How to utilise the plastic bag ban in Australia -

We know that the environment isn't in the best shape right now, and it's the reason for this inconvenient plastic bag ban. But what things can we do to easily minimise waste?

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Everyday - Here are a few handy tips and tricks to lessen our everyday waste without hassle.

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Pollution - Plastic bags have been the focus of national supermarket news as of late, and for good reason. They are one of the major contributors to environmental harm.

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Years - These plastic bags have been used consistently by supermarkets for years, but each bag takes about 1000 years to decompose.

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Zero Waste Movement - U.S. author of 'Zero Waste Home' Bea Johnson uses the five R's to try and achieve a zero waste lifestyle, accoridng to news.com.au.

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Biodegradable - Johnson also said studies have shown that only when exposed to light and air do biodegradable bags decompose, which doesn't happen in landfill.

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The five R's - We are used to the three R's, but Johnson has added two. She adds refuse and rot. Here are some helpful tips to follow to minimise waste.

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1. Refuse - Refusing unnecessary items like free plastic bags, straws, promotional mail, and even pens given out at conferences.

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Minimalist - Becoming a minimalist will help with this step. Or at least refusing people by saying you are a minimalist might be a bit more palatable.

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De-clutter - Plus, it'll mean there is less clutter around the place, meaning less rubbish later in landfill.

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No Junk Mail - When we accept any of these items, then there becomes a demand to make more, creating more waste.

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2. Reduce - Only buy products you need. By doing so you don't have items going unused or to waste.

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Food - There are organic food stores that allow you to bring your own bags/containers and fill them with the exact amount you need of the ingredient. This means you only buy what you need, not in bulk or with unnecessary packaging.

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Electronics - Because of the nature of modern technology, electronics go out-of-date quite quickly. You can try to sell or donate older items for parts.

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Proactive - Another tip to make things easier when you're out, let the people serving you know beforehand that you'd appreciate to be waste free - no straws, cloth napkins, etc. And avoid takeaway packaging.

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3. Reuse - Using simple items like tea towels instead of hand towels, stainless steel razors instead of plastic, and canvas bags instead of plastic bags aren't too much of hassle either.

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Disposables - Avoid using disposable items where possible, for example menstrual products. Medical grade silicone cups or absorbent and hygienic materials can be reused.

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Morning cuppa - And you don't have to go without a coffee, but you can go without the cup. Bringing your own cup may also make the coffee a little cheaper depending where you go.

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Donate - Op-shops, thrift stores and vintage boutiques are great for household items, clothes, shoes, unique pieces, and doesn't create any waste.

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Re-purpose - Sometimes it's difficult to reuse things all the time. But if you get creative you might find a way to re-purpose items that will reduce waste.

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4. Recycle - The first three steps are the most important, if you can't do those, then recycling is the next step.

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Recognition - Recognising whether something is recyclable or not is important, and so is placing it into the correct bin.

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Over and over - Materials like glass and metal can continually be recycled.

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Plastic - But once plastic is recycled, it cannot be recycled again after that. It only has one use once recycled.

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Smartphones -

Johnson said if her smartphone breaks she will get it repaired and if it can't be fixed, she sells it to the repair shop for the parts straight away.

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Demand -

"If we hang on to it for 15 years, there’s no demand for the parts." She said.

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5. Rot - This refers to composting. Food products that aren't used should be composted so it doesn't go to landfill.

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Beneficial - And also if you're not super into gardening, it is extremely beneficial for soil.

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Communal - If you live close to a communal garden, they would happily accept your compost if you let them know in advance.

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Little changes - These little changes can help greatly in the long run. And it also means you don't have to take out the wheelie bin as often!

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'War on Waste' - At this year's Logie Awards, Jodi Boylan and Craig Reucassel won the award for outstanding factual or documentary program. It is a very helpful resource on learning more about society and waste.

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