Make One Change September 2018

September’s change was to buy biodegradable bin liners. Since many supermarkets are choosing to ban single-use plastic bags, it seemed like a good opportunity to reduce household plastic generally! It took some hunting, but there are some great, viable, alternatives out there! Make sure you read the packet so that you understand if something is truly “degradable” (in our opinion several hundred years is unacceptable)!

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This month's change is easy! If you're like me, and used your single-use plastic bags from the supermarket as bin liners, then you'll have a dwindling supply now that they're (supposedly) not available in NSW supermarkets anymore (i no longer shop at @colessupermarkets for this reason). But what's the point if we line our bins with the very same plastic? The technology is out there, using waste from refining grains, and our liners can decompose alongside our waste in a much shorter time frame! I'll be sharing some awesome finds from @woolworths_au @igaaustralia and online this month! #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Aug 31, 2018 at 3:08pm PDT

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From woolies, these are compostable bags… #makeonechangesep18 @woolworths_au

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 1, 2018 at 4:32pm PDT

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Zero Plastic bin liners… This is a great article on how to get around plastic bin liners by @frugalandthriving https://www.frugalandthriving.com.au/a-novel-alternative-to-plastic-shopping-bags-as-bin-liners/ #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 2, 2018 at 4:06pm PDT

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I must admit, words like "greener" and "degradable" make me feel like they've got something to hide… Dictionary.com defines degradable as "degradable. adjective. (of waste products, packaging materials, etc) capable of being decomposed chemically or biologically. Capable of being degraded." Whereas biodegradable is "capable of decaying through the action of living organisms"… Semantics in marketing, choose BIOdegradable!! #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 3, 2018 at 11:13pm PDT

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Got some interesting numbers on plastic worldwide… 4 billion plastic microfibres per square kilometre in the ocean ???????????? Full article and a shop full of alternatives here: https://biotuff.com.au/why-biotuff/ @annamanchee @nealehozack This one is for you ???? #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 4, 2018 at 11:59pm PDT

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Some issues with the word "biodegradable"… 1) it's not the same as compostable. Biodegradable products need exposure to specific bacteria and conditions to biodegrade. 2) this means that it probably won't decompose in landfill, unless the landfill site has a composting plant specifically for this purpose… Consider how specific the "degradable" products have to bee too!! However, there are also major benefits. Namely, biodegradable plastics are made from plants and result in a major reduction of greenhouse gas emmissions. Full article from @growingagreenfamily http://growingagreenfamily.com/how-eco-friendly-are-biodegradable-products/ #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 5, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT

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These are available at both @colessupermarkets and @igaaustralia . The product description from the http://www.multixgreener.com.au website states that these bags are "degradable and break down when exposed to the environment"… I've emailed them to find out exactly what that means. However, knowing the technical definition of "degradable" , my hunch is that it is a very specific "environment" indeed… #greenwashing #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 6, 2018 at 4:49pm PDT

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Credit where it's due, nice quick response… although somewhat ambiguous… From @multixaustralia "Dear Clare Thank you for our enquiry regarding the Multix range. There are two different products under the Greener trademark. One is the plant based compostable type and one is the degradable type. The complete degradation for all products depends entirely on factors such as exposure to moisture, air, sun, average temperature and even date of manufacture prior to use so we can't provide a precise complete degradation date unfortunately. Our packs are dated if you are concerned for any degradation of the product prior to use. The compostable bags is 1-3 months per "Australian Standard AS 5810-2010 Home Composting. Kind Regards Debra" I've asked for further clarification on the "degradable" bags… not compostable… #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 6, 2018 at 10:56pm PDT

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From @__onist__ The Biobags are made from sustainably sourced plant starch and are compostable, and will break down in ideal composting environments. I feel like a cynic bit what exactly is "ideal"? https://onist.com.au/biobag-compostable-corn-starch-bin-liner-8-litre-pack-of-75 #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 8, 2018 at 12:10am PDT

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Yes. #Repost @renata_malinauskas (@get_repost) • • • ????????????????‍♀️

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 9, 2018 at 1:44am PDT

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This was actually very cool. I searched "biodegradable packaging" and found a bunch of local businesses… and i love me some local smal business! Shout out to @biopak.au @betterpackagingco @packagingpeople @environmentalenterprises @vegwareoz @gogreenworld @envirochoicepackaging @greenpackaustralia To name a few! Many of these have biodegradable and compostable bin liners too! #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 9, 2018 at 11:05pm PDT

