Single-use plastics are disposable plastics that are used once before being thrown away.
straws
coffee cups
drink bottles
plastic shopping bags
plastic packaging.
Does plastic degrade? Plastics are petroleum based and never fully degrade. It only breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics and the toxic chemicals they contain enter the food chain when marine and wildlife consume them. The chemicals then make their way through every level of the food chain, back to humans. Marine and wildlife routinely become entangled in plastic, choke on it, fill their stomach’s with it and starve to death.
Reduce over Recycle Recycle whenever possible but recycling is not a true solution to plastic problem – many items are not recyclable and recycling is not 100% efficient. Focus on limiting plastic use first, and recycle when you can’t avoid using plastic.
Reusable Water Bottles
Buy a reusable water bottle. There are options made of plastic, glass, and metal, with varying mouth sizes and cap styles.
Reusable Coffee Cups
Buy a reusable coffee mug, or 'keep cup' to take with you when you buy your hot drink. Paper cups are often not recyclable because they are coated with plastic to prevent the cups from leaking.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Have reusable bags for your groceries and for your general shopping for clothes. Use small bags for fresh produce, rather than the plastic ones in store. Keep some in your family car for easy access or by the front door to help you remember.
Food Wrapping
Use containers to store your food and carry your lunch, rather than plastic wrap or plastic zip lock bags. Other things you can use to keep our food fresh without using plastic include:
Beeswax wraps - often sold at markets, online or shops
Reusable silicon food covers
Glass containers and jars
Stainless steel containers
Fabric wraps like linen for bread and sandwiches
Takeaway Containers
Where possible, use your own container for take-away food.
Reusable Utensils (straws, forks, chop sticks)
Keep some cutlery such as a fork or chop sticks in your family car or at school in your lockers. Take them home to clean them, then bring them back to store away for when you need them.
Drink Without a Straw (or use a Reusable Straw)
Say no to a plastic straw. Enjoy your drink without one, or take your own reusable metal straw. Reusable straws usually come with a cleaning brush to properly clean them.