By Rowan Fenelon, fourth year, chemistry
Plastic waste is more of a problem than ever before, increasing the need for sustainable alternatives. Rowan Fenelon shares her top tips on how to cut back!
Recently, there has been a lot of talk in the press about plastic consumption and finally, the world is starting to realise that our consumption of plastic is getting out of control. David Attenborough’s Blue Planet series has been a great contributor to this, with images of litter filled oceans providing a poignant message. However, with plastic being so widespread it would be somewhat impossible to eliminate plastic completely from your life. That said, there are a lot of simple switches you can do that can have a really positive effect on our damaged world.
Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest culprits of ocean litter and thousands are thrown away each day
Single-use plastics are some of the worst culprits. We use items for a very short period of time and then they stay on our planet for hundreds of years to come, lying in a landfill site for generation after generation. The government is, however, starting to wake up and are moving towards putting in place a ban on wet wipes and cotton buds - so cut them out!
Photo by Dustan Woodhouse / Unsplash
As a student we may naturally go for the cheapest and simplest options and limiting your plastic consumption doesn’t have to go against this. One of the easiest things you can do is buy a reusable water bottle and a KeepCup. Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest culprits of ocean litter and thousands are thrown away each day across the world. Many establishments, such as the Source Café, will offer you a discount if you bring a KeepCup, meaning you will quickly make up the money you spent investing in a keep cup.
In a society that is aware of the damage plastic straws cause to wildlife and the natural environment, there really is no excuse for using them.
It can be tempting when hosting a house party or pre-drinks to buy plastic cups and straws, but this is a very easy way to increase plastic waste. Instead either buy paper cups, they can be bought in bulk online, or opt to buy cheap glasses or tumblers, they may take up space in your cupboard and risk being smashed, but I say it’s worth it to avoid the plastic waste. It may sound harsh, but in a society that is aware of the damage plastic straws cause to wildlife and the natural environment, there really is no excuse for using them. Even large corporations, such as Wetherspoons have started cutting them out of their business.
Personally, I have bought a set of 8 metal straws that I can get out at pres and share with flatmates. Alternatively, you can buy paper straws in bulk for parties. You can even buy a metal straw with a case, so you can take it out to bars and restaurants to say no to plastic straws. The more people who do this then the more establishments may start replacing plastic straws too.
Furthermore, if you have a look in your bathroom you will notice it’s plastic heavy, but there are so many switches you might not even be aware of! Not only can you buy soap bars instead of shower gel, but you can also buy shampoo, conditioner and shaving bars that may be a bit more expensive, but they last so much longer. Lush have many delicious smelling options but more and more shops are starting to sell them so they are becoming easier to get your hands on! You can also replace plastic cotton buds and toothbrushes with bamboo alternatives that won’t break the bank or our environment. Shaving doesn’t have to require plastic either, safety razors may have gone out of fashion, but they are actually very effective and relatively easy to use.
Photo by Sylvie Tittel / Unsplash
There are also decisions you can make when you’re out shopping. Always remember to bring plastic bags to the shops, the collection of bags under your sink doesn’t need to get any bigger! To avoid plastic completely it’s a great idea to invest in a couple of tote bags. They will last much longer than thin plastic ones! When shopping in the supermarkets try and avoid plastic food produce bags, it’s not the end of the world if your broccoli is loose in your bag, you can always wash It when you get home! However, an even better idea is bringing Tupperware or cotton bags to your local greengrocer. You can support local businesses and cut down on your plastic consumption in one!
Overall, there are many ways in which you can cut down your plastic consumption and the more consumers that shop this way, the more shops that will listen! Just think of the turtles…
Featured Image: Unsplash / John Cameron
