The War against plastic waste

DigForVictory

I don't think anyone said the war on plastic waste would be easy. Or cheap. Or practicable in all cases for everybody. (Plus the edited lists are a bit Yank in tone, which I agree doesn't read well.)

Just if we all try a bit, it helps.

You might even ask work why the policy on not being allowed to keep reusable foodware (seriously - not as much as a mug?)
And ask Lidl when they'll compete with Waitrose on refillables.

Life without plastic waste is not cheap, but carrying on as we are will end up costing this species a planet.

carrielovesfanta

DigForVictory wrote: »

I don't think anyone said the war on plastic waste would be easy. Or cheap. Or practicable in all cases for everybody. (Plus the edited lists are a bit Yank in tone, which I agree doesn't read well.)

Just if we all try a bit, it helps.

Quite right!

We (as in the human race) are at the point that we are because we have constantly tried to make life that bit easier and cheaper for ourselves. It's very easy to say that something might be slightly inconvenient for you so you won't bother. But when you multiply that by 6 billion people, even a small effort adds up.
Some things aren't appropriate for all people - and that's fine. But even if you rethink a few things it could make a big difference as more people commit to it.

dreaming

My daughter, who has made huge efforts in being plastic free, always says that it is better for a million people to do 1 thing to reduce their waste than 1 person trying to do a million things.
I do find some of the "virtuous" lists a bit daunting becasue they are so long so I am trying to concentrate my efforts on one or two areas at a time. For Mothers' Day my daughter gave me some waxed food wrappers and I must say I really like them. Cheese, in particular, seems to keep better than when I wrapped it in either cling-film or foil.

DigForVictory

I found ditching the plastic hairbrush a doddle as soon as I found an ebony & bristle one on a car boot, (and cleaned it carefully).

I happily stopped using a plastic razor once I found a traditional double edged safety razor like my dad & granddad used to use, (and I note my sons have found their gfs appreciate the results of a proper wet shave as opposed to a quck swipe with the electric thing!)

Biros are easier to live without if you have and carry everywhere a really nice pen (I'm told engraved ones are less attractive to steal as well), plus the fun of a choice of inks (which are still sold in glass!).

Indulge daughter's drive - invite her to startle you with a range of cleaning tools that all meet her standards. Alongside some beauty products likewise?!

We have a board of OS (Old Style) threads on canny ways cleaning with vinegar, soda and so forth - use the accumulated experience!

And of course, share it. Starting with daughter, that some of those million can find & try a new thing, and maybe another...

Icey77

dreaming wrote: »

My daughter, who has made huge efforts in being plastic free, always says that it is better for a million people to do 1 thing to reduce their waste than 1 person trying to do a million things.
I do find some of the "virtuous" lists a bit daunting becasue they are so long so I am trying to concentrate my efforts on one or two areas at a time. For Mothers' Day my daughter gave me some waxed food wrappers and I must say I really like them. Cheese, in particular, seems to keep better than when I wrapped it in either cling-film or foil.

Ohh does it Dreaming?
I'm not sure I like the 'feel' of the waxed food wrapper but I would give them a serious go if they keep the cheddar and parmesan nicely.

I am trying to find a way of freezing bulk bought chicken breasts individually at the moment that maximises freezer space - the raw breasts squish together well and don't get freezer burn when wrapped in sandwich bags.

dreaming

Icey77 wrote: »

Ohh does it Dreaming?
I'm not sure I like the 'feel' of the waxed food wrapper but I would give them a serious go if they keep the cheddar and parmesan nicely.

I am trying to find a way of freezing bulk bought chicken breasts individually at the moment that maximises freezer space - the raw breasts squish together well and don't get freezer burn when wrapped in sandwich bags.

I've definitely noticed the difference with cheese but must admit I haven't really used them for much else. Daughter uses them for her sandwich packe-lunch, and to cover bowls of food in the fridge. They are not suitable for meat so I am looking out for alternatives, although I am also trying to reduce the amount I eat and switching to pulses instead. I still have a fair few lock'n'lock boxes and will keep them whilst concentrating on the single use plastics first. Years ago I used to be much better and have always made and used my own shopping bags, but since living on my own I think I have just gone for convenience, but with the example of DD I am trying to be more thoughtful about things again and take a few small steps at a time.

tboo

I did find the responses to the vast list from halogen rather sad- the idea is to change to avoid unnecessary waste and not poopoo the suggestions

I find some people who don't change are those on a limited budget, those that can't be bothered and the elderly.


On a side note



Mcdonalds have introduced paper straws and some people are trying to sell the old free plastic ones as rare items for £1000's (even though some sold for £10.50) so expect to see some in a museum in the near future:)

Soworried

Any one want to join in the plastic free one month challenge?

https://www.mcsuk.org/plastic-challenge/

POPPYOSCAR

Primrose wrote: »

I don't know if we have a specific thread on here for sharing tips against reducing our plastic use - perhaps we could share them, but here's a current "bee in my bonnet".




We recently received our National Trust magazine which came packaged in an oute wrapper which said:
"I am 100% compostable and contain Potato Starch. The National Trust has moved away from polythene wrapping to a more environmentally friendly potato starch film which is compostable. Here are several ways you can dispose of your wrapper:



1 Add to a well maintined home/garden compost heap
2. Place it with your garden waste for industrial composting

3 Use to line your food waste caddy"


I realised we receive quite a few publications with these plastic wrappers, including magazines issued by weekend paper supplements so my self assigned task is to write to them all asking why, if the National Trust can adopt such a policy, the rest of them can't do the same ?


Anybody care to join me and do the same?


And please do share your tips for reducing plastic. The waste is reaching epidemic proportions, isn't it?

English heritage do the same.

I am surprised this is not used for a lot more things.

Soworried

Sainsburys 5p reverse recycling scheme sounds great.

Can't wait until it is rolled out.