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So the verdict with the @multixaustralia "degradable" range: these bags don't need any chemical (or otherwise) treatments and will degrade in landfill at some indefinite point in time…. Hopefully within our lifetime ???? #betterisbetter #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 10, 2018 at 7:22pm PDT

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A little disappointed at the Collaroy Plateau IGA… not one of compostable or biodegradable bin liner to be seen ???? #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 11, 2018 at 11:47pm PDT

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This is interesting. Biodegradable bags are somewhat better in that they are less harmful from a manufacturing perspective, but may be equally problematic in terms of truely biodegrading. Article from @1millionwomen Full story: http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/plastic-bags-whats-difference-between-degradable-compostable-and-biodegradable Check out our story, for a Recycling Near You tool for Aussie residents… #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 13, 2018 at 12:22am PDT

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This is more like it. How to find the truly biodegradable bags from @choiceaustralia Full article: https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/packaging-labelling-and-advertising/packaging/articles/biodegradable-plastic #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 13, 2018 at 8:35pm PDT

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If you're in Oz, there's a great directory called Recycling Near Me, where you can run a post code search for your nearest recycling facility! #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 16, 2018 at 1:51am PDT

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Great article from @biomestores , an Aussie company, on some practical solutions regarding bin liners. Full article: https://www.biome.com.au/blog/naked-bin-no-plastic-bin-liner/ #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 16, 2018 at 2:10pm PDT

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So I was wondering, since bin liners are relatively new, what did we do in the 1950's, before they were invented? This is a lovely interview with the @onebrownplanet author's mum, born in the late 1940s. And some great tips at the end to wean yourself a little! https://www.onebrownplanet.com/life_before_plastic/ #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 17, 2018 at 11:46pm PDT

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And I thought taking a month to educate you on each change made things easy! But it gets EASIER with these guys!! #Repost @thechangebox • • • • • You know, we just looovvveee a good unboxing, especially this adorable one of our August Box from @kiahmills ????✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The August Box is jam-packed with products from @goodandclean_ , @powersuperfoods and @kojahealth ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Pop over to www.thechangebox.com.au to snap yours up!

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 20, 2018 at 9:37pm PDT

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Compostable coffee cups exist. Shop around and switch cafe's when you find one! #Repost @greenpackaustralia • • • • • An idea for custom branding coffee cups, like our awesome local customer @moonshineroasters, stamping on the side of compostable PLA single wall white cup and compostable CPLA white lid. Looking great! ???????????????????????????? #greenpackaustralia #coffee #compostable #eco #sustainableliving #plasticfree #alternative #australia #packaging #cafe #restaurant #coffeeroasters

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 21, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT

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Some good tips on both phasing OUT plastic bags and what alternative, biodegradable bin liners are the best: https://i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/life/95649397/plasticfree-kiwis-tips-to-quit-plastic-bags-for-good #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 22, 2018 at 11:34pm PDT

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@compostapak is an Australian company creating 100% compostable bin liners, doggy bags, and sustainable disposal kits. Head over to their website and read their story and show some love. Remember your purchase choices are political and environmental choices too. Choose this so we can grow the industry!! Website: https://compostapak.com.au #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 24, 2018 at 1:49pm PDT

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It's a fantastic, and long article, highly recommend. It's matter if fact about the pro's and con's of PLA over PET. For me, the main difference is it's better for the environment for manufacturing and it's non toxic to us! However, in the long run, it's still not perfect from an environmental standpoint. Full article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/corn-plastic-to-the-rescue-126404720/ #makeonechangesep18 @smithsonianmagazine

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 26, 2018 at 1:27am PDT

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This is what this page is about. Betterness. Together, being "better", doing "better", and thinking "better" means we make collective decisions that affect our environment. Like supermarkets that respond to "demand". We are that demand! #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 27, 2018 at 12:11am PDT

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@biobag @biobag_au compostable bin liners compost within 45 days… they have a great range of products and are working to improve what they already have too! Check 'am out at @floraandfaunaau https://www.floraandfauna.com.au #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 28, 2018 at 12:59am PDT

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How did you go? Do you feel more confident choosing plastics, or just seeing them in the first place? Keep reading packets, even if you've switched brands better ones will keep coming out. Got another challenge for you tomorrow!! #makeonechangesep18

A post shared by Make One Change (@make_one_change) on Sep 30, 2018 at 1:51am PDT