By Coral Chell
"We are at a unique stage in our history. Never before have we had such an awareness of what we are doing to the planet." Sir David Attenborough
Photo Credit: BBC
A couple of years ago the BBC Natural History unit, along with Sir David Attenborough, brought the serious issue of plastic waste and the impact it’s having on our environments to our screens through BBC's Blue Planet II (a series I highly recommend watching if you haven't already). For some people this was not a new issue, but for others the iconic scenes of the mother pilot whale carrying her dead calf were very distressing and brought the issue of plastic waste to the forefront of their minds, making them feel that they must do something to help, now!
Photo Credit: BBC
After watching the series and researching more into the issue of plastic pollution, I knew I wanted to do as much as I could to reduce my plastic waste and do my bit for the environment, a thought I know I share with many others, from all walks of life. However being a student at the time, snowed under with work and often living on a budget, I knew how difficult it could be and how many others would also feel this way.
But alas, there are many small easy steps that everyone can take to reduce their plastic impact. Steps which not only help us in our quest to do our bit for the environment but also in some cases can save us some money! So, here are my top 5 simple steps to reducing your plastic waste and help your pocket.
5 Simple Steps
1) Bring Your Own Coffee Cup
An estimated half a trillion disposable cups are manufactured annually around the world, each containing 5% polyurethane plastic, making them non-recyclable. As these coffee cups are single-use and can't be recycled they often end up in the bin and in our environment.
A simple, effective and money saving solution to this is to buy and use a reusable coffee cup. With so many sizes, styles and designs available you are bound to find one that you love and can't wait to show off. Like I mentioned this could also help you save a few pennies, with most high street and independent cafes and shops offering discounts for customers who bring their own cups.
A simple step which reduces the number of recyclable cups used, while saving you money on your daily coffee/tea fix.
2) Reusable Straw
Plastic single-use straws on a personal level are my biggest pet peeve! Estimated to take around 200 years to decompose, plastic straws are the 11th most found item of litter in our oceans today, posing serious threats for its inhabiting wildlife.
A simple solution to this issue is to stop using plastic straws, period. However, sometimes circumstances mean that this isn't always an option, but there is another answer. With many options available including metal, glass, paper and even bamboo, reusable or recyclable straws are simple solution to a growing issue. Each type of straw does have its advantages and disadvantages. For example, paper straws in pubs and bars are a fantastic idea, but a common complaint is that they often fall apart half way through drinking your drink. Personally, I have a glass straw and a set of metal ones which came with a handy cleaning brush. Buying a set was a great idea; it meant I could always have a spare straw in my bag for when I go to the pub or at a friend’s house. There are lots of different places to purchase these, just have a shop around.
3) Shampoo Bars
Shampoo bars- what can I say about shampoo bars other than the fact I love them! They are such an amazing and simple idea. With no waste, no packaging and no plastic, shampoo bars, like a bar of soap, keep your hair just as shiny and clean as shampoo from a bottle.
There are so many different shampoo bars to choose from for all different hair types, so you'll always be able to find the one that's right for you. Also another added bonus to shampoo bars is how they last so much longer than a regular bottle of shampoo, making them super economical, helping your pocket as well as the environment.
I personally use Lush's range of shampoo bars, with Seanik being my favourite. They may seem a little pricey at first but once you realise how long they actually last and how convenient they are they are totally worth it. I took one with me on my recent trip to Madagascar and 6 weeks later, washing my hair on average every 3 days, the bar looked hardly used!
4) Bags For Life
Whether it’s a bag for life from your local supermarket or a tote bag with your favourite designs on (there really are some amazing designs out there, so keep an eye out!). Bringing your own bags with you when you go for your weekly shop is a simple way to reduce the amount of plastic bags you buy and use, which ultimately just end up at the back of your cupboard or in the bin!
As I’m sure you're all aware, as of October 2015 a 5p charge for carrier bags in supermarkets came into force, with some stronger ones costing 10p. This means bringing your own bags when you go shopping not only helps the environment by reducing the amount of single-use bags in circulation, but also saves you a few pennies along the way.
5) Shop Local
Shopping at your local market and shops is such an easy and convenient way to benefit you, the environment and the local community/economy. Buying your weekly fruit, vegetables and meat from local shops and markets reduces food miles, eliminates plastic packaging that large supermarkets use, boosts the local economy by aiding local businesses and ultimately saves you money.
So, check out when you're local market is on, get down there with your bag for life and coffee on-the-go and grab yourself some locally produced fruit and veg!
These are just a few ways you can change your lifestyle to not only benefit you and your pocket, but also to help protect your surrounding environment. But don't feel these are the only ways you can help. Other steps include investing in a bamboo toothbrush and washable reusable cotton pads which can be used instead of cotton wool. The possibilities are endless!
Charities Fighting Plastic Pollution
Before I finish I just want to mention and acknowledge some of the amazing UK-based organisations and charities that are working to help protect our marine environments and tackle plastic pollution and waste:
Marine Conservation Society:
Leading UK marine conservation charity with an overall aim of creating a sustainable future for our seas and marine environments. They run loads of different types of events and campaigns across the UK, so take a look at their website to see how you can get involved and do your bit for our marine environments.
#2minutebeachclean:
A growing non-profit movement of beach lovers from across the UK, who aim to rid UK beaches of marine litter and plastic pollution, two minutes at a time. They are also the creator of the beach clean boards (photo above), so keep your eye out for one at your local beach! I've done several of my own 2 minute beach cleans and it’s amazing how much you can actually pick up in only 2 minutes!
Surfers against sewage:
A inspirational environmental charity with a number one priority of tackling plastic pollution on our UK coastlines. Take a look at their events to see if their are any in your local area!
Thank you again for reading good luck on your own little journey to a reduced plastic lifestyle!
