JULY 2020 | ISSUE 1
ECO TOP TIPS HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER Making your own cleaning products is a great way to reduce plastic pollution and avoid harmful chemicals in your home. The cost of buying cleaning products can add up over time, as well as the amount of plastic going into landfill. Instead, you'll find that you probably have all the ingredients in your cupboards at home to make your own cleaning sprays...
A SPRAY BOTTLE
1/2 SQUEEZED LEMON
REUSE AN OLD ONE OR BUY A GLASS ONE
ECO SWAPS REUSABLE STRAWS VS PLASTIC STRAWS You'll notice that plastic straws are very rare these days which is positive. However, you might be wondering what the alternatives are..especially if you find paper straws an awful experience. You can replace the plastic ones with reusable straws that are glass, stainless steel or bamboo (definitely not soggy like the paper ones). If you’re worried about washing them, they even come with a cleaning brush!
1/4 CUP WHITE VINEGAR
REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS VS PLASTIC BAGS
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: OPTIONALESSENTIAL OILS (LAVENDER OR TEA TREE )
1 TBSP BAKING SODA 100ML WATER
METHOD: Simply add all the ingredients into a jug of 100ml of water and mix thoroughly. Pour or use a funnel to transfer into a spray bottle and give it a gentle shake. You can even add essential oils to enhance the smell! I really like to add tea tree oil. This natural formula will remove hard water stains, clean kitchen surfaces, wipe away wall smudges, and more! Caution: Do not use this acidic cleaner on granite as it will wear away the stone.
Instead of having to buy plastic bags when you visit the supermarket, you should bring your own reusable bags to save single-use plastic consumption. Plastic bags are sometimes only used for 20 minutes and thrown away...but did you know that plastic bags take up to 1000 years to fully decompose. Consider keeping reusable bags in your car or folding them up and keeping them in your backpack so that you are always prepared. Mesh grocery bags are really useful for carrying fruit and veg, and of course look the part! Check out Page 14 for where to buy reusable grocery bags! 10 | THE CLIMATE ISSUE