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Ditch single-use plastic straws

Reusable straws in cloth bag with pink background.

Wednesday 24 February 2021

The average adult uses 130 single-use plastic straws every year. With an estimated 8.5 billion thrown away in the UK. Due to the type of plastic they are made from, they can take hundreds of years to break down into smaller plastic particles.

Say no to single-use plastic straws

Plastic straws are one of the easiest single-use items to avoid. Simply say no and avoid using a straw altogether. If you don’t need one, why not go straw-less?

Switch to a reusable straw

There are now a wide variety of either metal, hard plastic, or bamboo straws on the market, which are great options if you still want to use a straw. Many of these come with cleaners, so they’re easy to wash up and reuse over and over again.

If you enjoy using a straw when you’re out, why not opt for a collapsible one? You can even get some which attach to a key chain for extra convenience. This is a great way to ensure you don’t get caught short when you’re out and about.

Find out more about plastic

Ideas to help reduce your plastic

Plastic recycling in Essex

Tips to improve your recycling

What's the difference between biodegradable, compostable and eco?