World Environment Day

Today is World Environment Day, a global event led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to highlight that the protection and health of the environment is a major issue, affecting the wellbeing of people and economic development throughout the world.

Since this year’s theme is ‘solutions to plastic pollution’, we’ve put together some top tips and ideas for being more sustainable. With plastic-free July coming up, now is the perfect time to start gradually making the change to using less plastic.

Swap out non-reusable items

While you’re out and about this summer, why not exchange your non-reusable plastic materials for a sustainable alternative which can be reused in the future?

In England, it’s estimated we use approximately 1.1 billion single-use plates and more than four billion pieces of plastic cutlery per year.¹ Whether it’s carrying a reusable coffee cup or flask, buying picnic items which can used again in the future, or eating in a coffee shop instead of getting food to-go, your actions could make a difference.

Buy loose fruit and vegetables or grow your own

Buying loose vegetables can be a great way of cutting down on plastic packaging while also allowing you more choice when it comes to ensuring your produce is high quality.

Fruit can also make a great snack rather than having something such as crisps or sweets which might come in extra plastic packaging.

Recycling your plastic

When you do use plastic, make sure to always reuse and recycle. To find out more about recycling in your local area, including what can be recycled in your household’s recycling bins or boxes, visit the Council’s website.

Make the switch from shower gel to soap bars

To reduce plastic waste from items like shower gel and shampoo bottles, make the switch to soap bars. There are many reasons to switch to bars, including that they usually last longer than shower gels. A study also found that the carbon footprint of liquid soap is 25% larger than bars of soap on a per-wash basis.

Help collect litter in your local area

Many residents across the borough do their bit collecting litter in their local area. Eco Communities, a local community enterprise supporting the whole of Cheshire to live more sustainably, has set up some litter pick hubs across the borough to encourage more people to get out picking.

Details about where the Litter Pick Hubs are located can be found on Eco Communities website. To take part you simply need to register on their website, take a bag and litter picker from one of the hubs, go for a walk and fill the bag. You are then encouraged to recycle what you can, leave your bag at the agreed location and take a photo and log your findings. Remember to return your equipment to the hub location at the end so it’s available for more people to use.

The Council’s library service has also teamed up with StreetCare colleagues to provide free litter picking kits for residents to borrow from all libraries across the borough. The kit contains a litter picker (adult or junior size), high visibility vest (adult or junior size) and litter bags. For more information ask at your local library.

Sources:

¹ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64205460

Every effort has been made to ensure the information used in this article is accurate. All information used to inform the article has been taken from reputable sources, and those sources are given at the end of each article.

We are aware, however, that data will change over time and that some information across the internet and printed matter can be contradictory.