What can you do to help?
It could be easy to get overwhelmed by all the changes you might want to make NOW – so take it a step at a time.
Below are tips on how you can help, but you don’t need to do them all at once. Just one new change a week can make the difference. Talk to people about what you are doing. This will make a big difference to your efforts and help spread the word.
Cancelling any direct mail you don’t need
Go paperless billing
When buying a new tooth brush switch to bamboo
Lights off when not in the room
Swap disposable plastic razors for a safety razor
Replace cotton wool pads with reusable soft bamboo facial wipes
Say no to disposable plastic cutlery
Beer and cans - Say no to Six Pack Rings. If you find them on the street or in a beach clean-up, cut through all the loops and discard appropriately
Fruit and Veg shopping - Grab paper bags that are designed for mushrooms
Tampons? Switch to a silicone menstrual cup to avoid monthly plastic waste or Modibodi
Facial scrubs and washes - Avoid micro-beads
Bottled water - Stop buying it and carry refill bottle
Cloth nappies - Switch to Terry towelling cloth nappies
Quit using Q-tips - Go organic cotton with paper stems
Avoid free samples (e.g. food samples that come in single-use packaging, hotel shampoo/conditioner)
Reusable coffee cups - Bring your own thermos to the coffee shop
Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags
Beauty brands - Look out for the ones that use sustainable packaging and let them know if they don’t
Buy tea the loose-leaf way
Leave plastic at the supermarket - You’re well within your rights to do it
Leftover food - Ditch cling wrap and use reusable containers/bowl with a plate on top or old jars
Get campaigning - Check out Greenpeace on how to help - Take-action
Smokers - Throw your butts in the bin, not on the floor
Zero waste shops Refill stations for dry products without packaging
Discover plastic-free living here
Create ecobricks of non-biodegradable waste stuffed solid into a plastic bottle to create reusable building block. Read more