REFILLABLE CLEANING PRODUCTS Refi llable cleaning products can vastly reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste that you generate each year – and it’s now accessible to all thanks to internet-based brands such as Ocean Saver, Ecover and Clean Living, meaning you don’t have to rely on living near a refi ll store. Many brands offer sachets or tablets that are dissolved into or mixed with water at home, rather than being delivered as liquids (around 90 per cent of normal cleaning products
are simply water), which also reduces the carbon footprint of delivery.
SHOP SMARTER Accumulate less plastic packaging during your food shop by choosing loose fruit and vegetable options, or champion your local suppliers – butchers, grocers, bakers and fi shmongers are more likely to use paper bags over unnecessary plastic wrapping. Bringing your own bags when shopping has now become the norm, but it’s still easy to get caught short when making an unexpected purchase. Invest in a reusable tote bag, which will easily fold up into your handbag or can be kept ready in your car, negating the need to keep forking out for those pesky plastic bags.
FOOD STORAGE Although a staple in many kitchen cupboards, fi nding an alternative to plastic cling fi lm is a great way of protecting the environment and the wildlife within it, who often end up ingesting it by mistake. Storing and packing food in reusable containers instead is a great start. You can also purchase reusable silicone bowl toppers to cover leftovers in bowls, pots and pans, and wax wraps make a perfect, reusable (and pretty) alternative for wrapping up your sarnies for work.
At work
REUSABLE BOTTLES AND CUPS In the UK, it’s estimated that 35.8 million plastic bottles are used each day, but only 19.8 million of these get recycled. A simple way of combating this problem is
to get yourself a reusable water bottle to take to work with you and refi ll. Similarly, if you can’t function on your morning commute without a latte from the drive-through,
try taking your own reusable coffee cup with you instead of getting a takeout one – some companies now reward your eco efforts with a discount.
ENCOURAGE RECYCLING If your workplace kitchen or offi ce doesn’t have a recycling bin, consider suggesting that one is added so you can all do your bit to increase the waste that could be composted or recycled. If your workplace has a canteen that offers plastic cutlery, consider bringing in your own metal cutlery from home instead, and encourage others to do the same. You could even suggest that everyone brings in one piece of cutlery each from home or a charity shop so you can all ditch the plastic for good!
For more inspiration or to take part this July, visit
www.plasticfreejuly.org
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