How To Reduce Your Plastic Waste in The UK

Reducing plastic waste is a must. We have to do it before it’s too late for our planet, so we need to start now. You’ll discover ideas in this article on how to reduce your plastic consumption quickly and simply. These methods are simple and cost-effective for anybody to follow, from using glass containers to using recyclable coffee cups.

Stop Using One-Time Use Plastic Products

Plastic Straws

If you must use a straw, consider investing in a reusable one. Many businesses are producing stainless steel or glass straws that can be easily folded or compacted for convenience. This makes it easy to bring your own straw with you when dining out or going for drinks.

Chewing Gum

When it comes to eliminating plastic, most individuals don’t consider gum. Even if you’re not using plastic containers, the gum itself is composed of synthetic rubber, also known as plastic. This means that every time you chew gum, you’re adding to your plastic consumption. If the idea of giving up chewing gum is too difficult, consider switching over to organic bubble-gum or fruit-flavoured options made from plant materials instead.

Non-Reusable Plastic Bottles

Using a refillable water bottle is another approach to reduce your plastic trash while saving money. There are several types of plastic and metal alternatives. Compact-able water bottles are also available for lighter travel so you won’t have to purchase numerous plastic bottles throughout the day. Many European cities even have public fountains where you can quickly fill up your bottle without having to carry lots of different kinds of containers around with you. Having access to a water bottle allows you to collect drinking water whenever and wherever you want it.

Buy In Bulk and Use Sustainable Containers

Plastic packaging is also a significant component of plastic consumption. Look into boxes rather than bottles or store goods in your own containers in other materials, such as glass. Cereal, pasta, and a variety of other items may be purchased in bulk bins and stored in different container kinds. This will help you save money while also reducing the amount of plastic used for food packaging as well as storage containers. Clear glass pots can also add an aesthetic touch to your kitchen or other spaces.

Use Reusable Products

Coffee Cups

Invest in your own reusable coffee cup or go somewhere that uses compostable cups. Many businesses are taking a more active role in environmental protection, so they shouldn’t have an issue with you bringing your own cup for them to fill.

There are different types of drinking cups available, so if you enjoy sipping out of a straw or the raised lip of a cup, you’ll be able to find it. If other consumers see you carrying your own mug, you might start a trend that is good for the environment!

Lunch Boxes

It’s a bad idea to stuff sandwiches, crisps, and other foods in to their own little bag. Instead, try using a reusable lunch box or paper bag instead of plastic bags. Most lunch boxes are made of plastic, but at least this option can be used over and over rather than just once. It may also aid in the reduction of food waste. When you bring your lunch inside plastic bags, it’s easy to throw away any unfinished food, however, having a lunch container makes it more likely that you’ll take any uneaten food home since you’ll carry the lunch box home with you.

Reusable Bags

Every year, 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed globally, with only 1 in every 200 bags we use being recycled. This includes not just plastic bags but also produce bags. To transport your groceries home from the store, buy your own reusable tote bags in a more durable material and bring them back on a regular basis. Also, reuse the bags provided by the shop before discarding them; but keep in mind that you must wash them between uses to maintain fresh food.

Recycle

Did you know that just a fraction of plastic waste in Europe is recycled? You can alleviate this by keeping a recycling bin next to your general waste bin. Having a recycling option next to your waste bin can make it easier to categorise your waste and help the environment. At home, at work, and anywhere else where waste is generated on a daily basis, implement this idea.

As you can see, reducing your plastic waste isn’t as difficult as it may appear at first. Obviously, we can’t live without plastic right away. But, over time, turning away from single-use plastics will become unavoidable. We must now face plastic pollution before it’s too late.