Amanda in Waste-Free Land: Plastic Free July Wrap Up

Total rubbish sent to landfill: 33 grams.
Recycling: 8 items & approx. 40 contact lens cases.

I posted at the halfway mark what was in our bin & what we sent to recycling, there actually wasn’t that much more after that. We used up a plastic bottle of peanut oil and the plastic wrap from our Earthcare toilet paper and that was it! I have since been informed by several sources that I can purchase Greencane & Safe toilet paper which are plastic & tree free at the local organic store. Not included was a plastic bag that I desperately tried to refuse at the night market, I frantically called out to the vendor to not worry about the bag as I had a cloth napkin, but alas it was too late, she then took the my container out of the bag and put the plastic bag in the rubbish! I was pretty upset and there were a bunch of people staring at me, but honestly I didn’t care because that plastic bag meant a lot to me and obviously I have gone a bit crazy.

How are we doing post Plastic Free July?
I will admit that we have been a little bit naughty, at the end of the month we purchased a block of (plastic wrapped) hard cheese, and a bag of corn chips (also plastic packaging). Nachos are my favourite meal and I thought I deserved a reward! I also devoured a pack of biscuits (plastic tray & plastic wrapped) which was given to me during July- that is some epic self-control on my part, I am a massive chocolate fiend. Otherwise I am still actively avoiding any unnecessary plastic that I can! I will also look in to collecting all of our household's soft plastics for recycling, I know the Ecomatters Environment Trust based in New Lynn accepts them. I don't intend on purchasing anymore soft plastics, but there are still some already in our house and I am only 1 of 6 occupants of my household, so we are bound to accumulate more (I can only nag so much).


The BF's daily contact lens cases. Total rubbish sent to landfill: 33 grams. Recycling: 8 items & approx. 40 contact lens cases. I posted at the halfway mark what was in our bin & what we sent to recycling, there actually wasn’t that much more after that. We used up a plastic bottle of peanut oil and the plastic wrap from our Earthcare toilet paper and that was it! I have since been informed by several sources that I can purchase Greencane & Safe toilet paper which are plastic & tree free at the local organic store. Not included was a plastic bag that I desperately tried to refuse at the night market, I frantically called out to the vendor to not worry about the bag as I had a cloth napkin, but alas it was too late, she then took the my container out of the bag and put the plastic bag in the rubbish! I was pretty upset and there were a bunch of people staring at me, but honestly I didn’t care because that plastic bag meant a lot to me and obviously I have gone a bit crazy. How are we doing post Plastic Free July? I will admit that we have been a little bit naughty, at the end of the month we purchased a block of (plastic wrapped) hard cheese, and a bag of corn chips (also plastic packaging). Nachos are my favourite meal and I thought I deserved a reward! I also devoured a pack of biscuits (plastic tray & plastic wrapped) which was given to me during July- that is some epic self-control on my part, I am a massive chocolate fiend. Otherwise I am still actively avoiding any unnecessary plastic that I can! I will also look in to collecting all of our household's soft plastics for recycling, I know the Ecomatters Environment Trust based in New Lynn accepts them. I don't intend on purchasing anymore soft plastics, but there are still some already in our house and I am only 1 of 6 occupants of my household, so we are bound to accumulate more (I can only nag so much).