COULD you stop using plastic for a month? That's what Launceston's Trish Haeusler is doing as part of Plastic Free July.
A regular participant of Plastic Free July, Trish has adopted ways to reduce her plastic use year-round.
And this July, she has challenged herself to go completely plastic free.
To do this she needs to be organised, strategic and ready to make substitutes in her daily routine, like swapping her plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one.
She has also changed her shopping habits.
Instead of shopping at a major supermarket, Trish buys groceries from local fruit and vegetable shops, butchers and bakers, who happily wrap her food in paper or pack it in containers Trish brings from home.
Instead of buying cleaning supplies, she either makes her own natural products or seeks out businesses who will refill them for her.
"It looks like lots of boxes of fruit and vegies," she said.
"I'm not buying treats and I make a lot of stuff."
It's challenging at times, though. Trish says it is difficult to find inexpensive cheese without plastic packaging.
"And I can't have Tim Tams!"
A founder of Plastic Free Launceston, Trish encourages people to look at the small changes they can make in their lives to reduce their plastic use and carbon footprint.
"Keep it simple and have a go," she said to those daunted by the idea.
Plastic free tips:
- Take your own reusable bags to the shops
- Say no to plastic straws when dining out
- Refill your own stainless steel water bottle
- Avoid products with plastic packaging
You'll find an A-Z of alternatives and plastic-free cleaning, personal care, pet care, shopping and gardening tips at www.plasticfreejuly.org