Easy plastic-free swaps for every day

When it comes to ridding plastic from your home, there are some great solutions that make it that much easier to make simple swaps in every aspect of your life. Here are four plastic-free alternatives to try today…

1. Biovène Barcelona Shampoo & Conditioner In-A-Bar, lovelula.com

Each day, one million plastic bottles are bought per minute, making 1.5 billion plastic bottles per day. Most of these aren't recycled, and our reliance on single-use bottles is still ever-present. But today, by making conscious choices, we can easily ditch single-use plastic bottles to help protect our planet – and when it comes to beauty, one simple swap is to avoid shampoo bottles in favour of bars. Biovène Barcelona’s Shampoo & Conditioner In-A-Bar leaves hair incredibly clean and fresh. The cruelty-free bar is pH-balanced, and is free from sulfates, parabens and palm oil. The bar comes in five formulas, each priced at £5.99: Pink Heaven, Citrus Dream, Biotin & Apple Cider, Argan Oil & Mint and Coconut & Keratin, to help hydrate, repair, volumise, protect and nourish your hair naturally. The company’s #replacethebottle campaign also supports global environmental projects such as beach cleanups, creating communities that care about our environment.

2. We Love the Planet Natural Deodorant, kijaniliving.com

If you’re struggling to find an environmentally friendly deodorant that’s both natural and effective, then try We Love the Planet, a wonderfully soft and highly effective deo cream. Packaged in either a recyclable snaplock tin or a wide-opening compostable and biodegradable cardboard tube, it’s easy to use and apply, plus 100% of the ingredients are from certified-natural origins. The aluminium-free deodorant will ensure that you feel fresh all day, without clogging your pores, as well as nourishing the skin. Offering maximum protection against odour, the formula features coconut oil, beeswax, caprylic acid and St John's wort oil for a calming, anti-inflammatory effect. Available in five fragrances: Sweet Serenity (Rose, Honey & Sweet Spices), Lovely Lavender, Original Orange, Might Mint and Forever Fresh (Patchouli), and a So Sensitive, free from sodium bicarbonate especially for sensitive skin.

3. Klean Kanteen Insulated Reflect Bottle, kleankanteen.co.uk

One of the simplest plastic-free swaps to make is ditching single-use bottles in favour of reusable ones. But even reusable water bottles can be made with materials that are harmful to your health as well as the planet’s. Enter Klean Kanteen’s Reflect bottle: free from paint and plastic, this one is made with only three materials: sustainably harvested bamboo, stainless steel and food-grade silicone. This bottle sums up a deliberate design to embody sustainability, but it’s practical too, keeping contents cold for up to 20 hours and iced for 40. That means wherever you travel, this bottle can be by your side to replace single-use plastic alternatives.

4. Salt of the Earth Crystal Classic Deodorant, crystalspring.co.uk

When it comes to toiletries and skincare, making sustainable choices can often be a bit trickier as you try to find products that are both environmentally friendly in packaging as well as formulated with natural ingredients. So you’ll be excited to learn that Salt of the Earth’s best-selling Crystal Classic deodorant is now plastic-free! With 100% natural ingredients and offering long-lasting, effective protection from body odour without blocking the skin’s pores, the Salt of the Earth Plastic Free Crystal Deodorant is now available in fully recyclable cardboard packaging – perfect for anyone wishing to reduce their use of single-use disposable plastics. Unlike traditional antiperspirants, which block the skin’s pores, preventing the natural perspiration process, Salt of the Earth deodorants work by leaving an invisible layer of mineral salts on the skin. This layer of salt inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria, allowing the body to sweat.

5. Opinel Luxury Kitchen Knives, whitbyandco.co.uk

When it comes to the kitchen, plastic is never fantastic. If you spend lots of time cooking up delicious plant-based meals, then you’ll know that hard-wearing, durable tools are essential. Opinel’s luxury range of kitchen knives, including chef-standard ranges, make cooking a pleasure and will help you master any dish. The French brand uses high-quality stainless steel to craft the blades, whilst many of the handles are made from various types of specialist wood, making these knives comfortable, effective and long-lasting.