It’s about choosing to refuse single–use plastics and about the simple swaps to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Plastic is made from fossil fuels. Often single-use plastic is low quality and harder to recycle. The best thing to do is to avoid it completely where we can.
- Reusable food and drink containers
‘Paper’ cups often contain plastic, to help keep drinks hot or cold. If you use a reusable cup for your morning coffee on the way to the station, you’ll reduce your plastic use and might even get money off your brew. Choosing reusable food storage boxes to store your lunch is a great and easy way to reduce single-use plastics. When you have a food storage box, there’s no need for plastic wrap and your sandwiches won’t get squashed in your backpack.
- Choose to eat in
We’re all busy, but if you have the time, why not sit down at a cafe and enjoy your drink and snack using their plates and cups rather than taking it away in disposable packaging. Not only have you reduced your single-use plastic, but you’ve also had a nice 10-minute bit of calm during your busy day – win win!
- Choose loose food
Fruit and veg is often packaged in single-use plastic. If you can, buy your produce loose or even take your own reusable mesh bags to the supermarket. You could also try buying things in bulk instead of individually wrapped like dried fruit or biscuits. You can then transfer them in smaller portions into your food storage containers. Or pop some in the freezer so you’ve always got some on standby.
- Reusable shopping bags
Lots of us already have a stash of reusable bags for the supermarket but what about those impromptu pops to the shop on the way back from work? Why not keep a little bag on you so you’ve always got something to carry your stuff home in? And bonus – you don’t have to pay for a bag for life!
- Try plastic-free snacks
We all know snacks are an essential part of life. But many of them come individually wrapped in plastic. Why not try learning a new skill and cooking your own tasty treats? You can make a big batch of breakfast bars or biscuits and freeze some, or portion it out. Who knows, you might even prefer your home-made version!
For more ideas visit PlasticFreeJuly.org
