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Quitting Plastic
Where do you start if you want to reduce the plastic in your life? Especially when most of us are wearing it, eating and drinking from it, sitting on it, walking on it, and probably even ingesting it. Anywhere you go, plastic is within easy reach - even in Antarctica and the North Pole.
We didn't quit plastic overnight. In fact, it's still a work in progress. But along the way, we have learnt a lot by researching the issue from the grass roots up, speaking to people, and finding out what works and what doesn't. We answer the tricky questions, like 'How will I wash my hair?', 'Do I have to give up crackers?', 'What about my bin liner?' and 'Is this going to be expensive?'
As we continue to remove throw-away plastics from our daily lives, we've discovered we're friendlier with our local communities, we're eating healthier food, and de-cluttering happens by itself. It feels great!
We didn't quit plastic overnight. In fact, it's still a work in progress. But along the way, we have learnt a lot by researching the issue from the grass roots up, speaking to people, and finding out what works and what doesn't. We answer the tricky questions, like 'How will I wash my hair?', 'Do I have to give up crackers?', 'What about my bin liner?' and 'Is this going to be expensive?'
As we continue to remove throw-away plastics from our daily lives, we've discovered we're friendlier with our local communities, we're eating healthier food, and de-cluttering happens by itself. It feels great!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2019
15 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 9, 2020
An excellent book that I picked up at the local post office. Great, easy ideas to get you started on reducing plastics in your life with lots of information and places to continue researching. Thoroughly worth buying!
May 15, 2020
This book was an interesting experience for me.
I enjoyed most of the explanations. They were simple to understand and gave me an insight into today's plastics' past and how said plastic came to be the exact thing it is today and how it amassed such an importance along the way.
But I do feel the need to say that, as a 20-year-old woman in today's society, I already knew most of the things Roldan wants to teach about reducing our plastic waste. Most of her comments were straight up simple general knowledge: reuse, reduce, recycle.
In all, I do recommend this book for people who have never given their plastic consumption a second thought. I did not do much for me though.
I enjoyed most of the explanations. They were simple to understand and gave me an insight into today's plastics' past and how said plastic came to be the exact thing it is today and how it amassed such an importance along the way.
But I do feel the need to say that, as a 20-year-old woman in today's society, I already knew most of the things Roldan wants to teach about reducing our plastic waste. Most of her comments were straight up simple general knowledge: reuse, reduce, recycle.
In all, I do recommend this book for people who have never given their plastic consumption a second thought. I did not do much for me though.
November 22, 2019
4.5*
A really great introduction to a terribly overwhelming subject: giving up plastic.
It includes lots of really great examples for how to reduce plastic in your every day life, and acknowledges that it can feel very overwhelming - but that we don’t need to go 100% plastic free right away. Rather than one person doing plastic free perfectly, it’s all about many people doing plastic free imperfectly.
Especially great because it is Australian, so very easily relatable.
A must read to get you started.
A really great introduction to a terribly overwhelming subject: giving up plastic.
It includes lots of really great examples for how to reduce plastic in your every day life, and acknowledges that it can feel very overwhelming - but that we don’t need to go 100% plastic free right away. Rather than one person doing plastic free perfectly, it’s all about many people doing plastic free imperfectly.
Especially great because it is Australian, so very easily relatable.
A must read to get you started.
August 29, 2021
Great book, easy to read with a big impact. The book has simple ideas, examples and suggestions about how to reduce plastic in our lives. While not all are practical for me, I will certainly change some habits.
June 23, 2020
Very interesting and helpful
October 9, 2020
This book is a good comprehensive guide to lowering your plastic use without feeling overwhelm. There's tons of great tips and solutions that are ranked by ease. Highly suggest for anyone looking to reduce the amount of single use items in their life!
February 24, 2019
Much food for thought. I’ll start by evaluating plastics we purchase and we’re already going for alternatives. Sunlight soap, white vinegar and bicarbonate soda on next shopping list.
September 3, 2020
I picked up this book after seeing it in the supermarket and figured there were more ways I was interested in learning that I could reduce my plastic use because I've never read a book on it. I've just come across things, googled plastic reduction and just read websites, and looked into things as I'm made aware. However, this book didn't really offer any new information to me that I didn't already know as someone who is already interested in/conscious of my environmental impact (I'm 26). This book is suitable for someone who has not really been made aware about their plastic consumption or yet begun reducing their plastic use at all before. It offers the basic suggestions to offset the most frequently used and trashed plastic options for reusable coffee cups, reusable water bottles, tote bags, and metal straws. I think her suggestions to shop at local food markets and bulk stores to avoid plastic was great too if you aren't aware of how to avoid plastic while shopping for food.
