TIPS on how to reduce plastic use are being shared by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) during the global Plastic Free July campaign.
Plastic Free July, an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, aims to eliminate harmful plastic waste which harms the environment, health and wellbeing, and contributes to carbon emissions.
The Foundation says that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean, and that the average person eats 70,000 microplastics each year.
WCC’s environment spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “The sheer scale of our planet’s plastic problem is staggering and complicated. When faced with such large numbers it’s easy to just assume that you won’t be able to make a difference through your own actions, but this could not be further from the truth.
“As with the so many elements of the climate and environmental emergency that currently faces our world, there are a lot of little things that individuals can do to make a big difference. I would urge anyone who is able to try some of our tips for reducing plastic use this July and together we can continue to strive for a Warwickshire that is sustainable now and for future generations.”
The council is supporting the campaign by sharing one tip to help residents reduce plastic use for each of the 31 days of the month across its social media channels and website, including:
- Ditching pre-packaged fresh produce and choosing loose fruit and vegetables instead
- Remembering to take a reusable coffee cup when out and about
- Switching to loose-leaf tea or a tea-bag brand that doesn’t contain plastic
- Saying no to cheap plastic giveaways
- Switching to bars of soap and shampoo that last longer than bottles
- Taking a re-usable water bottle out with you and using the Refill app to find places to top-up
- Using local zero-waste shops to stock up on cupboard staples – less packaging and less plastic.
Follow the Warwickshire County Council accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more tips, or share more ideas using the #PlasticFreeWarks hashtag.
Visit www.plasticfreejuly.org for more information about plastic-free July 2022.
