The Plastic Replacement Experiment

July is Plastic Free Month, a global initiative encouraging us to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. One of the biggest culprits? Plastic shopping bags. These flimsy conveniences are polluting our oceans, choking wildlife and breaking down into micro- and nanoplastics that end up in our food, water, soil and air. We then unknowingly inhale and ingest these particles, which can penetrate our organs and cells, potentially leading to respiratory issues, cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, cardiovascular disease and more.

As an environmentally conscious person and borderline activist, I have long advocated for greener practices in both my personal and professional life. But translating good intentions into consistent action is not always straightforward.

Recently I purchased a sustainable cotton tote bag that proudly proclaims “100% vegan”. I bought it with enthusiasm, only to later learn that from an ecosystemic perspective, it would need to be used over 7,000 times to offset its full environmental impact.

These days, I use a collection of old conference tote bags for shopping (and politely decline new ones), and yes I too have a “boot of shame” filled with branded plastic bags from those days when I misjudged how much I’d be buying. Now I carry a large bag made of recycled plastic felt, filled with all my bags. In essence a “bag of bags”.

But avoiding plastic goes far beyond shopping bags. The plastic packaging that clings to fresh produce and dry goods is equally problematic. To reduce my footprint, I’ve started shopping at zero-waste stores, where you bring your own containers, jars and reusable produce bags.

My first trip was a mix of triumph and comic confusion. I filled cotton bags with rice, pasta, lentils and beans only to realise later I had no idea how to cook rice without the instructions on the packet. Online advice ranged from heartfelt anecdotes about rice-washing rituals to conflicting methods for microwave cooking. It took several experiments and unsuccessful attempts to get it right.

The red lentil pasta was even trickier to cook without the instructions. The first attempt ended in a starchy goo and the experiments continued whilst scientifically trying to figure out the best cooking approach.  Getting the lentils into the bag at the shop’s refill station was easy, but getting the lentils into the cute glass jar at home led to quite a spillage of lentils covering the floor, but eventually using an old-school funnel helped.

Using shampoo and conditioner bars was equally trial-and-error at first not knowing which of the three bars is the soap, shampoo or conditioner. Now I have travel soap tins that are well labelled.

Many shops these days sell reusable vegetable bags in their fruit and vegetable sections but they have also led to some social experimenting.  I had to convince the checkout staff more than once that the bag hosting the oranges is from my “bag of bags” and not one of theirs, which I would have to pay extra for. After several misunderstandings, I now decorate my bags with fabric paint so they’re recognisably mine.

I don’t just teach sustainability, I live it. I try, struggle, fail and learn because eventually these awkward experiments become sustainable habits. And they’re worth it.

South African businesses, from grassroots to major brands, are making it easier to live single use plastic bag and container free. By choosing reusable options, we can all save money whilst improving the health of our environment and ourselves in the process.

It will take time, experimentation and determination to get to a point where reusable is the norm, but it is deeply satisfying to know that you are part of the solution.

This July, run your own plastic replacement experiment. Grab your cloth bags, containers and your own “bag of bags” and head to the shops. Try a shampoo bar and tooth paste tablets. Fill your jars with lentils, nuts and pasta. Laugh at the small mishaps. Learn as you go.

Your health, the ecosystem and the sea turtle who won’t mistake a plastic bag for its dinner, will thank you.

Dr Lize Barclay is a Senior Lecturer in Futures Studies and Systems Thinking at Stellenbosch Business School