Plastic

Plastic top

For every pound of tuna we fish from of the ocean, we are now putting back two pounds of plastic. This is a transfer ratio that we cannot continue to sustain.

- UCSB marine scientist Douglas McCauley

Filling our oceans and littering our beaches, plastic is endangering up to 54% of our threatened marine mammals, contributing to 92.5% of seabird deaths, whilst also releasing toxic compounds into the environment. And all for our benefit?

Doesn't seem worth it, does it?

We can change this. You can change this. Simple personal and political changes can aid in significantly reducing our plastic production and usage. Did you know that the 2018 release of Blue Planet II received it's highest ever viewing rate with an average of 10.3 million people tuning in? This amazing documentary has generated something called the "Blue Planet Effect" which has caused a huge wave of plastic waste action and inspired thousands in realising that we are not powerless.

Problematic Plastic

PLASTIC-FREE ME with these 10 tips below!

1. Love your Bag For Life!

You don’t need a new plastic bag every time you go shopping! Simply take reusable bags along with you. You’ll be saving not only 5p every time, but also seriously helping the planet!

Did you know?

In the UK, our carrier bag usage has dropped by 85% since the introduction of the 5p charge?

2. A plastic straw? No thanks!

Stop your server!

Let’s be honest you don’t NEED that straw. Simply sip your drink instead. Otherwise, take a reusable one with you or try and only use biodegradable straws, such as paper.

3. Give that thermos some lovin'

Fancy grabbing a takeaway coffee?

Bring your own reusable flask or mug with you. Coffee shops will be happy to use yours instead of a takeaway cup!

Pret A Manger has even introduced a 50p discount if you bring your own mug, whilst MPs are calling for a 25p charge for using a disposable one.

4. Stop rubbing your face with plastic

Exfoliating face and body washes contain small plastic beads that claim to be great for your skin, but are detrimental to our oceans and the creatures living in them.

Natural materials such as oats or salt are just as good, if not better for your skin and are pollution-free! If that’s not up your street then products such as St Ives Apricot Scrub uses crushed walnuts as their natural exfoliant. For further details see the More Toiletries section.

5. Use one water bottle

You pick up a bottle of Pepsi, enjoy its sugary goodness and then throw it away, often without considering the consequences. Recycling is a lot better, yet a significant amount of energy is still used during the process.

Buy a reusable bottle instead, and make sure it's BPA free! Avoid reusing your standard plastic bottles as research has shown plastic toxins may cause health hazards! See? Plastic isn't so great after all!

6. Reduce your online shopping

Every single item of clothing has it's own plastic wrapping, which is in more plastic wrapping, which is in another plastic bag. Online shopping is convenient and easier to find those bargains, but the amount of packaging used is astounding. Next time you consider buying that new wardrobe, head out to the shops instead and enjoy the walk and a browse!

7. Supermarket plastics

This is a HUGE pet hate of mine. Almost every item of fresh produce has it's own plastic packaging which I think is completely ridiculous. Head down to a local market instead where packaging is significantly reduced, the price will be cheaper and it is likely the food will have been sprayed with fewer chemicals, if none at all!

8. Don't eat with plastic

Having a quick meal?

Reuse metal cutlery or use biodegradable wooden cutlery if necessary. I take my own knife and fork to work every day and simply wash them when I get back home. If you have no other choice but to use plastic cutlery, try and save and reuse them.

9. Plastic toothbrushes

On average a person will throw away 300 toothbrushes during their lifetime. You can recycle these instead by sending them off to companies such as Terracycle who recycle almost any kind of waste imaginable. Electric toothbrushes are also another option - they are still made of plastic but at least they last longer between replacements. Better still, invest in a bamboo toothbrush which is fully biodegradable and dentist approved!

10. Plastic rings

Avoid buying small packs of canned drinks - instead treat yourself to a crate or buy some glass bottled drinks that all be easily recycled. If you do end up using plastic can rings, make sure you snap it apart! We've all seen the tragic photo of a turtle with plastic rings wrapped around its distorted shell and we don't want that.

PLASTIC

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