How to Reduce Plastic Packaging Use

Plastic-free July might be over, but the need to reduce our reliance on plastic packaging remains. Collectively, the UK population disposes of 2 million metric tonnes of plastic waste a year. The majority of this is not recycled.

Eliminating single-use plastic is tough, however, committing to a couple of swaps could reduce the volume of plastic used in your household or workplace.

Refill and More; Ways to Avoid Plastic Packaging

City to Sea is a charity that has been actively campaigning to reduce the use of single-use plastic and protect our oceans. One of their biggest success stories has been setting up a national Refill scheme. Cafes, restaurants and public buildings across the UK have signed up and now offer free tap water refills. Look out for the Refill logo.

Carrying a refillable water bottle in your bag is a simple way of avoiding the need to purchase drinks in plastic bottles. It benefits the environment and your wallet. If we all got into this habit, we could prevent tens of thousands of bottles from being disposed of every week.

City to Sea offers many other simple ways to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic packaging. Find out how slow cookers and soda streams could make a difference!

https://www.citytosea.org.uk/12-ways-to-reduce-plastic-pollution/

As takeaway packaging is a major waste issue, the organisation also offers advice on alternatives for caterers and others working in the food industry:

https://www.citytosea.org.uk/takeaway-packaging-options/

For retailers and e-commerce businesses, find an FSC® certified packaging supplier and ask for advice on switching from plastic to sustainable packaging.

So, ditch the disposables, discover local zero waste companies and make moves towards becoming plastic-free throughout the year.