Demand for environmentally friendly products is greater than it’s ever been before.
Research by PwC has revealed that 80% of consumers say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable goods.
So, if you’re eager to do your bit for the environment, Plastic Free July is an ideal time to create a greener lifestyle.
This global movement aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics.
The problem with plastic is that it’s produced on a huge scale, and it doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it breaks into “microplastics” that remain in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to waste and pollution, impacting our health, and threatening the oceans and wildlife.
So, read on to discover four clever sustainable swaps for single-use plastic for Plastic Free July and beyond.
1. Swap pre-packed fruit and vegetables for loose produce
When you’re in a rush to stock up on essentials, grabbing pre-packed fruit and veg can be a convenient option.
Unfortunately, these products are often wrapped or packaged in plastic.
Instead, choose loose produce and take reusable bags with you for packing. Or, look out for sustainable packaging options in-store. Many shops now offer cardboard boxes or other recyclable bags and containers.
It’s also worth considering where you buy your fresh produce. Try to support businesses that use less plastic packaging – farmers’ markets may be less likely to sell pre-packaged fruit and veg than supermarkets.
These might seem like small steps, but they could help to reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans and landfills.
This is important because plastic that enters the environment in this way can lead to waste, pollution, and harm to animals who may consume it – if you eat meat or fish, you could be unintentionally adding plastic to your diet!
2. Swap disposable plastic cups for reusable containers
Many disposable coffee cups aren’t recyclable or can only be recycled in specific facilities that aren’t available everywhere. As a result, billions of disposable coffee cups end up in landfills and litter every year.
If you don’t want to contribute to this plastic waste, stock up on a few reusable cups and keep one to hand wherever you might need one – at work, in your car, in your gym bag, and so on.
Happily, a growing number of cafes and eateries now accept or even expect customers to bring their own cups.
You could go one step further and encourage friends and family to get on board, by giving reusable cups and travel mugs as gifts.
These simple changes could help to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in landfills. What’s more, drinking from your own cup might be more enjoyable than using disposable cups as you may feel a warm glow knowing that you’re doing your bit for the environment.
3. Swap mindless purchases for considered buying and recycling
If you’re busy, short on time, or feeling tired, you might be more likely to buy something for convenience rather than considering whether it’s a sustainable option.
Likewise, mindlessly throwing out waste could mean that you don’t recycle correctly. This could result in unnecessary waste and damage.
To help you make considered purchasing and recycling decisions, always remember the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Reduce – Think about whether you really need what you’re thinking of buying and explore more sustainable options.
- Reuse – If you do buy plastic items, reuse them as much as possible and consider taking them to a second-hand store when you no longer need them.
- Recycle – Opt for recyclable products where possible and follow the recycling instructions on packaging with care.
By reducing, reusing, and recycling, you can help to reduce plastic and landfill waste.
4. Swap cleaning products in plastic packaging for refillable or natural alternatives
Many cleaning products are packaged in single-use plastic. They may also contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
A simple way to cut down on your consumption of single-use plastic is to buy cleaning products in bulk from shops that offer refillable containers. Buying with friends or family is a clever way to help the environment, cut costs, and spread the word about sustainable living.
You could cut out some cleaning products altogether and use natural alternatives instead. For example, vinegar and baking soda can be mixed with water to create an all-purpose, chemical-free cleaning solution.
These simple swaps could help you build a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing the amount of plastic waste your household produces. What’s more, using fewer chemicals in your home could be beneficial for your health.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in aligning your financial plan with your values, we can help.
Please contact us by email at info@lloydosullivan.co.uk or call 020 8941 9779 to see how we can help you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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