Small Changes, Big Impact: Easy and Effective Ways to Cut Down on our Plastic Consumption
So, how can we all try to be part of the plastic pollution solution? Here are a few suggestions from us on simple things we can all do to reduce our plastic usage.
Understanding the Plastic Problem
Plastic is a major global problem. It is an incredibly useful and versatile material, but its negative impact on the planet, from manufacturing all the way through to disposal, is dramatic. But there are things that we can do!
Whilst it’s also up to big brands to make big changes, and for countries around the world to tackle their plastic waste, the changes we make as individuals can be really powerful too.
Obviously, it’s difficult to cut out certain plastic products, but addressing our attitude to plastic packaging and other single-use plastics is a great place to start. And there are lots of simple and easy-to-maintain changes we can do.
And remember, you don’t have to make all the changes, AND you don’t have to make them all at once!
Start with a few small and achievable changes … and celebrate your wins! Don’t get disheartened or feel like giving up if you forget something one day. Doing something is ALWAYS better than doing nothing.
“Our planet can no longer tolerate a culture of throw-away plastics.”
Greenpeace
Plastic-Free Alternatives
There are plenty of plastic-free alternatives that don’t cost a lot! Here are a few fairly easy swaps to make.
Try some bamboo household products: toothbrushes, including toothbrush heads for electric ones, cleaning brushes and pads, even baby wipes and reusable nappies!
No more clingfilm – beeswax wrap is the way forward! Keeps food lovely and fresh.
Did you know most chewing gum has plastic in it? Why not ditch the gum … or make sure to look out for a plastic-free version when shopping.
Tea bags! Weren’t we all shocked to learn that lots of tea bags have plastic in them! Look out for plastic-free tea bags or use loose leaf tea. Many big brands here in the UK (where S2Z is based) are now plastic free, including PG Tips, Clipper, Twinings and Typhoo. Going a step further, Teapigs and Pukka have completely plastic-free packaging too.
Why not use plastic-free sticky tape! The brand Sellotape has a plastic-free, plant-based sticky tape!
A bit pricier, but tastes so good and it’s good for the planet! Get your milk delivered. In the UK, companies such as Milk and More or The Modern Milkman, and in the US companies like Drink Milk In Glass Bottles, all deliver milk – and other products like orange juice and groceries – straight to your door in reusable glass bottles.
Embracing Reusables
Some great ideas for simple reusable swaps
- Water bottles – a stainless steel bottle (like Chilly’s) will last for ages and keep your water nice and cool all day.
- Straws – paper, metal, bamboo … or even edible ones made of sugar!
- Coffee cups – take one with you when you are out and about.
- Travel Cutlery – ideal if you aren’t keen on the wooden cutlery now offered in many outlets.
- Shopping bags – look out for ones that are made from recycled materials or natural fibres … what about an old-fashioned string bag? And take bags with you when you go to town so you don’t come back with any new ones. Keep a foldable bag handy and keep some reusable ones in your car.
- Silicon food bags – yes, it’s still a kind of plastic BUT can be reused for years! Perfect for storing, freezing or reheating. Or use stainless steel or glass containers … durable and non-toxic.
- Deodorant – check out Wild deodorant, for example, with its plastic-free, compostable refills.
- Razors – we all definitely need to ditch the disposable razors! And now there are all sorts of eco-friendly and plastic-free options.
If you can’t avoid certain plastics … recycle them when you can!
Did you know that, according to the Oceanic Society, just 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide.
When we say ‘cutting down on plastic consumption’, we definitely don’t mean throw away all your plastic items and replace them with more eco-friendly choices! Use things you have already bought until they are broken or damaged and no longer of use … and then make sure to recycle them if you can.
It’s really tricky to avoid all plastic packaging – but can you recycle most of it? What plastics can you recycle in your regular collections? Or is there a bring bank somewhere nearby - once you’ve found your nearest, it’s just a case of getting into the habit of dropping off your old plastic?
Preschools and primary / elementary schools often like (clean and sorted) plastic packaging for junk modelling and other projects. Ask them first though! (And ask if they will recycle it afterwards!)
Give items a ‘second life’ where possible. Donating to charity shops and buying second-hand are another great way to help reduce plastic consumption.
Speaking of shopping … here are our top sustainable shopping tips
- Use refill stations where available! There are now lots of options for restocking your food, toiletries or cleaning cupboards plastic-free.
- Opt for plastic-free cleaning products – lots of brands (such as Smol in the UK or EcoRoots and TruEarth in the US) now sell laundry and dishwasher detergent without plastic packaging and in biodegradable casing.
- Buy in bulk – one large bottle or other plastic container will use less plastic than several smaller items.
- Support companies whose products are in recycled packaging. Did you know that Ribena has been using 100% recycled bottles since 2007! Or that Crown Paints have been in 100% recycled plastic containers since 2018? Look out for products like these … or speak to the companies who make the products you typically use (fill in a Contact Form on their website or email their customer care team) and ask them when they plan to do the same!
- Try some products in a form that don’t need plastic, like shampoo bars. Lots of big brands do them now.
- Avoid takeaway plastics – going out to grab lunch whilst at work, why not sit in a café rather than using their takeaway packaging? And make the most of the opportunity to enjoy your break away from the work environment.
- Buy clothes made from natural fibres where possible – clothes with synthetic fibres shed microplastics when washed. Bamboo is a great natural product for clothing, requiring pretty much no pesticides or fertilisers!
- Have you heard of the 30 Wears Challenge? When shopping for clothes, ask yourself, will you wear this at least 30 times? If the answer is no, then don’t buy it!
What else can we do?
Although these last few ideas are not about ‘consumption’, there are really some good ways to address the wider problem of plastic waste.
Take part in a local rubbish or beach clean-up. Look online to find one near you, maybe in public spaces, beaches, parks, rivers … and it’s a double whammy as it helps reduce plastic pollution AND raises local awareness about the effects of plastic waste.
Buy a litter-picker to take out with you on your walk. Or try plogging! (That’s jogging and litter-picking!)
Have a look at what we do here at Switch2Zero. With options for both individuals and businesses, a regular subscription will always include removing plastic waste from our oceans and eco-systems. But you can also use our PAYG service - it’s just £0.61p to remove 1 kilo of plastic, for example. Take a look at some of our plans for individuals, plans for businesses or our PAYG Instant service.
Get involved in a plastic reduction campaign. If you are in the UK, look up the UK Plastics Pact organised by WRAP. For a list of all sorts of initiative all around the globe, jump to page 42 in this report called Reducing Plastic Pollution: Campaigns That Work. And Plastic Free July is a yearly global movement which helps millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Check out their website to get involved, take the plastic-free challenge, and find lots more great ideas to reduce plastics at home, school, work, events … all sorts!
So, there you have it, lots of suggestions for ways we can each make a difference – small changes, big impact.
Oh, and if you have any cracking ideas, then please let us know and we’ll post them too! contact@switch2zero.com
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito” – Dalai Lama
