Plastic has become an integral part of our lives of convenience. Yet the plastic bottles, coffee cups and plastic bags end up in landfills and ocean, causing devastating effects on marine life and birds.
After watching documentaries such as Midway and A Plastic Ocean I knew I had to do something. Every time I go to the supermarket I get so frustrated with the amount of downright unnecessary packaging. According to a recent investigation by the Guardian, Britain’s leading supermarkets create more than 800,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year. It seems absurd to me that we are still producing more plastic and not just recycling what we already have. But then I looked a little deeper, and it's apparent that recycling, like all consumer-related activity, is dictated by market forces. As oil prices dropped in 2016, so did the price of plastic which makes it cheaper to manufacture new plastic than recycled plastic. There is no financial incentive for businesses to package in recycled plastic, because it costs more than just making brand new plastic.
What is so bad about plastic? Aside from the fact that there is so much of it, no natural process can break it down so it never biodegrades. So every new plastic product you buy is another piece of plastic that will accumulate and pollute our natural world. You cannot throw a piece of plastic 'away', there is no 'away'... It has to go somewhere. It is now estimated that if plastic manufacturing remains at current rates, by 2050 “the ocean will contain more plastic, by weight, than fish". That's terrifying. And it goes without saying that a damaged marine food web inevitably damages the terrestrial food web too.
Plastic breaks down in landfills into smaller plastics called microplastics which easily leach into surrounding waterways and end up in our oceans, lakes and rivers, having devastating effects on marine life. Fish, birds, and other species eat microplastics, which often look like perfect bite-sized morsels of food. In fact, it is now the leading cause of baby albatross deaths on Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. These chicks are dying from starvation, with bellies full of plastic.
The dissected body of an Albatross chick on Midway Island in the Pacific ocean, with a stomach full of plastic.
And it's not just the animals that are affected by microplastics. The fish that we eat also contain toxic levels of microplastics. Researchers have estimated that “top European shellfish consumers” might consume up to 11,000 microplastic pieces a year.
Until big brands take responsibility and action to reduce plastic packaging in their stores it is up to us to make a vote with our purchases, and my vote is for the environment. Yes, it means you may have to go out of your way and have to make a few initial investments, but I find that the choice is so rewarding and also encourages healthier diet choices as many processed foods come wrapped in plastic.
So without further ado, here are my top 10 products to invest in to reduce your plastic waste:
I love these ones from Illustrate which are 100% organic cotton and are hand screen printed in Bristol featuring unique designs. I always have one or two of these in my bag at all times so as not to have to use plastic bags.
2. A stainless steel water bottle
I love doubled walled ones because they keep hot drinks hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for 24 hours. I also think they stay a lot cleaner than plastic bottles. You can get one from pretty much anywhere!
3. A safety razor
Disposable razors are such a waste of plastic. I find my safety razor gives a much better shave and, although it is an expensive initial investment, you make your money back in no time and will actually end up saving money in the long run! Win-win! My personal favourite is this one from the English shaving company. It's great for legs and underarms etc. A great tip is to dry it out after you are finished using it to prolong it's life.
4. Filter coffee rather than coffee 'pods'
Almost 200 million capsules are bought in the UK each year, according to Kantar World Panel, which all end up in landfill due to their non-recyclability. So just brew your own! Again, it's much cheaper and kinder to the environment.
5. For coffee on the go, use a reusable coffee cup
This is probably my favourite zero waste product because I'm a sucker for a coffee on the go! My favourite are the glass KeepCups because they are really easy to clean and don't hold any smell.
6. A bamboo toothbrush
Millions of plastic toothbrushes get thrown away each year, which end up in landfill and pollute the environment. Bamboo toothbrushes are a great alternative, I particularly like these ones you can find on Amazon. Or you can buy them from any decent health food/bulk store near you.
Trillions of straws are thrown away globally each day. If you can't go without then buy a reusable stainless steel one and keep it in your bag at all times... But remember to say no to the straw when ordering take-away drinks!
8. Soap bars wrapped in paper instead of shower gel
I love Wild Sage & Co, a local brand from Bristol, who are a small family-run business hand crafting cold processed soaps and skin-loving balms from natural ingredients. You can find some lovely products on their website, or find them at Bristol harbourside market on Saturdays.
9. Substitute plastic utensils for wooden ones
Cleaning utensils like dish brushes and plastic sponges can easily be swapped for ones made of natural, biodegradable materials. You can find wooden dish brushes from many places, my favourite is the Redecker Beech Wood Brush available here. And you can find natural dish sponges from iHerb.
10. Swap cling film for reusable cling film
You can find reusable silicone, beeswax and soy wax wrap substitutes online through a simple google search. Or many shops sell them like John Lewis and health food stores.
I hope this post inspired you to invest in a greener future, with so many alternatives we can help save the species at the forefront of the plastic pandemic.