Plastic-free chewing gum
Most chewing gum base is a synthetic polymer, which is why it never disappears from pavements; natural chicle gum is the alternative.
Food packaging and film
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Buy dry goods from bulk or refill stores
Rice, pasta, nuts, cereal and cleaning products from refill stores go into jars you already own and cut hundreds of packets a year.
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Loose fruit and vegetables
The EU will ban single-use plastic packaging on fresh produce under 1.5 kg from 2030; choosing loose produce now avoids about a kilo of…
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Bring a container or use a return scheme for takeaway
Takeaway containers are the heaviest single-use plastic most people handle; returnable-container schemes reach payback in three to four years for venues.
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Stainless steel lunchbox instead of cling film and zip bags
A steel lunchbox and bottle replace a daily set of wrap, bags and cutlery for a school child or worker for years.
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Coffee pods: reusable steel pod or ground coffee
A capsule a day is over a kilo of plastic and aluminium a year; a refillable steel pod or a stovetop and cafetiere removes…
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Pet care: bulk food, natural toys and honest poo bags
Dog-poo bags alone can be 3 kg of plastic a year per dog, and compostable ones rarely break down in a bin; bulk food…
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Look for Plastic Free and How2Recycle labels
Vague eco claims are everywhere; third-party marks such as Plastic Free Certification, Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and How2Recycle tell you what the packaging is…
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Seaweed-based films and coatings
Films, sachets and grease-proof coatings made from farmed seaweed extracts; best for replacing thin plastic films, sachets and coatings on paperboard made with PE…
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Thermoplastic starch (cornstarch blends)
Plant starch plasticised and blended with biodegradable polyesters; the standard material for certified compostable carrier bags, bin liners and mulch film.