Single-use plastic

Single-use items are designed to only be used once before being thrown away. These include coffee cups, disposable cutlery and wipes, just to name a few.

Here, you will be able to find ideas and information about switching out single-use plastics for reusable alternatives. Making the change is better for the environment, and it can also save you money!

What is the problem with plastic?

Creating plastic using raw or new materials requires lots of energy and non-renewable resources (resources that cannot be easily replaced naturally), such as oil. This generates high levels of carbon emissions which contribute to climate change.

Another problem with single-use plastic is that it’s been designed to only be used once before being disposed of which is very wasteful. Not all plastics are recyclable so a lot of items can end up in landfill at the end of their short life.

Depending on what type of plastic the item is made from, it can take hundreds of years to breakdown. Even then, it doesn’t disappear completely - it just breaks down into ‘microplastics’ which are harmful to our environment.

Easy switches to reduce your single-use plastic

• carry a reusable coffee cup or enjoy your hot drink in-store
• remember your reusable water bottle and use free water refill stations when you’re out and about
• choose reusable baby, make-up and cleaning wipes (they often make a messy job easier)
• always have a reusable shopping bag to hand
• keep a set of reusable cutlery at your work place or in your bag
• switch your bottle of shower gel for a bar of soap
• keep your food fresh with a reusable lunch box and food wraps instead of clingfilm or plastic bags
• use reusable containers at local refill shops