Break Up with Sachets: 6 Ways to Embrace a Sustainable Future
Every year, millions of people celebrate Plastic-Free July, a global movement that reminds everyone to refuse single-use plastic for a more sustainable world. Since its inception in 2011, people across the globe have committed to reducing plastic year-round.
In Asia, one of the easiest ways to join the movement is by refusing to use sachets – one of the most common types of plastic in the region that pollutes our waters and clog our landfills. By skipping sachets, you’re taking a crucial step to keep our environment healthy. To help you get started on ending your relationship with sachets, here are some of our favorite tips:
1. Buy Bigger or Refill Instead
Instead of lots of little sachets, try buying bigger bottles or refilling containers you already have. Along with creating less waste, buying in bulk is also often cheaper in the long run! Look for stores that offer refill stations for things like soap, shampoo, or cleaning products. You can bring your own bottles and fill them up, saving money and reducing plastic waste.
2. Use Containers You Can Use Again and Again
Instead of buying products in sachets, look around your house for containers you can reuse to store small amounts of products. Old jars or bottles can be perfect for holding common stuff like shampoo and lotion. For on-the-go needs, invest in small, refillable travel bottles. But remember: the best reusable container is one you’ll actually use, so choose sizes and styles that fit your lifestyle and the products you typically buy in sachets.
3. Support Eco-Friendly Brands
Choosing companies committed to sustainable packaging helps drive demand for environmentally-friendly alternatives. By supporting these businesses, you’re encouraging others to adopt similar practices and contributing to a circular economy. It might seem small but every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. By consistently choosing products that don’t come in sachets, you’re helping to create a market demand for more sustainable packaging options.
4. Make Your Own Stuff
Making your own products is a great way to avoid sachets while having fun and saving money. Instead of buying single-use sachets of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash, try making your own personal care products. For example, you could create a simple shampoo bar or mix up a batch of body scrub using ingredients from your kitchen. These homemade alternatives eliminate the need for sachets and often come with the added benefit of being free from harsh chemicals.
5. Advocate for Change
Support policies that promote reduced packaging and hold companies accountable for their waste. Your voice matters in creating a future where sustainability is a priority. One way to make a difference is by signing petitions like this one that calls for the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration to allow refilling stations for products like cosmetics, helping to reduce plastic waste.
6. Spread the Word
Teach others about the specific problems associated with sachets. Many people aren’t aware of how much waste these tiny packets generate or how difficult they are to recycle. Share information about the environmental impact of sachets and inspire others to find alternatives. By spreading awareness, you can help create a ripple effect, leading to a larger movement towards reducing sachet use and creating a cleaner planet.
By making small changes in our daily routines, we can make a big impact. Let’s break free from the convenience of sachets and build a healthier planet for future generations. Challenge your friends to go sachet-free for a month and share this article to spread the word!