PLASTICS

Facts

• The UK produces 3 million tonnes of plastic a year
• Only 7% of plastic is currently recycled
• Plastic production uses 8% of world oil production
• The carcinogens and hormone disruptors in the dioxins, phthalates and Bisphenol A that plastics contain don't sound healthy
• Unlike other materials we discard, plastics take a very long time to breakdown so any discarded items remain a threat to wildlife and unsightly to us for much longer. A plastic bottle for example can take 400 years before it has finished leaching its poisons into the environment

REDUCE

• Don't buy plastic if you can help it
• Drinks taste much better in china or glass and you can get more tea in a mug!
• Mineral water maybe isn't a healthy option when you see what it is packaged in
• If any packaging is excessive let the supplier or manufacturer know what you think
• Use homemade cleaners – lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar are powerful alternatives that are also healthier and cheaper

REUSE

• Buy a bag for life
• Plastic bags make great liners for smaller bins in the bathroom or office
• To remind you to reuse bags when shopping keep them in your coat pocket, by the backdoor or in the car
• Ask your garden centre if they need any unused plant pots
• Ecover produce environmentally friendly cleaning products in containers that can be refilled at local stores

RECYCLE

• Plastics are still costly to recycle as they are so light and bulky but more facilities are opening – ask your local recycling officer for details of how and where to recycle
• Save space by using used, warm dishwater to make bottles pliable and then squash down

LINKS

• Waste Watch has lots of scientific, research and general interest data
• Recoup promotes plastics recycling by offering facts, news and advice for existing and potential plastic recyclers