The amount of plastic waste produced on this planet - and
the issues that come with this - is something that has steadily gained more
attention in recent years. Plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade,
and it takes a lot of energy and the earth’s resources to produce plastic in
the first place. It might be difficult to cut plastic out of your life
completely, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your plastic consumption on
a day to day basis.
So, if you want to do your bit for the environment and make
steps towards living more sustainably, see below for some of the best plastic
alternatives available today.
Plant based ‘plastics’
Also called bioplastics, this eco-friendly alternative can
be made from renewable sources such as corn, vegetable oil, wood chips or food
waste. As bioplastic is predominantly produced from waste products, it is far
more sustainable than traditional plastics made from oil or petroleum, and it
also degrades at a much faster rate - around three to six months. Bioplastics
can be used to produce drinks bottles, food containers, clingfilm, toys and
more.
Milk protein
This plastic alternative made from casein, the protein found
in milk, has actually been around for over a century, but it’s only in the past
decade or so that it’s come back into favour. Casein can be combined with clay
to form a stronger plastic alternative that is still biodegradable.
Shampoo bars
Everyone is familiar with a bar of soap, but solid shampoo
bars are growing in popularity as a
plastic-free alternative to bottled liquid shampoo. Shampoo bars remove the
need for plastic packaging, and their ingredients tend to be very concentrated
so it’s likely they’ll last longer too. They also contain all natural
ingredients, with some converts claiming overall healthier and shinier hair
after regular use.
Beeswax wraps
Another natural alternative to plastic, beeswax wraps can be
used instead of cling film to keep food fresh and easily transportable.
Traditionally made from cotton and beeswax, these wraps are washable, reusable
and eventually compostable, removing the waste households produce from single
use cling film or foil.
Metal straws
Single use plastic straws were one of the first mainstream
plastic products to be banned, with a proposal laid out by the government in October 2018.
It’s
estimated that the UK consumes a whopping 8.5 billion plastic straws each year,
which is taking a heavy toll on our environment and oceans. Reusable metal
straws are a great alternative for both businesses and your home; they can be
used time and time again, and some are even bendable.
We understand that it isn’t always possible to completely
eliminate plastic from your life, but luckily there are recycling companies
that can help. Graham Churchill offers both domestic and commercial recycling,
and our on-site service ensures that all the waste we collect is recycled where
possible or disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. For more
information about our recycling services, give us a call or visit our website.