I will note some of the things that I learned:
1. Teabags may be made with synthetic mesh or with paper that has plastic additives that don't break down. I had always placed teabags in the compost bin, unaware that I needed to check if brands used plastic in the tea bags! Now I will stick to loose-leaf teas or research a brand before purchasing.
2. Every woman uses 10,000-16,000 disposable sanitary products in their lifetime. That statistic has me seriously looking into a DivaCup. I don't know if this is TMI, but I had previously looked for tampons with no applicators and less plastic but now I really want to avoid them altogether. Being confronted with this statistic definitely stunned me - though I don't know why I hadn't looked into that before. I suppose the less plastic tampons seemed like the solution but now I'd like to get away from using them at all.
3. There are things like a GuppyFriend and a Cora Ball that can help trap microfibers that aren't biodegradable that shed off your clothing in the washer to prevent them from entering the waterways. I didn't know there were options available for something like that but I'm glad I do now.
Other than that, I didn't really get much from this book. It's also specifically geared towards Australians/New Zealanders. Her suggestions of brands, companies, and organizations to follow are all based there.
I will note some of the things that I learned:
1. Teabags may be made with synthetic mesh or with paper that has plastic additives that don't break down. I had always placed teabags in the compost bin, unaware that I needed to check if brands used plastic in the tea bags! Now I will stick to loose-leaf teas or research a brand before purchasing.
2. Every woman uses 10,000-16,000 disposable sanitary products in their lifetime. That statistic has me seriously looking into a DivaCup. I don't know if this is TMI, but I had previously looked for tampons with no applicators and less plastic but now I really want to avoid them altogether. Being confronted with this statistic definitely stunned me - though I don't know why I hadn't looked into that before. I suppose the less plastic tampons seemed like the solution but now I'd like to get away from using them at all.
3. There are things like a GuppyFriend and a Cora Ball that can help trap microfibers that aren't biodegradable that shed off your clothing in the washer to prevent them from entering the waterways. I didn't know there were options available for something like that but I'm glad I do now.
Other than that, I didn't really get much from this book. It's also specifically geared towards Australians/New Zealanders. Her suggestions of brands, companies, and organizations to follow are all based there.
February 17, 2019
Easy and practical ways to cut down the plastic in your life
Author Clara Williams is an environmental policy advisor, so she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to plastic pollution. Clara’s mother and co-author is a Walkley Award-winning journalist and knows how to write to get attention. It’s this pairing which makes Quitting Plastic a smart, positive read for anyone trying to reduce their household waste.
In this cute looking little book are ten plastic free hacks to reduce plastic which you may not even think you use every day. Yes, the takeaway coffee cup has taken the biggest hit with shows such as the ABC’s The War On Waste and the welcome trend of KeepCup and similar reusable coffee and water bottles. But, for example, did you know it was better for the environment to switch your shower gel for soap?
What I like about this book is that it makes you feel good about taking steps, however small in your daily life to reduce the plastic in your life. It isn’t preachy and won’t shame you for not fitting all your waste into one jam jar each week. What Quitting Plastic does do it help you navigate your local grocery store so you take more food home and less plastic. It also shines a light on Australian companies and groups who can help you with plastic reduction and shares inspirational stories from environmental gamem changers.
Who Should Read Quitting Plastic?
The mother-daughter writers of Quitting Plastic share their knowledge, and honest experiences. For example; completely switching to natural products in your hair may not work for everyone, you may end up with greasy locks and requires a lot of commitment. What I particularly liked is that each tip comes with easy, medium, hard, and ‘it’s personal’ symbols so you can ease into plastic reduction without overwhelming yourself and giving up.
Quitting Plastic is a handy sized book which will live on your desk, your coffee table or in the kitchen, helping you on your way to plastic-free living with easy tips and positive vibes.
Author Clara Williams is an environmental policy advisor, so she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to plastic pollution. Clara’s mother and co-author is a Walkley Award-winning journalist and knows how to write to get attention. It’s this pairing which makes Quitting Plastic a smart, positive read for anyone trying to reduce their household waste.
In this cute looking little book are ten plastic free hacks to reduce plastic which you may not even think you use every day. Yes, the takeaway coffee cup has taken the biggest hit with shows such as the ABC’s The War On Waste and the welcome trend of KeepCup and similar reusable coffee and water bottles. But, for example, did you know it was better for the environment to switch your shower gel for soap?
