We all know plastic pollution is a massive problem, with over 8 million tons of it ending up in the ocean each year, but what can we do about it? Here are my top 7 simple swaps to make a change today.
1. Choose to shop loose. This can be in the supermarket when buying your fruit and veg or choosing to visit your local zero-waste refill store for food and household items.
2. Switch to shampoo bars and solid soaps. There are so many gorgeous ones out there, you’re spoilt for choice. Store them in a soap saver to make them go further.
3. Ditch the disposable face wipes and switch to reusable makeup remover pads and face cloths. Don’t be fooled by clever “plastic-free” messages on supermarket disposable wipes. The wipes may not contain plastic but they still take a long time to break down and the packaging they come in does contain plastic, making it non-recyclable.
4. Explore loose leaf tea and use a reusable teabag. Many brands are switching to bio-degradable teabags however they’re still wrapped in non-recyclable foil. Head to your local refill store instead to avoid this problem.
5. Say NO to clingfilm. Instead, opt for reusable beeswax wraps.
6. Plastic-free periods are easier than you think. Switch to period pants, reusable sanitary towels, menstrual cups or 100% organic tampons. This not only reduces plastic pollution, but it’s better for your own health too.
7. There’s no reason for toilet tissue to be wrapped in plastic. It never used to be sold like this. Fortunately, there are companies out there like Who Gives a Crap and Cheeky Panda, along with our own supermarkets now offering toilet tissue in paper packaging. Check it out the next time you’re there.
You may feel helpless in this battle against plastic but small changes DO make a big difference. What will your first swap be? Let me know in the comments below.