By Darren McLean, Environmental Services Manager for Brindleyplace
June 5th is World Environment Day and this year will focus on ending plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution has seeped into every corner of the world – leaching into the water we drink, into the food we eat, and consequently into our bodies.
The SHOCKING facts
- The UK generates over 2.1 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste annually
- Approximately 52.5% of plastic packaging is recycled, but much still ends up in landfill
- 73% of the litter on beaches is made up of plastic waste
- 90% of all sea birds have already ingested at least one piece of plastic in their lifetime
- Every plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose
- Every single minute one bin lorry full of plastic dumps it into the sea
- 65% of the UK public wouldn’t buy bottled water if tap water refills were freely available
While plastic pollution is a major concern, it is also one of the most fixable of today’s environmental challenges, with some obvious solutions at hand.
Here are 7 sustainability tips for individuals and businesses alike on how to beat plastic pollution:
1. Conduct a plastic audit
Evaluate your plastic use to assess where and how plastic is being used across your business or in your home – look at products, packaging, office supplies, and catering supplies. Identify alternatives for each type of plastic used, look at alternatives that are more sustainable, such as paper, glass, metal, or plant-based materials like Vegware
2. Switch to sustainable packaging
Replace single-use plastic packaging with materials that you can reuse.
Reduce packaging wherever possible. For example, switch from multi-layer plastic packaging to single-layer alternatives or remove unnecessary plastic components.
3. Set sustainability targets
Set measurable sustainability targets related to plastic reduction and recycling. Regularly assess and update your sustainability efforts based on your waste and recycling feedback, new innovations, and changing regulations.
4. Improve recycling practices
Implement separate bins for recycling (DMR), food, glass, and general waste, which are clearly marked to reduce contamination. Encourage correct segregation at the source by labelling bins clearly. Place bins in high-traffic areas to encourage use.
5. Upcycle Plastic Waste
Upcycling plastic waste supports the circular economy by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. For example, businesses can repurpose plastic containers for storage and shredded plastic waste can be reused for protective packaging.
6. Use reusable water bottles
Refill bottles or cups at water refill stations, reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles.
7. Shout about your efforts!
Be proud of what you are doing. Use social media, websites, newsletters, or in-store promotions to encourage others to participate in your sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic waste, bringing reusable bags, or refilling water bottles.
At Brindleyplace, we are constantly striving to help our tenants, our visitors and ourselves as an estate, to be more environmentally aware and make conscious decisions when it comes to plastic. We hope you’ll incorporate some of our tips into your daily routines and help us BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION!
