Our Top 5 Tips to Reduce Your Plastic Waste

With the UK Government's announcement today of their 25 year environmental plan which includes an aim to oust all avoidable plastic waste by 2042, we've put together our top 5 tips on how you can reduce your plastic waste and do your bit for helping the environment.

Our top 5 tips to reduce your plastic waste

Carry a reusable shopping bag
Cutting out your use of plastic bags is one of the quickest and easiest ways of reducing your plastic waste. Simply by always carrying a foldable tote bag and by ensuring you take reusable bags with you when you pop to the supermarket, you can take the first step to reducing your plastic waste.
Plastic bags do not biodegrade, they photodegrade, meaning they break down into smaller and more toxic bits that find their way into our soil and waterways to be ingested by animals and eventually by us. Plus, why not check out how to recycle old your plastic bags with these simple crafts.
Say no to disposable plastic straws
In the US alone, enough plastic straws are used a day to wrap around the earth's circumference twice. So, next time you head out for a drink, have a think about whether you really need a straw that will take 500 years to biodegrade? Why not have a look at buying your own reusable, eco straws and taking them with you?
If you are handed one, consider asking the company to reconsider their use of single-use plastic straws and look at an alternative. In September 2017, Wetherspoons announced that they'd be moving to biodegradable paper straws, stopping 70 million plastic straws entering landfill - so it is possible!
Buy a reusable water bottle and coffee cup
A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute, with just over half of these making it into recycling meaning 16 million going into landfill a day in the UK. It's simple and affordable to buy your own reusable water bottle - another quick and easy way to reduce your usage! Plus, check out how to recycle your old plastic bottles using these easy guides
Choose cardboard or paper packaging over plastic where you can
In the Government's announcement, they have stated that they intend to introduce plastic free aisles - why not get ahead and cut down on the amount of packaging you buy now? Think about the food you buy and whether you can buy loose fruit and veg to cut down on the plastic packaging, or see if you can find cardboard or paper alternatives.
Sell your second-hand plastic toys, furniture and everything else on Preloved!
Instead of throwing out plastic household items, why not turn them into a little cash and save on landfill? If you don't need the cash, list them on Freeloved or give back and donate what you get to charity? You could also check out our guide on plastic-free toy alternatives!