6 tips for how to live a more plastic-free life

One area in which I have been particularly concerned about is my plastic consumption. As I’m sure you’re aware, plastic is so incredibly harmful to our planet, and it’s expected to double in production in the next 20 years. But how exactly is it harmful? In short, chemicals derived from fossil fuel production are used to make almost all plastics; fossil fuels are the number one culprit for global warming. So, even before plastic has polluted the Earth, it has already majorly contributed to our biggest issues – climate change. After plastic has been used, it mostly ends up in landfill where it does not biodegrade and releases harmful toxins into the ground, polluting water systems and harming wildlife.

I always remember my school teacher saying “Why would you pay for something that is free?” and it’s true! Not only is it crazy to buy something that you can get for free but it is also terrible for the environment to buy a plastic bottle of water every time we need a drink. The best way of taking water around with you is to fill up a metal bottle at home and take it with you. Not only does this mean you stop purchasing plastic bottles, but you also have fresh cold water with you for whenever you need it. If you run out, hop into a café and ask them to refill it!

Think about all those times you’ve walked away with a disposable coffee cup – even if you’re not an avid coffee drinker! Take away coffee cups may not seem a terrible option (after all, they are supposedly paper) but they are in fact mostly non-recyclable as they have a plastic lining to the cup. Britain uses through 2.5 billion coffee cups a year, mostly of which end up in landfill. Using your reusable cup could help cut this number down and reduce your use of single-use plastic. Invest in a cup that will stand the test of time.

This one’s a bit specific, but always get your ice cream in a cone when buying it out and about. In my opinion, this is the best and only way to enjoy a proper ice cream, but it also means there is zero waste. Each time you opt for a cone, you are saving a plastic-lined pot and plastic spoon from going straight into landfill once finished with.

We have become so used to packaging things in plastic bags that we now do it for items that simply do not need it. Fruit and veg all grows outdoors and we can wash them when we get home! If you really like having your loose veggies in a bag, purchase a reusable cloth one.

Similarly to the last one, avoid buying things packaged in plastic that do not need to be. Buy fresh bread that comes in paper bags or no bags needed at all. Most of us can agree that freshly baked bread is like nothing else. It also contains less unhealthy or harmful ingredients compared to packaged bread that is made to have an increased sell-by date. You can also freeze fresh bread and when you take it out it’s as good as new.

This one might take some getting used to, but it could be a really great option for reducing your plastic consumption.

This article goes through exactly how to make washing up liquid, detergent, window cleaner and more. Imagine the number of plastic cleaning bottles you’d stop buying!