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  • Ffion Norman
Beauty - We ladies in particular cause a lot of waste through our beauty and hygiene products. Luckily, places like Lush offer a LOT of packaging free alternatives that don't compromise on quality. They're also a lot more natural, and don't cause pollution or coral bleaching by releasing harmful chemicals into our water.
Food - Markets sell locally grown produce that you can pick up packaging-free by taking along your own net or tote bags
Fashion - Buying less is the first big step - make the most of what you already have in your wardrobe! If you can sew, make some small alterations to create new looks. If absolutely you need to shop, try your local charity and vintage shops. Or if you need something new (nobody likes secondhand undies...) try finding an organic alternative. It may cost a bit more upfront but it will last you a lot longer!
Cleaning - Soapnuts are gamechangers. These little beauties hold a natural soap that's released when soaked. You can place a handful in a muslin bag with some essential oils and, Voila! -zero waste laundry detergent with no nasty chemicals! You can also soak and strain to create washing up liquid and general cleaner. If that's a bit too much effort then see if you can find a local zero waste shop - they often offer refill services with natural, organic cleaners and detergents.
Hygiene - How many plastic razors and plastic toothbrushes do you throw away every month? More than you like to think about, right? Thankfully there are some alternatives that do an even better job. Traditional razors. They look and sound a bit scary but, oh my, do they give a good shave. And you only have to recycle the blades every so often. Bamboo toothbrushes are another easy swap. It's hard to find fully biodegredable bristles, but losing that plastic handle is a big step in the right direction. Who Gives A Crap provide loo roll made from recycled office supplies or bamboo (cool, right?), and Fill produce a whole range of cleaning products that are eco-friendly and come in refillable glass bottles.