Meet the Team: Throughout Plastic Free July we will be introducing the Last team and sharing our own personal journey to plastic free living. Next up – Sotos.
1) How long have you been on your plastic free journey?
Almost a year and a half now.
2) What motivated you to start your plastic free journey?
I regularly go for scuba diving, especially in the summer when I go back to my home country, Greece. One day while scuba diving, saw more than 5 hermit crabs having tin cans as homes. It was a wakeup call and a call to action for me.
3) What item(s) did you start with and why?
Metal straws since I drink only and A LOT of cold coffees every day and I used to need more than 3 or 4 plastic straws per day.
4) What are some realisations, good and/or bad, you have had while on your personal journey?
A good one was that if you play it smart, in the long run, you can actually save money by using reusable items. A bad one was the realization that a vast majority of people have integrated plastic into their lives so much they cannot even fathom a life without it.
5) What has surprised you about the plastic free journey?
That is actually easy once you take the hang of it. And the plastic free internet communities are very helpful and supportive.
6) How did you feel at the start of your plastic free journey in comparison to how you feel now?
I felt unsure that my little change can have an actual impact. However, during this time I have influenced my partner and some members of my family to start using less and less plastic and be more mindful of the products they are buying.
7) What do you wish you knew when you started your plastic free journey?
The trivia that blew my mind is that chewing gums are made almost entirely of plastic! If you are obsessed with chewing gums make yourself a favour and the world as well and stick with healthier alternatives like, Simply Gum.
8) What would be most helpful to you on your plastic free journey and why?
A truly open platform where all people around the world devoted to plastic free lives can meet and share their stories.
That would be amazing especially for people that are taking their first steps into the plastic free life.
9) What are three beliefs you had about going plastic free that turned out to be incorrect?
- That cooking is going to be harder. Well it isn’t! Just buy a cast iron skillet, it is probably the best buy ever in regards to cooking!
- That Christmas is going to be a nightmare. Not even an inconvenience. We arranged for a new artificial tree made from artificial materials and all our presents were in plastic free containers or packaging!
- Parties would also be difficult to arrange. That can’t be further from the truth. You can invest in reusable and durable dishes, glasses and utensils and you have a very handy selection that can be used multiple times, in the end you save money, time and the world!
10) What are three pieces of advice you would give to anyone considering starting their plastic free journey?
- The farmers market is your friend!
- Stainless steel is also your friend. Packaging or water bottles you name it! They have a long life and they secure your food and drinks completely.
- Don’t give up and don’t despair. You are going to have slip ups, and that is totally fine. As long as you strive towards a greener future with less plastic in your life you are doing great!
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