My Plastic Detox Challenge

I recently did some research on plastic bottles and food containers for my upcoming book. It's pretty interesting (and kinda scary) to know about chemicals that are used to make our plastic and how they can seep into the food and drink we consume. I have to admit I'm a bit of a tupperware lover, but after learning more about BPA's I'm trying to move to other options. That extends to bottled water too.

So I've challenged myself, along with the good people at Soda Stream, to cut out plastics for a whole day. It doesn't sound like much of a challenge right? ONE DAY!? But seriously, I genuinely found it hard. I guzzle sparkling water throughout the day - and as I don't have one of those fancy in-house taps that's hooked up to a CO2 canister, I buy bottles of it. I know. #shame. Side note - if anyone wants to send me one of the $3K taps to save the earth, feel free to pop it in the post, along with plumber recommendations 😉

The other option is to save yourself some serious cash and get a Soda Stream. Seriously. You might remember them from your childhood for a fizzy afternoon drink, and now we're totally anti-sugar right? BUT not only can they make delicious PLAIN sparkling water (with just wedge of citrus - my fave!), they also look a whole lot prettier than they used to. Kinda like your sleek coffee machine sat on your kitchen bench. Whoop! Each Sparkling Water Maker comes with a carbonating bottle that's safe and reusable, saving the average Aussie family up to 2,190 bottles and cans over the three-year lifespan of the bottle. The bottles supplied are plastic, but are BPA free and intended for re-use time and time again. Think of all those bottles you're saving from landfill!

Usual day of plastics in The Fit Foodie Household:

• Head to the gym with a plastic water bottle.
• Have brekkie - usually yoghurt (from a plastic container) and berries (also in plastic) bought from the supermarket that is handed to me in a plastic bag.
• Eat leftovers from the night before from a plastic container.
• Drink a glass of sparking water from a larger plastic bottle we have in the fridge.
• Freeze some leftover salmon in a zip-loc bag in the freezer.
• Make Mr Fit Foodies lunch and pack it into plastic storage container for the next day.
• Roll up some protein balls for healthy snacks and store in plastic container in the fridge.
• Have salmon for dinner - that comes in a plastic food tray.

On my plastic detox challenge - here's what happened:

• Swapped my plastic gym bottle for re-usable Soda Stream bottle.
• Went to the supermarket with a re-usable natural fibre bag to bag my purchases. Saved two plastic bags.
• Tried to buy fruits veggies without plastic wrapping - and failed on the blueberries front. Damn it!
• I do manage to throw my veggies directly into my basket without the need for a plastic bag though. The poor checkout lady had to rummage in my basket for 6 kiwis.
• Glass of sparking water made using my Sparkling Water Maker, and a heap of strawberries to add some summer zing!
• Buy fish from the fish counter and it's wrapped in paper. Definite win!
• Leftovers from dinner is packed into a glass storage container for Mr Fit Foodie's lunch the next day, but admittedly it's a fair bit heavier than he's used to. Good arm workout I say.

Verdict:

It's pretty bloody impossible to avoid plastic for everything. Sort of me milking my own cow to make my own yoghurt, or trudging across town to the health food store to buy pre-made (expensive) parfait in a glass, I can't locate yoghurt without plastic.  Same for sparking water (obviously) - there's not many brands who sell it in glass bottles - but there I can do something about that at home with my Soda Stream, and also save money in the process. I had a win using my hessian bag for the supermarket shop, and not using mini plastic bags to group my veggies together for weighing. Glass storage containers and water bottles are feasible, but granted a bit clunkier to carry around. Something I'll have to get used to for the better of the environment.

It's time to ditch the plastic! I'd love to hear how you save on plastic consumption at home! Please share below...

Editor’s Note: This article is proudly sponsored by Soda Stream. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Fit Foodie Blog possible. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.