What I like about this book is that it makes you feel good about taking steps, however small in your daily life to reduce the plastic in your life. It isn’t preachy and won’t shame you for not fitting all your waste into one jam jar each week. What Quitting Plastic does do it help you navigate your local grocery store so you take more food home and less plastic. It also shines a light on Australian companies and groups who can help you with plastic reduction and shares inspirational stories from environmental gamem changers.
Who Should Read Quitting Plastic?
The mother-daughter writers of Quitting Plastic share their knowledge, and honest experiences. For example; completely switching to natural products in your hair may not work for everyone, you may end up with greasy locks and requires a lot of commitment. What I particularly liked is that each tip comes with easy, medium, hard, and ‘it’s personal’ symbols so you can ease into plastic reduction without overwhelming yourself and giving up.
Quitting Plastic is a handy sized book which will live on your desk, your coffee table or in the kitchen, helping you on your way to plastic-free living with easy tips and positive vibes.
August 1, 2025
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
An okay intro to reducing plastic for environmental reasons. There are some good suggestions and tips for starting to live with less plastic. The text is short and to the point, which was nice.
The book covers a variety of areas to cut down your plastic use such as clothing, cleaning, cooking, and parenting.
Since the book was published in 2019, some of the information is a bit dated. It also focuses on resources in Australia specifically so international readers may find it less helpful.
The book also suggests making your own products instead of buying them in plastic. However, there are very few recipes and instead readers are encouraged to look online to learn how to make them. This was fine, but kind of seemed like it made the book redundant if I'm just going to look for the information online.
There are also a few typos which can be confusing at times (multiple references to menstrual cups being made of silicon instead of silicone).
At the back are a list of websites and organizations for learning more about environmentalism and the cost of plastic.
Okay read overall.
An okay intro to reducing plastic for environmental reasons. There are some good suggestions and tips for starting to live with less plastic. The text is short and to the point, which was nice.
The book covers a variety of areas to cut down your plastic use such as clothing, cleaning, cooking, and parenting.
Since the book was published in 2019, some of the information is a bit dated. It also focuses on resources in Australia specifically so international readers may find it less helpful.
The book also suggests making your own products instead of buying them in plastic. However, there are very few recipes and instead readers are encouraged to look online to learn how to make them. This was fine, but kind of seemed like it made the book redundant if I'm just going to look for the information online.
There are also a few typos which can be confusing at times (multiple references to menstrual cups being made of silicon instead of silicone).
At the back are a list of websites and organizations for learning more about environmentalism and the cost of plastic.
Okay read overall.
Read
August 25, 2020Super interesting and well researched book however I didn't really find many things for me to take away. It was great how they phrased their ideas on a scale from easy to hard, but personally most of their suggestions I either already do or can't do. As someone that is young and doesn't have a lot of money it is hard to buy quality clothes with natural fibres or shop ethically on a budget especially when you don't into the 6-12 size range. Also so many of the suggestions that fit my price range require lots of energy which I don't have (chronic fatigue wooo). And switching to homemade or no shampoo really doesn't work in my hair because it is both oily and wavy so it needs very specific care. I think there is so much gold in this book but because I don't fit the typical mould of who this book is targeted towards it is hard to put their suggestions in practice.
January 17, 2022
1. This book is geared towards New Zealand and Australia. Tips are still good for other areas, but specifics might not apply to you.
2. Some tips are better than others. The section on floss sticks out, where they suggested bamboo toothpicks. Flossing is different and necessary for dental health.
Overall a quick and good read to get a good start on learning about plastic waste and what you can do to combat it. Love that they rate tips on easy they are to implement.
2. Some tips are better than others. The section on floss sticks out, where they suggested bamboo toothpicks. Flossing is different and necessary for dental health.
Overall a quick and good read to get a good start on learning about plastic waste and what you can do to combat it. Love that they rate tips on easy they are to implement.
June 1, 2023
This book is definitely written from the perspective of an Australian writing for Australians and other people in Oceana but it is still valuable for people from other countries / continents. As the name suggests it's about about quitting plastic and gives some actionable tips as well as resources. It was a quick read and I could recommend it especially for someone just getting started with decreasing their plastic consumption.
March 21, 2019
Quitting Plastic has so much useful information, great tips for bringing less plastic into our homes. We're at the beginning of the end of single-use plastic.
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February 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, considering how overwhelming the topic can be. The information presented was light but informative,’. Very easy to read, wasn’t preachy and the changes suggested are definitely achievable.
