Reducing plastics

Plastic is a huge problem in the UK. The US and UK produce more plastic waste per person than any other major countries. In the UK over five million tonnes of plastics are consumed yet only one-quarter of it is recycled. The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is not to buy plastic and swap to more eco-friendly alternatives. Below are some of our top tips in reducing plastics.

In the Kitchen

• Bring back the milkman/milklady. Do some research into getting your milk delivered in glass bottles which are reused and recycled instead of your usual plastic pint. Many milk rounds also offer fruit juices too.
• Ditch the cling film and swap to an alternative such as Beeswax Wraps. Beeswax wraps are environmentally friendly and are reusable.
• Swap to a wooden cleaning brush rather than a plastic one.

In the Bathroom

• Switch shower gel and handwash for bars of soap. Another bonus is that bars of soap last longer and work out cheaper.
• Swap to reusable sanitary pads/tampons or try out a moon cup.
• Change to toothpaste tabs.
• Trade your disposable razor for a metal one.

Whilst at University

• Bring a reusable coffee cup to Essex Food to receive 10% off a hot drink.
• Remember to put a refillable water bottle in your bag. There are plenty of water fountains across campus.
• Use a reusable cutlery set when eating on campus.

When Shopping

• Carry a reusable bag with you.
• Try to buy loose fruit and veg rather than ones wrapped in plastic.

Head to our Tik Tok to find more of our top tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

It is important we all try to cut our carbon emissions. The University declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency