Today’s Green Tips Advent Calendar windows opens to stop using plastic. You’re probably well aware of all the headlines about the catastrophic effects of plastic pollution, but as well as being a major contributor to pollution and climate change, it also kills marine life and potentially us too!
So, no more plastic straws?
Single-use plastic isn’t just damaging, especially for our oceans, it’s also unnecessary; the first thing to do is to ditch the plastic straws and get yourself a metal one. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can ask your local pubs and restaurants to only serve plastic straws upon request. You can also replace plastic cutlery with reusable options.
Buy a reusable bottle or cup
There’s no need to buy plastic bottles of water from supermarkets. Why not buy a reusable bottle instead? You can even download Refill – an app which shows you where your nearest refill station is! While you’re at it, buy a reusable coffee cup. Some coffee outlets will actually charge you a little less if you bring a reusable coffee cup, so everybody wins.
Packed lunches, not meal deals
You’ve probably been psyching yourself up to start doing this for a while now, so let this be the last little boost you needed. Perfectly recyclable pasta pots and sandwich boxes often end up in the bin if we’re racing through the centre of town, so do the planet (and your wallet) a favour and start making packed lunches. This means that you can bring your own metal cutlery, too.
Buy loose veg
When you are choosing between buying loose or packed veg, always go for loose. Not only are you forgoing unnecessary plastic, you’re also buying just what you need. Less plastic, less waste. Simple.
Buy in Bulk
Buying office supplies in bulk or even food in bigger packets can also reduce plastic waste and save money.
Don’t be caught without a shopping bag
Many of us will be making far too many trips to the supermarket over the festive season, so make sure you always keep a sturdy shopping bag folded up in your car or rucksack. This way, when you inevitably pop in on the way home, you’re prepared.
Beware Teabags
Some teabags contain hidden plastics such as glues used to seal the bags, in the fabric of the bag itself, or in the packaging. For this reason, not all teabags can go into garden compost as they won’t break down (or may break down into microplastics). And some alternative bags, such as those made from polylactic acid (PLA), can’t go in your council food waste collection. Always check what you can put in your food bin where you live, using your council website. To avoid these plastics, try loose leaf tea which can be used with a strainer, or reusable teabags. Alternatively, look for brands that are taking action to remove plastic from their tea – try bags that are unbleached and organic, in cardboard packaging.
Find refill stations for detergents and food
Big brands are starting to take this refill concept seriously; you should, too. When your anti-bacterial spray or washing up liquid runs out, look for refill pouches or stations – don’t just grab a new bottle!
Go one step further and shop at a refill store, we have an excellent one in Wellingborough, called Food for Thought in Nene Court where Kerry and her team will help you with all sorts of foods, including treats and yes, even detergents!
Support companies that are committed to sustainable packaging
One of the most important things that you can do to help reduce plastic pollution: support companies that package their goods responsibly, and avoid those that don’t, i.e. avoid products with excess or unnecessary plastic packaging. These days, companies succeed by aligning themselves ethically with their target market. This a consumer-driven trend with a positive impact on the environment, so we should keep it alive.
Ditch the cling wrap
Unlike cling film that cannot be recycled, consider alternatives such as aluminium foil which can be recycled. If you are using foil, make sure you clean it and put it in the recycling bin after use. Another alternative is Beeswax Wraps. Made using 100% cotton, pine resin, jojoba oil and various waxes they are a reusable and sustainable alternative to cling film, and no nasties will leach into your food while it’s stored. Other alternatives include reusable lunchboxes, or elasticated fabric bowl covers which are useful for storing bowls of food in the fridge.
Give up gum
In England, around 87% of streets are stained with gum (Keep Britain Tidy) so always make sure you dispose of chewing gum in an appropriate bin, never on the floor. Did you know conventional chewing gum is made from plastic? This makes it take longer to decompose and it will break down into microplastics. Several plastic-free alternatives are now on the shelves, so look for brands that detail the ingredients of their gum and are committed to ending plastic pollution.
Glitter, the one member of the party that NEVER leaves!
All glitter is made from plastic. Due to its size and composition, glitter can last for many years in natural environments, breaking down into smaller microplastics and being ingested by wildlife. Even biodegradable glitter is a myth. There is no legal limit on how long it takes to decompose in the natural environment before it is called ‘biodegradable’, so many of the biodegradable glitters could last as long as plastic. It also has the same impact on wildlife and the natural environment – small particles are easily ingested by wildlife and could have harmful effects. Instead, steer clear of all glitter and opt for alternative decorations instead. Similarly Avoid products with microbeads. Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that contribute to ocean plastic pollution too.
Plastic pollution is the most visible example of the havoc we’re causing to our planet. From our local beaches to the remote Arctic, it is choking our oceans and killing wildlife. We need everyone to stop using plastic, but if it’s too daunting to know where to start, try making one small change at a time and committing to it. For example, could you switch to a glass ketchup bottle instead of a squeaky plastic one? When you’re finished, wash it out and reuse it, refill it, or recycle it appropriately.
And if removing plastic from your life completely is unfeasible, make your plastic containers go further. For example, when a plastic bottle finishes, try your local refill shop and fill those containers with new products including wet and dry goods. We can also reuse containers like old butter and ice cream tubs as sandwich boxes, useful tubs for screws or nails, or planters for seedlings. How ever you stop using plastic, have a Merry Christmas everyone!