6 Easy Plastic Swaps YOU Can Make

Turtle in the sea surrounded by plastic bottles and plastic bags.

Plastic pollution is a major environmental threat, and single-use plastics are a big part of the problem. Shows like Our Planet have highlighted the devastating impact plastic has on our ocean wildlife.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to refuse single-use plastics to raise awareness about plastic pollution and its impact on our planet. So many of the items that we use day to day contribute to our plastic footprint. Read on to discover how you can help make a difference!

6 easy plastic swaps you can make:

Hydrate with a reusable bottle

In the UK alone, we use 13 billion plastic bottles every year. 7.5 billion of them end up in landfills, the ocean or get incinerated. They account for 1/3 of all plastic pollution in the sea!

Reusable bottles are one of the most easy plastic swaps you can make, saving you money too. Lakeland's 500ml Infuser Bottle is a great choice if you prefer your drink with a fruity infusion. This BPA-free 500ml bottle comes with a Lakeland 3-year guarantee and is an absolute steal at only £6.99!

Ditch the plastic cotton buds:

They're small, but they make a huge difference. In fact, if Europeans chose paper stems or sustainable cotton buds over plastic stems, it would stop 450 tons of plastic from harming the environment every single year! Paper stem cotton buds are easy to pick up - you can get 200 for just £1.50 at Boots.

Carry a reusable tote bag:

Reusable tote bag with groceries inside.

The use of single-use plastic carrier bags in the UK has fallen by a whopping 86% thanks to the carrier bag charge, which has also raised £66 million for good causes.

You can pick them up in most supermarkets or if you'd prefer something more personal, take a look at Etsy's range of recycled tote bags.

Go for eco-friendly toilet paper

A box surrounded by eco-friendly toilet paper by 'Who Gives A Crap'.

Thoughtfully named Who Gives A Crap makes 100% recycled toilet roll and paper towels that don't come wrapped in plastic AND they donate 50% of their profits to help build toilets - which is pretty amazing when you learn that 1 in 3 people don't have access to any kind of toilet. You can order yours here.

Skip the plastic straw

Lakeland's stainless straw set with cleaning brush.

Thankfully lots of restaurants have already made the move away from harmful plastic straws, so why not keep your own reusable stainless steel straw in your bag? Home Experts Lakeland has a stainless steel straw with a carry case and cleaning brush for just £7.99 here.

Stop buying cling film

If you're a fan of batch cooking or making packed lunches for your household, swap your plastic cling film for reusable wrapping. We absolutely love these cute Bee's Wrap reusable wraps from Lakeland. They come in an assortment of sizes, are made of natural cotton, beeswax, oil and tree resin, and are reusable.

These easy plastic swaps can significantly reduce your plastic footprint. Remember, every little bit counts! Let's work together for a healthier planet.

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