Top 5 Myths associated with Plastic-Free Life

Myth 1: To start you must throw out all your plastic

This is one of the biggest barriers that stops people who want to live with less plastic. They look at all of the plastic they use every day and wonder how they will be able to replace them. However, you do not need to replace them immediately! Just try not to buy any new plastic products and reuse what you have.

By throwing it away you are just adding to landfill and increasing your carbon footprint!

Myth 2: One person’s actions will not make a difference

How do you think we got here in the first place? It was from many individuals’ actions. Every action has a reaction. Everything we do even breathing impacts our planet. If we continue to blame other people for the messes, we have assisted in creating, we will not solve the issue of plastic pollution.

 Declining to use plastic bags, plastic straws and plastic bottles will keep one less item out of the ocean or landfill. It will also send a message to others in your family and in your community. It is a ripple effect! Be proactive and recognize the privilege it is to live on this planet. Your contribution, however big or small, is valuable!

Myth 3: You must go 100% plastic-free

Plastic has become an integral part of many people’s daily life, so being 100% plastic-free is a big change and may seem unachievable.

One step at a time! Take it slow in building new habits if it is incremental and continuous the change can be accommodated. This will help you build a plastic-free habit and mindset, and you won’t feel so overwhelmed.

Myth 4: Plastic-free lifestyle is expensive

Reasons why people think that plastic-free living is expensive is because zero-waste products have become ‘fashionable’.  Brand companies have leveraged the goodwill of people to make money and sell their products. You don’t need the latest tools and gadgets to reduce your plastic consumption. Work with what you have! Be creative – if you do not own a Keep cup use a mug or jar!!

Taking plastic-free steps can actually save you money! Instead of purchasing a plastic water bottle, take your own water bottle.

Myth 5: It is time-consuming

From personal experience, I have been able to juggle work, school – HSC studies, National Premier League Football, basketball, other hobbies, socialising with friends and family AND importantly live an eco-friendlier life. Along your journey feel free to reach out to me or follow my Instagram @PlasticFreeSophia where I share the best way to live plastic-free and still live your normal life.

The key to this…stay organised and plan. It may be time-consuming to review new purchases for more sustainable eco-friendly products. After this research period and identifying new better more sustainable items then it becomes a habit and feature in your daily life.

To help you make better purchases remember on average you use a plastic bag for only 12 minutes, this convenience to carry your groceries to your car. That same plastic bag will spend over 10,000 years in landfill or the ocean where it has the potential to kill marine life. So what is a couple of minutes out of your day to remember to bring your own bag in comparison to the lives of thousands of Nemos?!??!!