10 simple ways to help beat plastic pollution
World Environment Day was on June 5 and called on all of us to join the fight against plastic pollution. Find out how you can take positive action to beat this global problem.
Plastic waste is one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. From choking wildlife to contaminating our food and water, its impact is far-reaching and long-lasting.
But change starts with us. Every small action - like choosing reusable items or reducing single-use plastics - adds up. When millions of people make better choices, the collective impact is powerful.
Read on to find out how South Australia is leading the way in tackling the scourge of plastic pollution in our environment, and some simple steps you can take to make a difference.
And thanks for doing your part to help #BeatPlasticPollution.
SA, tackling single use plastics since 2009
South Australia has been leading the way on single use plastic bans since 2009: that was the year that lightweight plastic shopping bags were banned. We all started bringing our own reusable bags, and now they're simply the norm. From 2021 a large range of single use plastic items have been banned in phases.
10 simple plastic swaps and stops
Every small action by every single person really does make a difference.
1. Say no to plastic scrubbing brushes in the kitchen. Choose a brush with a wooden handle and natural bristles that will all easily biodegrade when it's worn out.
2. Use plastic-free alternatives for food storage. Pack lunches in a lunchbox - durable stainless steel is a good option - instead of a plastic ziplock bag or plastic wrap. Use a beeswax wrap to cover leftovers. Buy loaves of bread that are unsliced and unwrapped, and keep them in paper or cloth bags or an old-fashioned bread bin. You can even keep a crusty loaf quite fresh by placing the cut side face down on a clean wooden cutting board.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and SA's plastic bans have seen the introduction of a fabulous range of reusable and compostable alternatives that weren't readily available before. What's more, we've changed many of our daily habits. You probably don't think twice now about taking your reusable grocery bags to the shops, using compostable dog waste bags, or carrying a refillable water bottle.
Read on to discover more easy actions you can take to #beatplasticpollution one swap at a time.
3. Buy your milk in refillable glass.
Did you know that there are outlets around Adelaide where you can buy milk in glass bottles? You can bring them back when empty and clean, and refill them. How much single use plastic might your household save by doing this?
4. Refill hand wash pumps with plastic free concentrates.
Don't wash your hands of the plastic problem - wash your hands with a solution! There are a number of options now for powder or tablet hand wash concentrates that mix with water. You can use them to refill any foaming-type soap pump bottle that you might already have. You'll not only save the world from more plastic containers, but also from the carbon emissions of transporting heavy products that are largely made of water. While you're at it, have you tried solid shampoo and conditioner bars?
5. Ditch the plastic bin bags.
If you're putting all your food scraps in the green bin or compost, and recycling everything you can, then your landfill rubbish is probably fairly free of nasty bin juice. It's likely that you can do without lining your indoor bin at all. You'll save money and resources, and items that can break down in landfill will have a better chance to do so sooner when they're not trapped in a plastic bag. If you simply must have a bin bag, go for a certified compostable option.
SA continues to lead the way on plastic bans
In 2024, South Australia banned single use plastic or plastic-lined coffee cups and lids - a huge step to reduce waste in our coffee-loving culture.
Also banned were those pesky plastic bread tags, plastic balloon sticks, plastic barrier bags (e.g. for fresh produce) and more.
Bans set to be introduced later in 2025 include the little plastic stickers on your fruit and veg, which is brilliant news for home composters and for our green waste system. Visit the Replace the Waste website to see all the items we've eliminated as we #beatplasticpollution.
Making plastic-free choices sets an example for those around you (particularly if you have kids), and creates waves of action and reaction that affect supply and demand. Let's continue the momentum to make plastic free choices the everyday option.
6. Grow your own seedlings. Flower and vegetable seedlings from your local nursery are mostly sold in single-use plastic punnets with plastic tags. With a little thinking ahead, you can grow your own plants from seed and avoid the waste. You'll also end up with a whole lot more plants, for a lot less money! Try repurposing an old egg carton for a seed tray that can then be thrown in your compost.
7. Go big on sushi condiments. Sushi is healthy and delicious but it's also responsible for millions of tiny pieces of single use plastic. Say 'no thanks' to plastic portions of soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger by keeping larger containers of these available where you usually eat your sushi. Buy some for your office kitchen and let your co-workers know!
8. Buy deli meats at the counter rather than wrapped from the shelf. Foods like ham, bacon, salami are often available in small portions wrapped in a whole lot of plastic, from the fridge at your supermarket. Instead, order at the deli counter and have the exact amount you need wrapped in paper or compostable bags.
9. Buy butter in blocks. Avoid plastic tubs of butter and spreads and buy real butter in wrapped blocks. Keep it in a covered glass or ceramic dish (you can find nice ones secondhand) and it will be easy to spread in most weather.
10. Say no to plastic trinkets, toys, merch and giveaways. You know that clutter that ends up in the bottom of a drawer or the back of a cupboard? Cheap plastic branded water bottles, pens, plastic lanyards, collectables. Just say 'no thanks' and we can all play a part in slowing its accumulation in our lives and in the environment.
Read more about World Environment Day 2025.
For more information on South Australia’s ban on single-use plastics, visit Replace the Waste.
Want to learn how to cut down on waste for your next camping trip? Check out how to have a low-waste camping trip when it comes to your menu and learn how to reduce plastic food waste on your next hiking or camping trip.
Cover image: Tim Mossholder, Unsplash
