Tea bags
Many tea bags contain plastic to stop them breaking apart in hot water.
- Heat sealed tea bags with crimped edges usually contain polypropylene
- 'Silken' or pyramid tea bags are typically plastic, not silk
- Some string and tag tea bags include plastic fibres
Alternatives include:
- Loose leaf tea used with a stainless-steel infuser or teapot strainer
- Certified plastic-free tea bags made from paper or plant fibres
- Compostable tea bags with no strings or tags, or cotton string only
Chewing gum
Most chewing gum contains plastic. Ingredients usually list 'gum base', which commonly includes polyethylene or similar synthetic polymers -- and it can hang around in the environment for years.
Swap to natural, plastic-free chewing gum made with chicle, a natural tree sap, instead of synthetic gum base -- usually available at health food stores.
Drink cans
Aluminium drink cans are lined with a thin plastic coating; the good news is that cans are still accepted in kerbside recycling because the lining is removed during processing. Just be sure to put them into your recycling bin. Some cans can also be redeemed for 10 cents through the Containers for Change programme.
Wrapping paper
Glossy, metallic or glittery wrapping paper is often coated with plastic.
Reusable or recyclable wrapping options include:
- Plain brown paper or recycled craft paper -- recyclable and widely available
- Fabric wrapping using tea towels, scarves or fabric gift wrap -- great for repeat use
- Old newspapers or magazines
- Reusable gift bags
Shopping receipts
Most receipts are printed on thermal paper coated with plastic and aren't suitable for recycling. Instead:
- Swap to digital receipts via your phone number or email address.
- Decline receipts unless you genuinely need them
Microfibre cloths
Microfibre cloths are made from polyester or nylon. When washed, they shed microplastics that pass through wastewater treatment and end up in WA waterways and oceans.
- Swap to natural fibre cleaning cloths such as cotton.
- Use cellulose-based cleaning cloths that are compostable.
- Use old cotton T-shirts or towels by cutting them into rags.
Dish sponges
Most kitchen sponges are made from plastic polymers. As they wear down, they release microplastics and have to be disposed of in general waste.
Try swapping to plastic-free dishwashing tools:
- Cellulose sponges that are compostable
- Loofah dish sponges made from plant fibres
- Coconut fibre scourers for tougher cleaning jobs
Disposable coffee cups
Takeaway cups look like cardboard but contain a plastic lining. These cups cannot go in kerbside recycling and belong in general waste (unless accepted by a specialist recycling program).
Instead, you can:
- Carry a reusable coffee cup.
- Sit in the café and use ceramic cups when time allows
- If takeaway is unavoidable, ask if the café participates in a cup return or recycling program
Disposable plates and bowls
Many paper plates, bowls and takeaway containers have a plastic coating for grease resistance.
Swap to reusable or certified compostable options:
- Reusable plates and bowls for picnics and gatherings
- Certified compostable plates made from sugarcane bagasse or palm leaf
- If using compostables, check they're suitable for your compost system
