and put straight into your box ready for picnic time! Freeze in glass or stainless steel containers - and there’s no plastic needed!

Earth wasn’t built in a day and it won’t be saved in a day either, but if we can all try and do our bit to reduce our plastic use, then we can continue to make a small difference and add seconds, minutes, hours, days… to the life of our incredible planet.

 

Beth @Planty.mc.plant.face

There are many ways we can all play our part in keeping our green spaces plastic & waste free for everyone to enjoy, here’s a few easy tips that I use: 

Ditch the shop bought dips & make your own! Simple to make with store cupboard items & tins we all have, I love making humous, bean dips, guacamole & salsa.

Make a salad & prepare crudités for your dips by choosing loose fruit & veg.You can also make your own fermented veg & pickles, a great accompaniment, and are an excellent way of using leftover veg & cutting down on Food waste. 

Who needs plastic wrapped shop bought bread when you can make your own! Flatbreads are ready in less that 15 mins and you can chose your own flavours & spices. Alternatively, pick up a loaf from your local bakery using your own plastic free wrap or fabric bag.

Don’t forget the dessert! I love to make my own protein balls, tasty, healthy and speedy to make in your food processor. Check out your local zero waste shop to stock up on nuts, seeds and dried fruit using your own containers & jars.