#PlasticFreeJuly: 5 quick and easy swaps to reduce your plastic usage (beyond July)
As #PlasticFreeJuly comes to an end, we thought about different ways in which we can carry this movement forward to the rest of the year, as well as the years to come!
The problem with plastic is that it won’t go away, and so it will remain in our environment, predominantly our rivers and oceans. In fact, around 5 trillion pieces of plastic currently litter our oceans. Thankfully, there are things we can do to improve this figure such as supporting great projects like The Ocean CleanUp (the biggest ocean clean-up in history), getting involved in challenges such as Plastic Free July, talking about it to your friends and family (to raise awareness) and making some simple lifestyle changes that reduce your use of single-use plastic.
Below are 5 simple switches you can make that won't break the bank, but will have a huge impact on how we look after our planet, oceans and life!
1. Bring your own reusable bag when grocery shopping
Used to getting the “bags for life” offered at supermarkets every time you forget to bring your own? Turns out they are not that great! In fact, “bags for life” are exacerbating the plastic problem. A report by the Environmental Investigation Agency found that the carbon footprint of a typical ‘bag-for-life’ is equivalent to that of a conventional single-use carrier, it needs to be used at least 4 times if it is a thin polyethylene bag and at least 11 times if it is a thicker polypropylene bag. And let’s face it, people are not doing this.
Opt instead for a foldable shopping bag, ideally with a clip and attach it to your keys - that way you will never be caught without a bag! Another tip to avoid forgetting your bag is to keep in the car, handbag or next to your house keys.
2. Refuse Single-use coffee cups with plastic lids
There are plenty of great options out there on the market to finally put your single-use cup habit to bed. This reusable cup is a great alternative, made from bamboo it is built to last. Plus most takeaway coffee places, such as Pret, Paul, Starbucks or Costa offer discounts for using your own cup - so it ends up paying for itself!
3. Cotton buds
We're all familiar with that iconic photo of the Seahorse floating along with a cotton bud. Unfortunately, even after seeing that shocking reality of how marine life is being affected by our habits, many people still choose to use plastic, single-use cotton buds.
Luckily, most supermarkets and stores now sell 100% cotton, or paper stemmed buds that are biodegradable, there are even reusable buds in the market! So there's no excuse not to make this easy switch.
4. Organic and reusable sanitary products
Have a look at your bathroom cupboard. Yes, plastic tampon applicators may be more comfortable to insert, but there really wasn't anything wrong with the cardboard ones. Cardboard applicators are often cheaper too!
Another option is reusable sanitary items, such as the Dame tampon applicator, the menstrual cup (such as Lunette or Mooncup), or even period pants (like Thinx or Flux)- all of these will allow you to reduce waste, save money and the planet!
5. Cling-film/sandwich bags
With the amount of Tupperware our cupboards are full of, it is surprising how much cling film is still used on a daily basis. Make a switch to beeswax food covers and sandwich bags that keep your food just as fresh!
For a more sustainable Tupperware option, when yours finally need replacing, try these beautiful stainless steel and bamboo lunch boxes that are made to last.
Already do all of the above? We have a couple more ideas for you...
Get yourself a reusable water bottle - most pubs or takeaway places will be happy to fill your bottle up from the tap for free! Most parks will also have water fountains where you can refill your water with drinkable water.
Say no to plastic straws, and if you can’t give straws up try these reusable ones.
Recycle your beauty items correctly! Some brands like John Lewis or L’Occitane will give you a discount when you bring empty beauty products for recycling! H&M does that with clothes too. Check out Terracycle to learn more - it is incredible everything you can recycle!
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