The first time I embarked on the daunting task of conducting the Big Plastic Count was when I returned from Vietnam and stayed with my parents. The results were staggering, leaving me shocked and deeply concerned. We didn’t alter our habits or make any special efforts to reduce plastic consumption, and the amount we accumulated was alarming. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to take action.
That’s why this year, I’m committed to participating in The Big Plastic Count once again, which is running from 11th – 17th March. For those unfamiliar with this initiative, allow me to explain its significance and impact.
WHAT IS THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT?
Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic, two social enterprises collaborated to establish The Big Plastic Count a few years ago. In 2017, the founder of Everyday Plastic, Daniel Webb, dedicated a year to collecting all his plastic waste. Together with a scientific researcher, he devised a unique method to measure his plastic footprint to monitor the fate of his plastic waste post-recycling.
On average, UK households discard almost 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging annually, and merely 12% gets recycled within the UK. In 2022, nearly 250,000 individuals from schools, households, and communities nationwide participated in The Big Plastic Count, making it the largest study on UK household plastic waste. The findings revealed that close to 100 billion plastic pieces are discarded in the UK each year, with minimal recycling.
This initiative aims to gather compelling evidence with the help of everyone involved to encourage the government to take decisive action on plastic. The Big Plastic Count provides an opportunity for each of us to understand the fate of our plastic waste after disposal. How? Simply sign up, track your plastic waste for a week (from March 11th to 18th), input the data on their website, and discover the outcome of your footprint.
The excessive production of plastic and the scarcity of universally applicable reusable alternatives are pressing issues. The UK generates more plastic packaging per capita than almost any other country globally, and the recycling infrastructure is inadequate. Participating in The Big Plastic Count for a week to monitor your home’s plastic waste can help amass more data on the UK’s plastic consumption and its ultimate fate. This will enable us to collectively urge the government and businesses to confront the reality that we cannot recycle our way out of this predicament.
Whether you’re a school or a household, we can all take part in The Big Plastic Count this year and I’m here to encourage everyone to do it. Follow this link to sign up and check exactly how it works. It’s super easy!
WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR PLASTIC RECYCLING?
With the global awareness of plastic pollution on the rise, we are inundated with advertisements urging us to recycle more. These household recyclables are picked up from outside our homes and transported to a sorting facility, where a combination of people and machines segregate them into various categories like aluminium cans, paper, cardboard, plastic, and general waste.
While the UK government states that almost half of the UK’s plastic packaging is recycled, a significant amount of household plastic packaging designated for recycling ends up in waste incinerators around the country. These incinerators, large furnaces for burning waste, contribute to air pollution, noise, odours, litter, and traffic as waste is transported in and smoke billows from the chimneys.
Moreover, more than half of the plastic packaging from households that the government claims is recycled is sent overseas, with the majority going to countries that struggle with low recycling rates and the illegal dumping or burning of plastic waste. The amount of plastic the UK exports abroad equals the volume of three and a half Olympic swimming pools every day.
Plastic waste discarded overseas can be carried by the wind into rivers and oceans, with recent research indicating that plastic packaging and bags are the most harmful forms of plastic pollution for marine creatures. What’s even less recognised is that plastic waste dumps are not just harmful to the environment, but to people too. Plastic waste dumps and incinerators are, in fact, leading to severe health issues for individuals residing nearby. In Malaysia, CK Lee, a local attorney collaborating with the Kuala Langat Environmental Association, highlighted that nearby residents were experiencing respiratory problems, insomnia, nausea, and general unwellness due to inhaling toxic fumes and smoke from open-air burning of plastic waste.
Related – Re-Thinking Our Disposable Lifestyles
THE SOLUTION
The harsh reality is that in the UK, less than 10% of everyday plastic, particularly plastic packaging used for products, gets recycled. Contrary to what advertisements may suggest, the issue does not lie with people not recycling enough. The real problem is the excessive production of disposable plastic, leading to the need for incineration or exporting it to other countries for disposal.
Should recycling be halted? Some may think so; however, whatever you believe, a well-functioning recycling system is a crucial part of the solution. In addition, urgent action from the UK government is essential to address the broader issue. Although the government claims to be at the forefront of combating plastic pollution, its efforts are falling short in responsibly handling this crisis. Superficial measures like banning plastic cotton bud sticks, stirrers, and straws have had minimal impact. Disappointingly, more substantial initiatives such as implementing a plastic bottle deposit return scheme have faced repeated delays.
