The use of plastic items, especially single-use items (which are items only used once) is accelerating climate change. But there are many ways you can reduce your single-use plastic and make a difference.
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.
There are many quick and easy ways you can reduce your impact on the planet. The best option is to reduce the number of items you use and opt for reusable items. The next best option is to ensure you’re opting for recyclable items and recycle as much as you can.
New plastic items can often be made using recycled plastic. Using recycled plastic in place of raw material significantly reduces the energy use and carbon emissions.
By opting for reusable items, you can reduce the amount of plastic you throw away. There are lots of ideas, but remember by making just One Small Change, you can make a difference.
Carry a reusable coffee cup or enjoy your hot drink in-store
Remember your reusable water bottle and use free water refill stations
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
Keep your food fresh with a reusable lunch box and food wraps
Join us either as an individual or household and sign the Essex Plastic Pledge. You will receive a monthly e-newsletter packed full of hints and tips and be entered into prize draws to win items that will help you reduce your plastics.
Sign the Essex Plastic Pledge for residents here.
If you're a school in Essex, you can sign the the Essex Plastic Pledge for your school. You will then receive a bi-monthly newsletter full of inspiration from other local schools on how to reduce plastic waste as well as access to an online resource pack full of activities and tools to help your school succeed in reducing plastic waste.
Sign the Essex Plastic Pledge for schools here.
If you're an organisation in Essex, such as a business, college, university or community group you can sign the Essex Plastic Pledge as an organisation. You will receive a bi-monthly newsletter full of inspiration from other local organisation sharing their experiences and success stories on reducing plastic waste, as well as access to an online resource pack to help you on the journey to reduce plastic waste.
Sign the Essex Plastic Pledge for organisations here.
Tips to improve your recycling
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