How To Have A Plastic-Free Summer

Did you know that only 9% of all the plastic ever made has been recycled? As sustainability values help us to shift towards focusing on the reduction and reuse components of the plastic lifecycle, we explore how we can leave our beaches and parks a little cleaner this summer, with these free and easy tips.

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Bathroom Bars

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The bathroom is awash with plastic packaging, factor in the fact that most of these products require daily use and it significantly increases the quantity of plastic being consumed each month. Switch liquid shower gels and hand-washes for solids and bars from companies such as Lush that sell without packaging. And because bar soap doesn’t contain as high a proportion of water as shower gels or liquid soaps, bar soap tends to last a lot longer and is more cost effective.

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A Swiss study found the carbon footprint of liquid soap is 25% larger than soap in bar form on a per-wash basis. Liquid soap also needs 5 times more energy to produce and can use 20 times more packaging. All of this makes liquid soap heavier and less efficient to transport from the factory to your shower. The study did note traditional bar soaps could have more of an environmental impact on land than liquid soap. This is because they are usually made from fats and oils which come from farmed crops. However, given that most liquid soaps are made from petroleum-based chemicals, it’s still much easier to choose a natural bar soap that’s kinder to our environment.

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In summary: choose a soap in minimal packaging (avoiding plastic), a natural soap, avoiding chemical ingredients, avoid soaps made with palm oil to limit the environmental land impact, buy from local farmers' markets or independent shops where possible to reduce transportation carbon footprint.

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Farm Fresh

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Keep reusable bags in the car so you are always prepared for shopping stops while on the road. Finding a local farmer’s market is a great opportunity to purchase local produce and homemade foods. Bring a reusable bag with you for all your purchases and choose vendors that use minimal to none plastic packaging. You can also pack your own container for small fruits and veggies that might be sold in plastic baskets. Simply move the produce into your container and return it back to the vendor for reuse next time.

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A Close Shave

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If you’re going camping or can’t wait for the green list of destinations to be further updated, disposable razors may be convenient, but they come at a cost to our planet. More than 5 million people buy disposable razors annually in Britain - that’s a hefty number ending up in landfill each year. The countless bottles and plastic-lidded containers of shaving products will also be piling up in landfill. Luckily, there are eco-friendly alternatives that won’t break the bank.

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Opt for a traditional safety razor which can last for years (only the razor blades need to be recycled). They’re also known to be more hygienic, cause less skin irritation and give a closer shave. While the initial cost may be more than we’re used to paying, it will be cheaper in the long run than its throwaway relative. When it comes to disposing of used razor blades, collect them in a container and find your local recycling business that accepts them. You can also opt for shaving cream in metal or glass jars which are more sustainable and easier to upcycle, try a shaving bar or homemade shaving cream using shea butter and coconut oil.

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Buy In Bulk

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Bulk buying is a great way to ease into reducing your plastic consumption. Not only does it cut the total amount of plastic you consume, it also reduces the carbon footprint of shipping the products, as well as being more economical on the wallet. X+Why members Bower Collective offer a monthly subscription service for all your sustainable homeware needs. Fortunately it seems the beauty industry is finally waking up to the environmental impact of its packaging, with many high street brands such as Faith In Nature, Aveda and Neal’s Yard now also pledging to use only recycled materials in their packaging.

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It’s also best to bring your own toiletries when staying at hotels instead of using the mini complimentary ones. In fact, earlier this month, the owner of Holiday Inn and Intercontinental Hotels announced that the chain will be switching to bulk-size bathroom amenities as part of an effort to reduce plastic-waste.

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Pearly Whites

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It’s estimated that in the US alone between 850 million and over a billion toothbrushes, representing over 50 million pounds weight (22 million kgs) of waste, are discarded and end up in landfill each year. The market for bamboo products has exploded in recent years and there are now quite a few bamboo toothbrushes to choose from, although you’d still be hard pressed to find one in your local supermarket aisles. If they are available, sometimes the handle is made from 100% biodegradable bamboo, although the bristles are nylon and will need to be removed before composting.

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If you’re looking to go completely plastic-free you could try the wooden brush from German company Life Without Plastic. It's made from sustainably harvested beechwood, and the bristles are made from pig hair. Which means that, although they’re not suitable for vegans, they can be completely composted after use. Finally if neither of these options work for you, a conventional toothbrush or electric toothbrush with replaceable head (rather than throwing away the whole thing) will reduce single-use plastic consumption.

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Parties And Picnics

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Summer parties and picnics can create a lot of waste, as single-use plastic tableware and pre-made foods are often seen as the most convenient option for serving large groups of people. Resist purchasing single-use plastic dishes and cutlery just because it’s easier for clean-up. Instead, use reusables so you can wash and reuse them over and over. Not only will you save money and the environment, real dishes are always the nicer looking option! For plastic-free single-use options, use natural tableware made from wood or bamboo. Edible cutlery made from rice and flours are also a fun new sustainable option.

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In addition to swapping single-use plastic cups for reusable glasses, choose natural garnishes and of course, skip the plastic straw and stirrer. Swap plastic straws with reusable or paper biodegradable ones. There are many decorative reusable straws on the market right now that look great in any beverage. Purchase foods with minimal packaging. Buy produce and proteins in bulk when possible. Before leaving for your trip, portion and prepare ingredients for meals into reusable containers. Not only will this reduce the amount of packaging you bring with you into the woods, portioning out your food ahead of time will minimise the amount of food waste. If you are short on space in your cooler, wrap food in beeswax food wrap that can be washed and reused.

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Bring Your Own Bottle

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Glastonbury Festival, the largest greenfield festival in the world, made the decision to not offer single-use plastic water bottles at their last event. Visitors had access to free water taps around the site which could be used to fill up reusable water bottles. Glastonbury organisers also promised to increase the number of WaterAid kiosks, demonstrating that the responsibility to be more sustainable lies with businesses and industry, just as much as consumer demand. In case your next festival isn’t this forward-thinking, invest in a reusable water bottle of your own to stay hydrated. Your body will thank you and the planet will, too.

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Leave No Trace

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For any waste you do make, recycle or dispose of it responsibly. Many provincial and national parks have recycling programs. Please do not burn any plastic! As this releases toxic fumes into the air. Unfortunately, there are litter bugs out there. Bring a small bag with you on the trail to pick-up any litter you find along the way. Recycle or dispose of the waste responsibly once you are back home or to camp.

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