As the saying goes “practice makes perfect” and this Plastic Free July is no exception.

At the start of the month I made a vow to reduce plastic at the checkout and although there’s still room for improvement, I have made some awesome changes.

I’ve been making a conscious effort to switch some things out, particularly in the cleaning product aisle.

A Chemical Free Cleaning Product Workshop, hosted by Wastebusters Alexandra on Sunday, July 24, proved just how easy it is to make many of those products at home.

Twelve people attended the workshop, led by tutors Shona Bain and Zuleyha Bingul who provided some simple recipes.

Shona runs classes in the community for Central Otago Reap. Her aim is to educate people to help them reduce, recycle and revamp plastic from their lives.

Volunteer Zuleyha also came on board to support sustainable living and share one of the recipes she uses at home.

We started with colourful bath bombs, which set the tone for a fun afternoon.

While our bath bombs dried we moved onto a multi-purpose cleaner and baby wipes.

Each product took just minutes to whip up, and that was while we chatted about other recipes and ideas.

Before we knew it, we had three products to take home, along with the recipes so we could recreate them.

The workshop has given me the drive to continue on my mission to reduce plastic at the check out, and I’m confident that it won’t be long before my “conscious effort” will become habit.

Plastic Free July events

For the Blue screening

Wānaka, Cinema Paradiso, Friday, July 29, 7pm-9pm

Tickets $15, available at wastebusters.co.nz

Alexandra, Central Cinema, Friday, July 29, 5.30pm

Tickets, free, but limited, available by emailing [email protected]