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Plastic Free July

BY 2050 IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WILL BE MORE PLASTIC THAN FISH IN THE WORLD’S OCEANS.

July is the month where we all try to make an effort to reduce our use of plastic or try avoid it all together. For some, it’s just another month but for some others, this might be a fun challenge that might make all the difference. Just try it for one month – attempt to use the least amount of plastic possible and then just maybe, by the time the month is over – you won’t even feel the need to go back to the big bad P.

We wanted to find a way to help spread the message and celebrate our 1 year of veco in one! So we’ve teamed up with one of our official stockists – Gala Supermarket, to giveaway a €50 voucher to spend in-store at Gala on ANYTHING.

What do you need to do?

  1. Visit our Facebook page here.
  2. If you haven’t yet, like our page @vitallyecologic.
  3. Like Gala Supermarket’s FB page too here.
  4. Pinned to the top, you’ll find our Facebook post promoting our giveaway.
  5. Comment on the post with a photo of just ONE way that you are reducing plastic this month. This could be anything – but we’ll give you a few ideas below.
  6. Finally, share the post and use the #’s: #plasticfreejuly #veco.
  7. We’ll be choosing ONE lucky winner on the 31st July 2019.
  8. If your #plasticfree methods impress us – we’ll even giveaway a few packs of veggiebags to 3 more lucky people.

Plastic Free Ideas:

  1. Refuse the obvious plastics: Bottles, Cutlery, Straws Cups, Plates, Bags, Takeaway Coffee Cups, etc.,
  2. Opt for Glass jars or bottles rather than the plastic alternative.
  3. Say no to teabags and opt for loose leaves!
  4. Use a reusable veggiebag when shopping for fruit & veg!
  5. Make the switch to a bamboo toothbrush.
  6. Pick up a few items of trash from the beach (or anywhere)
  7. Store leftovers in glass jars or containers.
  8. Take reusable containers with you to the deli when shopping.
  9. Take a reusable water bottle with you to work.
  10. Buy your friend or colleague a reusable product to help them stop using single-use items!
  11. Wrap food in baking paper or reusable wraps rather than cling film.
  12. Take a reusable shopping bag out with you if you’re going to the grocery store or even down to the shops!

So many ideas of what you can do this month (and always) to make a difference. So comment on our competition post with a photo of your loose leaf cuppa tea, your reusable water bottle on your work desk, your snazzy bamboo toothbrush or even of you using our veco veggiebags! Be a part of the change.

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#ecovalentine

The focus is mainly always on making Christmas a more sustainable holiday but Valentine’s is also a widely celebrated holiday. In America, more than 124 million adults celebrate Valentine’s alone. Add all the European romantics and we’re left with billions of discarded greeting cards, chocolate boxes, wrapping paper and roses.

Valentine’s is all about celebrating love so let’s spread it a bit further and make it an #ecovalentine.

Greeting Cards

The billions of cards that are sent to our better halves add to deforestation and most end up sitting in our landfills. You should choose to either buy a greeting card made from recycled paper or you could opt to take the romance level up a notch and create your own card using recycled materials. Going digital and sending an e-card is also a super alternative.

Flowers

Bouquets of roses and flowers pretty much go hand in hand with Valentine’s. The thing is that these only last up to a week and are then thrown away which brings us to our next recommendation – Why not give your partner something that will last longer? A herb plant would be an ideal and romantic gift if you enjoy cooking together.
If plants aren’t your thing and you would still rather give your partner flowers then visit your local farmers market and see what’s in season. Support local and get a better deal all at once!

Chocolates & Wine

When choosing your wine – be sure to choose a bottle of organic vino and check that the cork is made from sustainable materials instead of plastic!
With regards to chocolate, buy your partner chocs with the least amount of plastic wrapping or packaging. Opt for Fair Trade chocolate and consider dark chocolate for its health benefits!

Dining

If cooking is your thing then definitely prepare a romantic meal for your partner at home. Visit your local farmers market and buy foods that are in season and available. However, if you would rather avoid starting a fire in your kitchen (again!) – do dine out but be sure to try and reduce food waste by taking your leftovers home!

Gifts

This year, don’t go for the traditional soft toy or heart-shaped cushion – be creative and look into some eco-friendly gift ideas. Our reusable veggiebags make the perfect gift and are even made from recycled plastic!
Remember not to wrap your presents in non-recyclable material, opt for brown paper and draw on some red dots to add the red touch.

Happy Valentine’s to all. Be sure to give our Earth the love it deserves all year round.

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Recycling Symbols Explained

We all know of the importance of recycling but do we actually know what can be recycled and how? Probably not. Below is a brief overview of what we think are the basics in the world of recycling.

The Mobius Loop with a number in the centre and a letter code signifies what kind of plastic the packaging is made from. The code should help you identify whether it’s recyclable in your area.

01 PET
Polyethylene Terephthalate is one of the most common plastics that you will encounter. It’s usually what drinks bottles and tubs are made from.

02 HDPE
High-density polyethylene is another of the common plastics that you will find. It’s often used in toys, kitchenware and cable insulation.

03 PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is what most modern window frames and doors are made from but is also used for wire insulation, flooring and footwear. The logo on plastic will often only have a ‘V’ below the symbol.

04 LDPE
Low Density Polyethylene is commonly used in toys, carrier bags and general packaging.

05 PP
Polypropylene is often used for products that are injection moulded and blow moulded and is widely recycled by thermoplastic-processing methods.

06 PS
Polystyrene is not just that white, fluffy packaging material that gets everywhere, it’s also the kind of material used for CD cases and cosmetic packs.