Sunday Social: 5 ways to avoid plastic consumption

As it is commonly known, plastic is not biodegradable and the harmful chemicals produced will linger for years to come. Single-use plastics are defined as plastic packaging intended to be used once before they get thrown away – and they are almost impossible to avoid! 

Zero waste shops have recently been popping up all over the country. As the title suggests, they are shops that allow you to buy your food shop without excess packaging. These sustainable shops are not accessible to those of us on a tighter budget as they are often more expensive and not every city is yet to have one.

So how can you be more sustainable on a budget and avoid plastic consumption? 

1.Save your 5ps and invest in a reusable bag

Plastic bags are one of the largest contributions to plastic pollution. The change towards avoiding bags is gradually getting better, with 7.6 billion being bought in the UK in 2014, compared to just over one billion in 2018. Although this has improved, the UK still has a longe way to go in saying no to plastic bags. 

2.Buy a reusable coffee cup

Takeaway coffee cups are made of paper, however there is usually an inner plastic liner that cannot be recycled. So either, invest in a reusable coffee cup or actually sit down and enjoy your drink from the environmentally friendly mug. 

3. Attempt to be more sustainable while doing your food shop

Unfortunately for those of us on a budget, food tends to be cheaper when it is covered in plastic packaging. This insane rule is definitely a problem for supermarkets to improve upon, but perhaps on your next shop try to make a conscious effort to avoid plastic packaging, or at least excessive packaging. Another tip is to invest in reusable bags to put loose fruit and veg into. These are easily accessible from places such as Amazon. 

4. Avoid microbes

This is definitely a less well-known way to cut down your plastic consumption, but microbes are found in a lot of face washes, exfoliators, and especially in glitter. So be aware of them before buying your next beauty product, and maybe try to ditch the glitter for your next party or festival.

5.Rethink disposable health items

Disposable razors, toothbrushes, shower gels, and shampoos all have eco-friendly alternatives that are not commonly known about. Although originally more expensive, they will last longer and so save you money in the future.