New Years Resolution: How to Go Plastic Free and How to Stick to It

New Years Resolution: How to go Plastic Free and how to stick to it

The new year is fast approaching and many of us will begin to think about what resolutions we want to set for ourselves. The plastic free movement is something we at Organ(y)c are massive fans of, so here are a few hints and tips from the team!

Steps to take…

Firstly, don’t try and change everything at once, start with making small changes in your lifestyle. As women, we are used to having our period which visits every 21 to 35 days depending on our cycle. The average female is said to use 11,000 disposable, one-time-use menstrual products in her reproductive lifetime, with 70% of women reportedly flushing tampons down the toilet (London Assembly, 2019). Many of us are aware that sanitary products are wrapped in plastic, but what we don’t know is that conventional products are made up of a whole host of plastics and other synthetic materials which can take up to 500 years to biodegrade, this is a vast amount of plastic pollution considering how many products we use and how long they remain in the environment for after use.

One way to cut down on your plastic use is by swapping to natural and organic sanitary products. Organ(y)c products are made from 100% certified organic cotton which is super absorbent (organic cotton can hold up to 10 times its own weight in menstrual fluid), naturally ultra- soft, breathable and hypoallergenic, helping to reduce those unwanted intimate skin irritations. Organic cotton is also naturally biodegradable, which means it is not only kinder to your vagina but is in synergy with the environment too. The biodegradable, compostable and recyclable packaging is another reason to make the change to Organ(y)c. With cardboard applicators made from FSC recyclable cardboard, protective back sheets which derive from corn-starch and tampon applicators made from 90% sugar cane (and recyclable) you can be sure that you are cutting down on unwanted plastic all year round.

Another way to go plastic free this new year is through your beauty routine. Try switching to cotton buds which are made with organic cotton and FSC cardboard stems instead of plastic buds, a staple for your makeup bag to remove any unwanted smudges. Our certified organic cotton beauty buds are perfect for everyday use, made with a strong and recyclable cardboard stem, the environmentally friendly buds are also biodegradable after use. Not only is the product better for the environment but the cardboard box can also be recycled.

Scotland has already banned the manufacture and sale of plastic cotton buds in an effort to prevent plastic pollution from becoming any worse, with the rest of the UK following in 2020. So far, over 150,000 plastic cotton bud sticks were cleared from Scotland’s beaches alone by Marine Conservative Society. (Sabrina Barr, The Independent ‘Plastic cotton buds now banned in Scotland in fight against ‘global climate emergency’’, 12 October 2019)

While we are talking about going plastic free it is important to consider the other materials in our products. Conventional cotton is grown with genetically modifies seeds, hazardous pesticides, fungicides and herbicides which are not only harmful to the environment but to the cotton farmers too. Organic cotton, however, is grown from unmodified seeds and do not contain any chemical residues. Organic cotton helps to improve the livelihoods of farmers as the crop is grown in rotation with other crops, enhancing long term sustainability and food security. The crop also helps to build soil fertility which locks in CO2, helping to mitigate climate change.

Organ(y)c Beauty Cotton Round Pads are another ‘must have’ for your plastic free toiletries bag. They are made using only 100% certified organic cotton, the ultra-soft Organ(y)c pads are the perfect addition to your cleansing routine. Even the packaging is made with renewable raw materials making the product fully biodegradable.

You may not think it, but even your facial wipes contain unwanted plastics which can prevent the product from breaking down and forming fatbergs (a congealed mass formed by a build-up of non-biodegradable products such as wipes, tampons and sanitary pads) in the sewer systems. So why aren’t they breaking down? Conventional wet wipes are made from synthetic materials and chemicals which help to bond the product together and, as a result this prevents the wet wipes from breaking down naturally after use.  In the UK a staggering 11 billion wet wipes are used every year. Thames 21 (the voice of London’s waterways) collected nearly 10,000 wet wipes from just one location on the Thames over a two-year period, which is said to have just ‘scraped the surface’.

What changes can you make? Swap your conventional makeup wipes to the organic facial wipes which are made with 100% certified organic cotton. Our Organ(y)c facial wipes are biodegradable after use and gently remove any makeup and impurities from your eyes and face thanks to the delicate, certified organic formula containing Aloe, Chamomile and Rose to nourish and soften skin. Plus, they are dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin.

It’s not only facial wipes that contribute to plastic waste, intimate wipes and baby wipes are no better. Opt for certified organic cotton in all cases and ensure they also have organic and natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Calendula which are used in Organ(y)c facial wipes. The perfect way to keeping your skin feeling fresh, clean and free from unwanted chemicals especially when away from home. A much more environmentally friendly alternative to introduce into your daily routine.

How to stick to your plastic free routine...

Many of us revert back to our old habits when we are caught short, that’s why we have launched our new subscription service which allows you to subscribe to your favourite products across the whole online store or even create your own unique period box with the exact products you need to be delivered straight to your door. You can decide how frequently you require the products and what date you would like them to be delivered on so that you never get caught short and of course, your products will be delivered completely plastic free!