Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

I thought I’d write about something a little different today. Something that I know has become increasingly important to many people in recent months. If you saw David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II (or indeed have seen any news headlines since it aired), you’ll know single-use plastic is having a devastating effect on marine life. While it is the responsibility of Governments and corporations to act on this issue, we can also take immediate action ourselves. Here are a few simple ways to reduce plastic use in your home:

1. Use Bulk Refill Stations

It can be difficult to avoid some plastic containers, particularly for cleaning products and detergents. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of places that offer bulk refilling stations, where you can bring your own bottles to fill up on cleaning supplies. Some places also provide options for tea, coffee, spices, grains, pasta, baking ingredients and condiments so you can significantly cut-back on single-use packaging. Here’s a great site for finding your nearest refill station: https://zerowastehome.com/app/. For Bath residents, Harvest on Walcot Street is a great place to buy packaging-free goods.

2. Buy Loose Fruit and Veg

Most produce comes with its own natural and biodegradable packaging, so why are we then wrapping it in plastic? Choose loose fruit and veg at supermarkets, green grocers and farmer’s markets to significantly cut down on plastic. For delicate produce, like mushrooms and berries, opt for brown paper bags which can be recycled. If your supermarket doesn’t carry them, consider bringing your own.

3. Use Natural Materials

Choose natural fabrics for your clothing and soft furnishings. Manmade materials like polyester and rayon are often made of plastic, and this plastic is polluting the sea every time we wash our clothes. Of course, I’m not suggesting you immediately throw away all polyester clothing, but you can use a Guppyfriend. Pop it in your washing machine to trap the microfibres that are polluting our waters.

4. Say No to Bottled Water

We use more than 35 million plastic bottles every year in the UK alone. We could significantly reduce that if everyone switched to a reusable stainless steel water bottle. You can also buy a reusable travel mug AND reusable straws too. Bamboo straws are particularly eco-friendly.

5. Try ‘Naked’ Cosmetics

Lush offer an extensive range of ‘naked’ cosmetics that come in bar form, including shampoo. Many of their other products are packaged in recyclable tubs, and if you return 5 clean tubs to your local store, you receive a free face mask.

As for other toiletries: look for toilet roll wrapped in paper rather than plastic; choose lip balms and moisturisers in glass or metal containers; or try making your own cosmetics at home.