Reducing single-use plastic production by half could eliminate waste exports and reduce incineration and landfill rates. By committing to a 50% reduction in single-use plastic by 2025, the government, supermarkets, and major brands can effectively protect both people and the planet from plastic pollution. By joining The Big Plastic Count, although it may feel like a drop in the ocean, we can actually play a part and help them call out on the UK government to reduce our country’s plastic production.
BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
Last July, also marked my second year participating in the #PlasticFreeJuly movement. Plastic Free July endeavours to help us minimise plastic usage in our daily lives, yet completely eliminating plastic purchases remains a formidable task.
These initiatives and the changes I have made to reduce my personal consumption of plastic have enabled me to put together numerous tips and brand recommendations to help minimise plastic consumption within households. However, it’s evident that individual efforts alone are insufficient to address the magnitude of the issue. Governments, particularly the UK government, must take more decisive action in addressing plastic pollution.
As consumers, we hold the responsibility to leverage our buying power to send a message to producers that we will not continue to support single-use plastic packaging. By refusing to buy such products, we can prompt producers to offer more sustainable alternatives that align with our values. Here’s a list of my favourite plastic-free companies out there!
Community Clothing
Community Clothing, established by Patrick Grant, aims to provide high-quality, affordable, sustainable, and ethical clothing for both men and women. Founded in 2016, it operates as a British clothing brand and social enterprise. Patrick Grant, also known as the director of bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row, is the founder of Community Clothing. He is a Scottish fashion designer and businessman, notable for his role as a judge on the reality series “The Great British Sewing Bee”.
Community Clothing’s products are plastic-free, plant-based, organic, natural, biodegradable, and proudly made in the UK.
If you’re in search of eco-friendly sports apparel that is not made of plastic (which can be quite challenging to find without breaking the bank), then look no further.
The production of synthetic materials in modern sportswear consumes millions of barrels of oil annually, resulting in high pollution levels and a significant carbon footprint. The disposal of synthetic sportswear contributes extensively to the global issue of non-biodegradable clothing waste and the vast amount of ocean microplastics, with over a third originating from clothing fibres.
Currently, the majority of sportswear is crafted from plastic, with major sportswear brands being some of the largest plastic consumers globally. While performance is often cited as the reason, the cost-effectiveness and ease of mass production of synthetic materials are key factors.
Community Clothing exclusively uses natural fabrics in their clothing and minimises the use of synthetic materials. Their Organic Athletic range comprises running and sports shorts, vests, t-shirts, and training tops – all crafted entirely without plastic. This collection is the outcome of a 5-year collaboration with the UK and one European textile manufacturer, focusing on creating lightweight, quick-drying, breathable cotton fabrics and introducing an innovative woven natural rubber and cotton elastic. Eliminating plastic proved to be more challenging than anticipated, from sourcing cotton thread for sewing to using oil-free printing inks and plastic-free packaging. Despite the hurdles, their dedication prevailed.
PLAINANDSIMPLE
Plainandsimple is a circular clothing company dedicated to sustainability and plastic-free initiatives. They offer premium quality everyday clothing made from GOTS certified organic cotton, ensuring durability and comfort while minimizing environmental impact.
Plainandsimple prioritizes ethical production practices, collaborating with factories that uphold fair labour standards and environmental responsibility.
Their vintage t-shirts exemplify their commitment to sustainability, featuring a premium feel, classic design, and thoughtful details such as thicker collars and durable stitching. Made in ethical factories powered by renewable energy in Tirupur, India, these shirts are designed to be returned for recycling or composting at the end of their life, with customers rewarded for their eco-conscious choices.
Transparency is key to their ethos, with each product page providing links to the factories involved and a breakdown of manufacturing costs. Their clothing is designed to be recycled or composted at the end of its life, promoting a circular economy model.
Features of their products include:
- 100% organic cotton composition
- GOTS certification
- Plastic-free design, from fabric to label
- 100% recyclable and compostable product, packaging, and mailer
- Heavyweight, high-quality fabric
- Strong stitching for durability
- No shrinkage or colour fade after washing
Once Upon a Tuesday
Once Upon a Tuesday is a UK-based startup and certified BCorp, led by women, specialising in stylish stationery designed for comprehensive organisation. They pride themselves for being a plastic-free brand, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Their product range includes design-focused annual calendars, diaries, weekly planners, and notebooks, all manufactured in England with a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Operating from a Cornwall studio, they prioritise 100% recycled and recyclable paper and plastic-free packaging.
