7 plastic free summer essentials you’ll actually use
Welcome to Plastic Free July, a global movement encouraging you to ditch the single-use plastics and embrace more sustainable options. Its position right in the middle of British summertime is particularly apt. Rates of plastic consumption skyrocket during summer, for many interconnected reasons – water bottles, picnic snacks and holiday supplies to name a few.
Not living a plastic-free life yet? You’re not alone. That’s why we like to focus on small steps and simple replacements instead of changing everything at once.
Here are a few of our plastic free products that are perfect for the summer months.
1. Faith In Nature shampoo bar
Shampoo bars generally last longer than liquid shampoo and are less likely to contain harmful chemicals. They’re also more compact, making them easy to pack on a summer holiday – and there’s no danger of a leak spoiling your luggage. Most importantly (for this list anyway) they can simply be wrapped in paper instead of requiring squashy plastic bottles.
2. Friendly Soap conditioner bar
Conditioner is also available in bar form, so there’s no need to skip any part of your haircare routine. This conditioner from Friendly Soap harnesses the hydrating power of cocoa butter and castor oil to fight dryness and frizz, something you might find especially useful in hot weather. As with all Friendly Soap products, it’s produced via an eco-friendly cold press method.
3. Weleda deodorant stick
The hotter it gets, the more important deodorant becomes, and you definitely don’t want to skimp on effectiveness. This Weleda deodorant comes in a plastic-free cardboard tube and is contains no aluminium or alcohol, making it as friendly to your skin as it is to the planet. A great alternative to that cheap deodorant you might pick up when heading off on holiday.
4. Dalit tiffin style lunchbox
Plastic cups, crisp packets, plastic forks – the average picnic produces a lot of waste. Preparing your own meal is a more sustainable option, but not if you carry it in a plastic container that breaks or stains easily and goes to landfill once it’s done. Try Dalit’s stainless steel lunchbox instead, hand-painted with gorgeous traditional Indian designs. Or check out our wider range of lunch bags & boxes.
5. Cheeky Panda bamboo straws
Another handy picnic asset. These straws are made from sustainable bamboo, a crop that grows fast and renews itself in record time. They’re more eco-friendly than plastic straws and won’t go soggy in your drink like paper – so the party can keep going all afternoon.
6. Shade all natural sunscreen
Personal sacrifices are sometimes necessary in the pursuit of a sustainable summer, but we definitely don’t recommend going without sunscreen. There’s no need when Shade produce a fully biodegradable version free from palm oil and harsh chemicals. It comes in a handy leakproof aluminium tin instead of a bottle or tube, meaning you can easily use up every last scrap with no wastage.
7. Beauty Made Easy tinted lip balm
Beauty Made Easy specialise in innovative recyclable paper packaging. Their vegan-friendly lip balm is made from natural ingredients and is fully biodegradable. Your lips won’t dry out in the summer heat thanks to the hydrating power of coconut oil and shea butter.
