Plastic. We use it, we lose it and we muse over it

Our fast-paced 21st century lifestyles come ready-packaged in plastic which is maybe why the tsunami of “zero waste” articles in the media can leave us confused and even downright depressed about what we should be doing for the best. Yet, thanks to the enthusiasm and positivity of the young people in our household (not to mention the nagging - and they say I nag!), we are now making determined steps towards a more environmentally conscious way of living. One small move: getting our milk delivered in glass bottles. You’d have thought the novelty would have worn off by now but those bottles still reminds me of my childhood!

After a couple of years of slow progress, we were recently inspired to review our habits by our daughter’s participation in the  Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award and her decision to focus on the environment and sustainability in her skills section. First step was a “bin audit” of all the rubbish collected in the house over a week. The next step was to make our findings official - and that’s when we heard of The Big Plastic Count. By the time you read this, we will have taken part in the UK’s biggest ever investigation into household plastic waste. Between May 16th and 22nd, people all over the country will have been counting their packaging waste in a bid to gather new evidence of the true scale of the plastic problem. I hope the results will show the government the true scale of the problem and what really needs to be done to tackle it. 

All time-consuming and maybe a bit off-putting to many people - but please keep reading! 

Building on from previous pieces from Brill Climate Action Group*, here’s my suggestions on the theme of “Try Just One Thing”.

An easy change is to buy fruit and vegetables loose rather than packaged. We are lucky to have some great independent local suppliers - but most supermarkets now take back “soft plastics” (bread and frozen food bags and similar) for recycling. Just check the labels!

Another really simple thing is to buy - and always use - a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. People may wonder what possible difference such small actions may make but your efforts can influence others and, before you know it, a personal effort becomes local and then global. 

You could also take the challenge to “Choose to Refuse”. The idea of Plastic Free July originated in Australia and has grown into a worldwide movement supporting people to become part of the solution. The Plastic Free July website has tips on how you can work towards this yourself, as well as lots of inspirational stories of how individuals, families and local communities have reduced the plastic in their lives. Over 120 million people in 177 countries are now involved. 

Finally, some stats (with thanks www.plasticfree.org.uk):

• 38 million plastic bottles are bought every day in the UK

• 112,000 pieces of plastic packaging leave UK supermarkets every minute

• 12,000,000 tonnes of plastic find their way into our oceans every year

Overwhelming - but do what you can. Together we really can make a difference! 

Hannah Tuffley for BCAG, June 2022