Out of all our products we are 97.6% Plastic free
For each product we worked out the percentages of plastic (or plastic derived materials), then we divided each percentage by all of our products and added up the total. This total was 2.4% (or 2.38% to be really precise). This is mostly due to the sanitary wear and nappies which have to be lined with PUL in order to be leak proof.
Packaging we send:
We never send any plastic packaging out with our orders. We use paper, cardboard and paper tape (and sometimes left over wrapping paper from christmas!). It is always recyclable and most of the time re-used. You may also receive corn starch nuggets which can be dissolved in water and are totally safe and home compostable as we sometimes re-use the ones we are sent.
Packaging we receive:
We do sometimes receive bubble wrap from suppliers. In these cases we contact the supplier to see if they can change and in most of the cases they have. Any left over bubble wrap is donated to companies who can put it to good use. We also supply our spare cardboard boxes to local farms who use it for no dig gardening.
Products that contain plastic of any kind:
Bamboo toothbrushes – our toothbrushes have nylon fibres (some with only 40% but it is still plastic based). We are always on the look out for a vegan and plastic free toothbrush but currently we haven’t been able to source one.
Loose tea packets have a bioplastic liner, it is certified compostable (7P0466 DIN EN 13432) so can be commercially composted and home composted in sophisticated set ups.
Reusable breast pads, reusable period pads, nappies and waterproof bags have PUL liners which is plastic based to act as a barrier for moisture. We stock these as they are reusable and replace using the single use alternatives.
Some bamboo fabrics are mixed with around 10% nylon for the fabric consistency. This is known to be for the bamboo nappy liners and baba and boo bamboo terry wipes.
The keep leaf bags have a polyester liner to keep it waterproof. We stock this product as it is reusable and replaces single use plastic.
Cosmetic product tins and glass jars often have a plastic liner under the lid in order to create a seal when tightened. It is also a legal requirement for cosmetic product freshness and integrity by preventing contamination. We do have some brands which have switched these to compostable alternatives, currenlty on the ecoliving vegan omega 3 capsules. It is likely as more options come available we will have fewer products with the LDPE seal.
Refill containers
Our in store refill products come in plastic containers. The alternative could be stainless steel (as this wouldn’t create any chemical reactions with the products). However, stainless steel would largely increase the weight, creating more carbon on transportation. The containers from green goddess and flawless are sent back and refilled. All other 5L containers are either donated or recycled.