Plastic waste is a global issue that can afflict land, waterways and oceans. The vast majority of plastics ever produced (90%) have not been recycled and end up rotting in landfills, being burned in incinerators or littering marine environments such as rivers and the ocean.
How Can We Reduce Plastic Waste?
Recycling is a great way to reduce plastic waste as it prevents discarded packaging, bottles, and cans from ending up in landfills. In addition, it reduces carbon emissions.
Avoiding single-use plastics is another crucial step to reducing your plastic footprint in rubbish removal Birmingham. Refusing straws, bags, and coffee cups and buying reusable alternatives like a cloth shopping bag or a takeaway cup are easy ways to start.
Replace or Repair if something is broken
If you have something that breaks, instead of throwing it away, try repairing it first. Some materials can easily be repaired with simple tools.
Shop in bulk
The best way to shop is to buy things in larger quantities. If you can, shop in bulk at zero waste shops or at your local grocery store.
Make a conscious effort to buy products with zero or minimum packaging, such as laundry detergent, shampoo and hand soap. Purchasing these items without the packaging means that you can eliminate all of the plastic packaging and save money.
Switch to a reusable container
If your meals or snacks are often prepared in plastic styrofoam food containers, making a switch to glass or metal is a great way to cut down on your plastic waste. You can even go as far as bringing your own reusable containers to work or for trips to the supermarket.