to ask what you're doing to reduce your use of plastics?

[k2p2k2tog]

Lots of coverage on the BBC yesterday about how we used to ship loads of plastics for recycling to China, and China have said they aren't taking it any more.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42455378

Of course recycling is a good thing. But that should come third after reduce and reuse.

Plastics are an environmental nightmare - we can't avoid all plastics but we can certainly reduce what we're using. I've just ordered reusable sandwich wraps for the kids to take to school rather than wrapping in cling film. Little steps. If everyone does a little bit, we can reduce the total amount of plastics.

So what are you doing???

I did put my fruit and vegetables on conveyor belt but I wish Tesco would provide some baskets or tubs to put lose stuff in then they could be removed by cashier itms.

re-wrap-it.co.uk

I use these.

hazel
would and office style water cooler be an option?
those huge bottles are refilled.

I shopped at a market so brought veg and meat in minimal plastic but it wasn't none. I also brought a tea infuser but need to find loose tea that isn't either over packaged or very expensive or so rubbish it falls through the holes.

I don't have an option for fruit juice which we drink a lot of and makes sense to process at point rather than me buying oranges and squeezing them. Has anyone any suggestions?

I'm sure that as soon as supermarkets see that people are buying stuff not in plastic containers they will rush to supply what the buyer wants. Just a shame it didn't happen years ago.
I remember the pre plastic times and the issues were the risk to your purchases of eg contamination from fresh meat if the water/blood leaked out, the life of the products was possibly less as it was in waxed paper and not plastic bag, risk of paper bags tearing whilst lifting things in and out of your box or shopping bag and the weight of the extra glass. It will take more effort whilst buying goods but possibly less effort once you are home as you won't have to wrestle with those plastic containers and sealed lids so much.

Also there is an incentive now for manufacturers to come up with good biodegradable packaging.

I took photos of the plastic-wrapped fruit & veg in a couple of supermarkets yesterday & tweeted to ask when they were going to cut down. They acknowledged my comments. Maybe if there's enough pressure they will do something.

Please never flush tampons condoms and cotton buds. These crop up everywhere on my beach cleans. Also babywipes.

Can’t believe there are some people who don’t give a shit about these sorts of issues. The ignorance blows my mind!

So anybody who doesn't share your passion must be ignorant.What a dogmatic old bore you are!

We know the facts. We understand the harm this stuff is doing. We know that future generations are going to have to cope with the incredibly serious and far reaching consequences if we don't clean up our act, not to mention all the other animals we share our space with.

Yeah, I'd say they were pretty ignorant and selfish. This isn't just loving a certain band, or being really keen on a certain type of cuisine.

I bought compostable sanpro and cotton buds.

Can’t believe there are some people who don’t give a shit about these sorts of issues. The ignorance blows my mind!

Everyone's journey starts somewhere. I'm sure there are things you are ignorant about.

In the 60's and 70s vans from the local town came to us (farm). The grocer, greengrocer/fishmonger and butcher. Hardly any plastic. Shop local is better.

Following for ideas.

But here are the small things I've started to do ...

• loose veg and fruit instead of the prepacked plastic packs

• reusable water bottle instead of buying

• take my own coffee thermosk instead of single use coffee cups (didnt have a coffee on the train today as forgot my own cup!)

• soap instead of handwash

• bamboo toothbrushes

www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/disposable-coffee-cups-plastic-bags-pollution-how-to-reduce-business-consumers-a8155576.html

Useful info of what to avoid because it can’t be recycled, basically:
-crisp packets
-wet wipes
-sandwich boxes
-sauce sachets
-ready meal trays
-pet food pouches
-ear buds
-plant pots
-plastic drinking straws
-foilised wrapping paper

Hope I'm allowed to post, those that like fizzy water. Sodastream have a special offer of a Fizzi for £20
www.sodastream.co.uk/the-fizzi-400

I took my new mesh bags shopping for the first time today, I was a bit nervous putting them down at the checkout but the cashier didn't bat an eyelid.

I also picked these cloths up at Wilko, along with a supply of white vinegar & baking soda for other surfaces. I'm now hoping they do what they say on the tin - I'll report back!

Thanks for the soda stream tip redwinegum. Apparently they sold 10,000 for £20 with view to reducing single use plastics.

I’m also making it my mission to reduce my plastic this year.

A butchers near me has said that he’s going to wrap meat in wax paper and if people bring their own containers he’ll use those.

The coffee shop near my work offers basic filter coffee usually for £0.95. In a takeaway cup. If you have coffee in its £0.85. If you take away but bring your own cup £0.50. They’re probably still making a profit.

When our Work kettles broken I’ve run across the road for coffee/tea with my mug. They’re happy to fill it.