Out and about
Sustainability when out and about is probably the single area where consumers are the most well-informed, and the one that governments have taken the most action to regulate. So for now we’ll keep this section fairly brief. The key fact to keep in mind is that most plastic is derived from oil, and fossil fuel companies are betting on plastic to keep their profit margins intact should demand for oil as an energy source ever drop. So every time you say not to something made of plastic, you are sending a message to Big Oil that there products are no longer required.
Here are our top tips for ways to coexist when you are out and about:
Staying hydrated is super important. But buying water is expensive, and creates unnecessary waste. Carrying around a reusable drink bottle means you’ll never be without a drink again - if you need a refill you can visit any of the places listed here. Just remember to keep your drink bottle clean.
Having a hot drink on the go? If you have time order to drink in, not only is it the best choice for the environment it might give you a few minutes headspace too. Otherwise, bringing your own reusable cup means you won’t have to use a single-use cup that might be lined with plastic. Compostable cups are better, but if the place you are at is using them then ask if they are collecting them back in to be commercially composted.
Plastic cutlery, tableware, straws and bags are all now banned in New Zealand and many other countries. That is a good thing, but many of their replacements are still single-use, and it is almost always better to use something multiple times than just once. Again you may come across compostable options or bioplastic here and it is worth asking the place that supplied you with these items how they are best disposed of.