August 6, 2020
Lots of good ideas, along with how difficult it is to implement each of them. Giving up plastic, or reducing it, isn't easy. But each time I read a little bit more of this book I wanted to do more to get it out of my life. Worth a read.
August 28, 2021
This book was really comprehensive. The author understands that you may not be able to do everything, or want to do everything and she reassures you, she can't either. But, if you want to try, she lays out every way possible to cut back completely on plastic. Even with clothing!
July 22, 2023
Really great conscious ways to reduce everyday plastic, sometimes the filler parts were a bit excessive and I often skipped over them but all in all it has some great concepts that I will adapt/have adapted in my everyday life.
March 7, 2019
Useful, thought provoking, relevant.
July 17, 2019
Great suggestions to move forward but what do we do with the existing home surplus?
June 26, 2020
Its the best book ever 💕🐰
May 5, 2021
Lots of helpful suggestions. It's written by an Australian author so many of the references aren't applicable to the States, but still very worthwhile.
May 25, 2021
Enjoyed the read
Not too preachy, good simple information to consider. Easy to read and liked the references to home
Not too preachy, good simple information to consider. Easy to read and liked the references to home
September 27, 2021
Sadly I just couldn't get as worked up as the author over plastics.
February 18, 2024
Staan nuttige en makkelijk te implementeren tips in!
August 20, 2020
Quitting Plastic is a quick guide to quitting plastic! Plastic has insidiously invaded modern society due to its convenience and perceived cleanliness. But the throwaway nature of plastic is killing the environment and isn’t sustainable. This is a great book to introduce people to the concept of reducing plastic waste.
First off, there are lots of interesting (and horrifying) facts about the true amount of plastic in the world. Then there are practical and accessible ways to approach quitting plastic. Something I found particularly good was that each tip comes with easy, medium, hard, and ‘it’s personal’ symbols. Just a few little steps can make a huge difference. As per the starfish parable – it makes a difference to that one (original story, story in common use). If one less plastic straw makes it into the body of a turtle, that’s a big deal to that turtle!
For a person like me who has already done a lot (I hope) to reduce my plastic impact (and I honestly feel sick when I see the amount of plastic trash around) this might serve as a guilty reminder that we could be doing more. For example, I should be washing the foil seals of dip containers and putting them in a can to be recycled.
At the time of me publishing this review many councils in Victoria have decided to stop taking recycling – so in fact it’s all going to the tip. So now is a good time to think about the Zero Waste initiative and the five Rs – refuse, reduce, reuse (+repair), recycle and rot. I actually rot quite a lot of paper waste because I have !6! compost bins, but I still have a very full recycle bin.
My co-blogger Kyria has already requested that she be next in line to read and review this book. Her journey to reduce plastic is beginning – and I know she and her family will get lots of helpful tips. Just realising how easy it is to do some of the options is the first step. Pick this book up for yourself, read it, take notes and pass it on to someone else who you know is ready to reduce plastic.
Did you enjoy this goodreads review? If so you may find it useful to visit my blog The Cosy Dragon . I regularly post new reviews on a variety of genres.
First off, there are lots of interesting (and horrifying) facts about the true amount of plastic in the world. Then there are practical and accessible ways to approach quitting plastic. Something I found particularly good was that each tip comes with easy, medium, hard, and ‘it’s personal’ symbols. Just a few little steps can make a huge difference. As per the starfish parable – it makes a difference to that one (original story, story in common use). If one less plastic straw makes it into the body of a turtle, that’s a big deal to that turtle!
For a person like me who has already done a lot (I hope) to reduce my plastic impact (and I honestly feel sick when I see the amount of plastic trash around) this might serve as a guilty reminder that we could be doing more. For example, I should be washing the foil seals of dip containers and putting them in a can to be recycled.
At the time of me publishing this review many councils in Victoria have decided to stop taking recycling – so in fact it’s all going to the tip. So now is a good time to think about the Zero Waste initiative and the five Rs – refuse, reduce, reuse (+repair), recycle and rot. I actually rot quite a lot of paper waste because I have !6! compost bins, but I still have a very full recycle bin.
My co-blogger Kyria has already requested that she be next in line to read and review this book. Her journey to reduce plastic is beginning – and I know she and her family will get lots of helpful tips. Just realising how easy it is to do some of the options is the first step. Pick this book up for yourself, read it, take notes and pass it on to someone else who you know is ready to reduce plastic.
Did you enjoy this goodreads review? If so you may find it useful to visit my blog The Cosy Dragon . I regularly post new reviews on a variety of genres.
January 12, 2020
Excellent way to get started & not feel overwhelmed!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews