Reducing plastic usage is crucial for several reasons. In the UK alone, we use a staggering 13 billion plastic bottles annually, with only around half of them being recycled, leaving 7.7 billion unrecycled. Plastic bottles currently constitute approximately a third of all plastic pollution in the sea, taking an astonishing 450 years to break down. Moreover, a staggering 700,000 plastic bottles are littered in the UK each day. However, there are actionable steps we can take to address this issue:
- Always carry a refillable water bottle (and a reusable coffee cup).
- Replace disposable sandwich bags and cling film with tupperware or reusable beeswax wraps.
- Don’t use plastic straws or disposable plastic cutlery.
- Seek plastic-free alternatives for sanitary and nappy products.
- Opt for milk delivered in reusable glass bottles if you have access to a local electric float service.
- Keep tote bags or re-usable bags handy to avoid purchasing plastic bags at the supermarket.
- Did you know most chewing gum contains plastic? – consider alternatives.
- Minimize food with excessive packaging and use refill stations when possible.
- Reduce microfiber pollution by washing fabrics at lower temperatures or using specialized washing bags.
- If you do use buy something while out and about that has plastic to dispose of, utilize kerbside recycling stations or take the plastic home with you to be recycled.
Bottled water has a significant carbon footprint, exceeding that of tap water by over 1,000 times. Producing a single litre of packaged water requires 1.39 litres of water. Eliminating plastic bottles could save more greenhouse gas emissions than scrapping one million cars, and aiming for a 65% reduction by 2025 is an achievable goal.
Microfibers, released from fabrics during washing, pose environmental threats as they can’t be captured by sewage works. Acrylic, polyester, and nylon fabrics are the primary culprits. These microfibers accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, impacting fish and eventually making their way into our food chain. To minimize microfiber production, fill up your washing machine, use washing liquid instead of powder, opt for fabric softeners, wash at lower temperatures, avoid long washes, and consider a specialist washing bag.
Reusable coffee cups are essential in the UK, where 2.5 billion coffee cups are discarded annually, with only 1% being recycled due to their non-recyclable coatings. Bringing your own reusable coffee cup can significantly contribute to improving recycling culture and reducing plastic waste, making it a collective effort we can all participate in.