Most of us are aware of the level of devastation plastic pollution is causing our planet, and many of us have felt that we should do something to help, but where should we begin?
With so much media coverage of this devastation worldwide it is easy to question whether one person’s efforts will make a difference, but it is precisely when we all make a few small changes that we can begin to see change.
We have teamed up with campaigners ‘Plastic-Free Me’ to guide you through small changes that you can make in your own home and should we all make these changes, we can realistically work towards leaving the planet in a better state than we found it.
Start small
It is no secret that plastic is bad news for the environment. We are now faced with the seemingly impossible task of cutting down on our use of plastics as a society.
Living an entirely plastic-free lifestyle isn’t feasible for most people. Our lives are busy and most of us simply do not have the time or bank balance to avoid plastics in their entirety. However, don’t be disheartened! Our message is simple: start small.
Making sustainable switches that are easy to do, save you money and benefit the planet are simpler than you may think and even the smallest of changes in our everyday lives makes a difference. If you’re eager to start making changes at home as you find its time to buy something new, you can check out our top tips for simple actions you can take at home to help ditch the disposables for good.
Did you know? It is estimated that ten million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, and over half of that is thought to be single-use plastics. Used for around ten minutes they can last in the environment for hundreds of years and pose a threat to wildlife, ecosystems and even human health.
Reusable shopping bags
With the ‘5p bag charge’ set to double to 10p per bag by 2020, bringing reusable bags on your weekly shop is now not only environmentally profitable, but makes great financial sense too. Durable and lightweight, organic cotton or hemp bags are now sold on the high street, online and even in some supermarkets – so there’s no reason not to switch to something which will last, time after time. Keep a few in the car and your handbag and you’ll always have them to hand so that you’ll never need a plastic bag again.
‘Naked’ food shops
Don’t worry – we aren’t advocating you go shopping in your birthday suit. Nearly 1m tonnes of food packaging is produced every year in the UK alone; and only around one third of that is thought to be recycled. Shopping at your local marketplace or supermarkets for packaging-free fruit and vegetables is a great way to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics from your daily life. Nature provides most foods with a tough, durable skin of its own and there’s absolutely no need to wrap it in layers of film. If you’re struggling to find somewhere to shop which offers ‘naked’ produce – let the staff know! Ask them to pass on to management that you’re unhappy with the amount of packaging on their products and they have a duty to report it. Just remember that it isn’t the people on the shop floor who’ll be dealing with your request so the calmer, more reasonable you seem the more likely your suggestions will get to the people who matter.
In a consumer-driven world: change comes from us, the consumers, so exercise your voice!
To find out more about plastic pollution and how you can get involved to help us reduce it, please visit Plastic-Free Me to stay updated with the latest tips, tricks and news.
