3 January 2018
Even though we face some huge environmental problems, if we all make small lifestyle changes they can have big impact for our planet. Green Living is a monthly series of articles suggesting practical, easy steps we can all do to make sure our beautiful Earth is preserved for our children by Paul Woodhead, Green Party Councillor for Hednesford South on Cannock Chase District Council.
Plastic pollution is at crisis point and most people have seen the shocking images in TV shows like Blue Planet 2 and SKY TV's ongoing campaign about plastic. We can't keep using plastic once and throwing it way, “Single Use Plastics” are now filling our Oceans. The Ellen MacCarthur Foundation estimates that the weight of plastics in the oceans will exceed fish by 2050.
The 5p charge on plastic bags has been really successful. We've seen a dramatic drop in plastic bag use and already most of us are happy to carry are own bags when we go shopping. As we are all consider New Year resolutions here are five easy lifestyle tips to help you reduce your plastic use in 2018.
Tip 1: Shop local and support your local businesses. Buy fruit and vegetables at a greengrocer your meat from a butchers and bread from a bakery. These small businesses are more likely to use less packaging the goods will have fewer food-miles from field to plate and for every pound spent with locally owned businesses 63p will be spent again locally. Also ask for paper packaging.
Tip 2: If shopping at a supermarket use options with less plastic. Think about the loose pick goods or those supplied in one sleeve. Glass and cardboard packaging are a better environmental choice than plastic.
Tip 3: Do not choose goods sold in black plastics at all. Black cannot be recycled as the colour prevents the recycling processes from recognising the type of plastic and it is rejected and sent to landfill.
Tip 4: Just Say No to drinking straws and plastic cutlery. The average use time is 20 minutes and takes 600 years to decompose. Positively ask for one not to be put in your drink or be supplied with plastic cutlery.
Tip 5: Carry a refillable water bottle or hot drink cup. Most cafes and fast food providers will fill your container if you ask.
If you have your own tips for sustainable living please get in touch and we will share them in a future article.
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