Caring for the environment is everybody’s responsibility

EMMA Holmes from Durban refuses to purchase anything if it comes in plastic.

There have even been occasions where she loaded her boot with her groceries scattered all over because she forgot to carry her shopping bags to the store.

“I refuse to buy anything that is plastic or comes in plastic. We can all do our bit to save the planet, one good habit at a time,” she said.

With International No Plastic Day tomorrow, May 25, she encourages others to do the same by making more eco-friendly choices.

The passionate recycler said she converted into becoming more environmentally conscious and has not looked back.

“Taking care of the ocean has always been a priority for me and my family. During the beach clean-ups, we witnessed all of the plastic that goes into our oceans and knew we had to start making some changes,” said Holmes.

Holmes’s grocery cupboard only consists of items that either come in boxes or glass.

She has also started her own recycling-bin system at home, consisting of six drums which she and her family place glass and tins into.

“We also separate the tins that aren’t aluminium from the ones that are,” she said.

Bread bags, plastic bread tags and bottle caps also go into the drums and each is given to an organisation that upcycles or uses it to sustain livelihoods or to help the physically challenged.

“Anyone can make eco-friendly choices. Start small. Always check the packaging and see that it is recyclable,” she said.

How to swap sustainable products for single-use plastics. Swap:

• Single-use straws with reusable bamboo straws.
• Reusable tumbler for drinking both hot and cold beverages.
• Reusable cloth bags for shopping.
• Silicone bags for sandwiches and snacks.
• Compostable garbage bags.