The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Psalm 24
Plastic production is energy- and resource-intensive. Half of the plastic we use is used once and then thrown away. It then takes 500-1,000 years to degrade. Much of this plastic ends up in the sea, and then in the food chain. Recycling also uses a lot of energy, so it is better to try to reduce plastic waste.
- Buy a reusable plastic bottle and use it. Download the ‘Refill’ app so you can fill up your water bottle free.
- Identify any single use products you use and replace with a reusable version.
- Buy loose fruit/vegetables to save plastic wrapping, and avoid prepared veg which uses a lot of water.
- Avoid cling film – use a plastic box or buy some beeswax wraps instead.
- Buy toiletries without the plastic eg shampoo and soap bars, washing powder in a box rather than liquid in a bottle, or a refillable product (see a list of stores at Love Essex), or numerous products delivered by post.
- Don’t flush wet wipes (unless they have the Fine to Flush logo). Put them in the bin, or try reusable wipes.
- Review your bin each week and identify where waste can be reduced.
Lots more ideas and campaigns can be found on the City to Sea website