Founder, Michele Ferron, initially began creating calendars during the 2020 lockdown to organize her own life and identified a market need for trendy, sustainably produced designs. Once Upon a Tuesday advocates for a balanced approach to planning, encouraging less reliance on technology and more celebration of friendships, offering aesthetically pleasing yet functional items like their signature calendars.
Once Upon a Tuesday integrates plastic-free practices into their daily operations beyond product design and packaging. They use plastic-free tea bags, purchase loose fruit to avoid plastic packaging, and bring their own takeaway coffee cups to reduce single-use plastic waste. These efforts showcase their dedication to minimizing their environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of their business.
Wisdom Supply
With the idea in mind that plastic doesn’t really “go away” or biodegrade, but only breaks down into smaller pieces, the co-founders of Wisdom Supply realised how much plastic waste there is in schools every year. From binders to pens, and even notebook and schoolbook covers, their mission is to put an end to this. Founded in 2016, the brand now offers a large variety of plastic-free school supply options. From unpainted pencils to zero-waste books, planners and binders made from recycled paper, you can be sure to find exactly the eco-friendly option you were looking for here. My favourite? The pencil tin set!
&Keep
&Keep, a Dorset-based company, is dedicated to promoting plastic-free initiatives and sustainability. They offer a thoughtfully curated selection of eco-friendly, reusable, and sustainable products, empowering consumers to make ethical choices that protect the planet. With a firm commitment to reducing the environmental impact of daily living, most of their products are plastic-free, and any plastic used, such as BPA-free sports bottle tops, is kept to a minimum. Furthermore, all products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals. Their packaging is entirely plastic-free, made from recycled materials, reflecting their dedication to sustainability throughout their operations.
Beyond being a retailer, &Keep is deeply engaged in environmental advocacy and education. Their team members are actively involved in initiatives such as Keep Britain Tidy’s #LitterHeroes and Eco Schools Green Flag Assessor programs, demonstrating their commitment to combatting plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.
At the core of their ethos is a belief in the importance of mindful consumption and the power of informed choices in shaping a better future. They advocate for the availability of plastic-free and reusable alternatives for everyday items, emphasising the importance of looking beyond convenience to prioritize planet-friendly options. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals who care about the origins and environmental impact of their possessions, &Keep strives to create a more sustainable and eco-conscious society, where every purchase contributes to a healthier planet for future generations. &Keep are offering 10% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter.
Natural Collection
Natural Collection offers over 1,000 plastic-free products, including everyday essentials, with both the products and packaging entirely devoid of plastics, presenting a significantly more eco-friendly option. Committed to enabling ethical consumerism, their website provides a seamless online shopping experience for a wide range of fair trade, organic, and eco-friendly products, delivered with fast, flexible shipping.
The company prioritises minimising their environmental impact, continually striving to improve the eco-friendliness of their packaging. They recognize that ethical values vary among consumers, catering to individuals at all levels of engagement with ethical buying, from newcomers to passionate advocates. Natural Collection exclusively stocks high-quality products that positively impact people and the environment, including Fairtrade groceries, energy-efficient gadgets, and unique ethical gifts.
Their selection process ensures that products meet established ethical standards in areas such as Fair Trade, Organic, Eco-Friendly, and Charity. They thoroughly assess the ethical credentials of each brand and manufacturer, relying on certifications from reputable third-party organizations like the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation and the Soil Association. By providing transparent information on the ethical certifications of their products, Natural Collection empowers consumers to make informed choices aligned with their values, contributing to a more sustainable and ethical marketplace.
Zero Waste MVMT
Zero Waste MVMT is a brand dedicated to prioritising the environment, striving to create a waste-free future and encouraging sustainable living through plastic-free reusable items and natural, eco-conscious wellness products.
Sustainability is at the heart of their brand, influencing every aspect from product creation, materials, and packaging, to shipping supplies, all with a focus on the planet. Whether it’s dish soap bars, shampoo bars, or deodorants, they always choose ingredients that are safe for you and your family. Moreover, all their products are biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable. Currently, my top pick from Zero Waste MVMT is their sweet orange & grapefruit conditioner bar.
For more ideas, check out some of the brands featured in my article on Plastic Free July, where you will find some amazing plastic-free brands including: Eco Roots, Suri, Lochtree and Anything But Plastic – just click on the link below:
Related – What is Plastic Free July?
I’d love to know if you have any more suggestions of where to buy plastic free products. Just leave a comment to get in touch to let me know, I’ll be more than happy to add to this my brand recommendations list!
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