From picnics in the park and day trips to your favourite spots to holidays in the sun, the summer gives us a lot to look forward to.
Unfortunately, this can also mean waste is created from grabbing things on the go. Here are some tips to have a summer free from single-use items and help the planet while you make the most of what the season has to offer.
Plastic Fantastic
Much of the attention for single-use is focused on fossil-fuel based plastic, which is a big issue for our environment. However, some of the biodegradable alternatives have been found to be just as harmful to our environment, especially if they are not disposed of properly. Even paper or cardboard alternatives still need resources to produce and recycle them, and we want to avoid as much waste as possible. That’s why reusables are the best step forward to reduce waste and preserve resources.
Reliable Reusables
It’s always best to use what you already have, but if you’re in the market for a new drink bottle, consider one that is durable and versatile. Insulated stainless steel flasks and bottles can keep liquids cool or hot depending on what you need them for, and good quality ones are built to last. An insulated flask can also keep your wine or spritz colder for longer – great for picnics or garden parties!
Trusty Tupperware
Make use of the Tupperware you have collected over the years and use it to pack picnic food. Some cafes and delis will also let you use your Tupperware instead of single-use containers. This means you can also keep any leftovers secure and reduce food waste.
Reuse Ready
Consider providing reusable items for your visitors to use. You can use a deposit scheme, or you could advertise local businesses or charities that sell reusable items or provide a donation box.
Discounted Days Out
Consider offering discounts or promotions for visitors that bring their reusable items with them. It provides an incentive to reduce waste and demonstrates your commitment to sustainability.
Refill Routes
There are now a number of local refill shops where customers can use their own containers instead of packaging. Many of these shops tend to support local suppliers and producers too. Recycle Now has a handy map where you can find your nearest refill shop. Consider promoting them in your visitor information or on your social media to help everybody reduce their impact.
Reduce not Replace
When reducing the number of single-use items you sell or use, it’s important to remember that we should be focusing on what we can reuse and repair, not use once and throw away. Therefore, try to consider alternatives that have a long lifespan rather than replacing one single-use item with another.
Progress Not Perfection
With the range of resources and information out there and the lack of infrastructure to deal with switching to a more reusable economy, the fight against single-use can feel like an uphill battle. But even the smallest actions make a difference and more people imperfectly tackling single-use waste is better than no action at all!
