Going plastic-free sounds daunting, right?
Plastic is everywhere – from water bottles to grocery bags to almost all our food (yes, even bananas come wrapped in it these days). Over the last ten years, humans have produced more plastic than in the entirety of our history.
Australians throw away nearly 10 billion pieces of single-use plastic each year. Only 12% is recycled, and the rest lingers in landfill for centuries. If we keep going at this rate, our oceans could hold more plastic than fish by 2050.
The numbers are sobering, but they’re also a reminder that we have the power to do things differently.
So how do we start to use less plastic?
We’re not in the business of perfection here; it’s more about reduction.
Assessing areas where you can reduce or even eliminate single-use plastic. This could include reusables like coffee cups, water bottles, and grocery bags. You might be ready to take it a bit further with package-free cleaning products or even food.
And remember, going plastic-free or low waste won’t happen overnight – it’s a process.
It takes time and a little effort, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, do your best with what you have available to you and in the process, you might inspire the people around you to walk a little lighter on the planet as well.
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” – Anne-Marie Bonneau, Zero Waste Chef
When you’re ready to stock up on reusables, beauty, or package-free food, these are some of the best online stores to make plastic-free living a little easier.
Biome
Biome was the very first place I ever shopped for six years ago. I bought my first reusable coffee cup and bokashi compost here, and I keep returning because they’re reliable, affordable, and always have what I need.
They have everything from reusables to straws and takeaway containers to a fully stocked ‘Naked Beauty Bar’ so you can make your own zero-waste beauty and cleaning products. Plus, all their products are palm oil-free.
And if you live in Queensland, they have physical stores in Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Seed & Sprout
What began as a search to make the perfect stainless steel lunchbox has since evolved into one of my favourite online stores’ chock full of products for low-waste living.
Seed & Sprout is your one-stop-shop for zero-waste living with plastic-free solutions for the kitchen, bathroom, shopping, and storage. You need it; they probably have it!
The range includes storage solutions, alternatives to cling-wrap, skincare products, and a gorgeous stainless steel wine tumbler set.
Go For Zero
Gold Coast-based Go For Zero is a community-driven store that champions toxin-free, sustainable living. They stock over 100 Australian brands with products that are plastic-free, cruelty-free and palm oil-free.
From kitchen essentials to natural beauty, baby products and home goods, everything comes vetted against strict criteria for ingredients and packaging. They’re also a Certified B Corp and plant a tree with every order.
Nourished Life
Another eco online store I’ve been shopping at for years.
Nourished Life is Australia’s first organic beauty marketplace and has an impressive collection of organic, natural, cruelty-free products.
Yes, a lot comes in plastic, but they do stock great low-waste brands like Ethique, Eco Minerals (refillable foundation), and Life Basics body products – plus some handy reusables in the ‘home’ section.
The Package Free Shop
For US readers, the Package Free Shop is on a mission to make the world less trashy.
Founded by Lauren Singer – the zero-waste advocate who famously fit all her trash in a jar for a year – the store stocks everyday reusables and zero-waste swaps.
They also partner with Terracycle, offering take-back programs to help keep your empties out of landfill.
The Source Bulk Foods
My go-to for food – I’m lucky enough to have one just down the road.
The Source Bulk Foods is an organic wholefoods market where you can buy unpackaged food in exactly the quantities you need. Take your jars or bags, fill up on pasta, flours, spices, nuts, chocolate (the Moon Macadamias are a must), and bring your containers back for refills.
They also have refill stations for cleaning and skincare products. If you don’t have a local store, they deliver in compostable paper and bioplastic packaging.
Want More?
If bulk food or cleaning is your main focus, check out our guide to the Best Bulk Food and Refill Stores in Australia for even more options.
