Six easy ways to use less plastic

Use reusable shopping bags

Many of us have that growing collection of shopping bags in a cupboard at home, so instead of adding to it, let's put it to good use. Bringing your own bags when you go shopping benefits you and the planet as it reduces plastic waste and stops you from buying bags every time you go shopping. Investing in a reusable bag is the best zero-waste solution, and makes carrying your groceries a lot easier. Bringing your own zero-waste produce bags for fresh fruit and vegetables, as opposed to the plastic ones offered at the supermarkets is also a useful tip worth remembering for your shopping trips.

Bring your own coffee cup

Purchasing a reusable coffee cup is another excellent tip for plastic reduction. Many coffee cups you get your drinks to-go in are lined with plastic and come with plastic lids and are therefore non-recyclable. Bringing your own reusable travel mug is the more environmentally conscious option. This tip also applies to water bottles to help cut down plastic use even more.

Stop using plastic straws

It may seem small, but it still makes a difference. There are affordable alternatives that are zero-waste, for example, stainless steel, glass, and bamboo straws. You can get environmentally friendly straws in many different designs, and even some that fold up for easy travel. It is important to keep them to-hand when travelling or eating out, as this is when you’re most likely to pick up a plastic straw.

Use shampoo bars instead of bottles

Instead of buying shower gel, bubble bath, shampoo, and conditioner in bottles, why not give bars a try instead? Some benefits of the switch include:

• Zero-waste packaging

• Zero-waste product 

• Last longer cost-effective

• Saves space

• Good for travel - no leaks or spills

Leave the disposable razors behind

Instead of buying a bag of disposable razors every month and throwing them in the bin, why not switch to a single razor that only needs the blades replacing? There are many of these products already on the market on websites such as Estrid.com that come in different colours, with holders & an optional, affordable subscription so that you don’t even have to leave the house to get replacement heads.

Try reusable silicone bags and lids for your food

Let’s stop using those incredibly wasteful plastic bags and wraps to store our food. Instead, try replacing them with reusable silicone bags and lids. The silicone lids come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are stretchy so can fit what you need. The multi-use Ziploc bags are easy to clean and ready for you to use again and again.