What can you do to help?

It could be easy to get overwhelmed by all the changes you might want to make NOW – so take it a step at a time.  

Below are tips on how you can help, but you don’t need to do them all at once. Just one new change a week can make the difference. Talk to people about what you are doing. This will make a big difference to your efforts and help spread the word.

  • Cancelling any direct mail you don’t need

  • Go paperless billing

  • When buying a new tooth brush switch to bamboo

  • Lights off when not in the room

  • Swap disposable plastic razors for a safety razor

  • Replace cotton wool pads with reusable soft bamboo facial wipes

  • Say no to disposable plastic cutlery

  • Beer and cans - Say no to Six Pack Rings. If you find them on the street or in a beach clean-up, cut through all the loops and discard appropriately

  • Fruit and Veg shopping - Grab paper bags that are designed for mushrooms

  • Tampons? Switch to a silicone menstrual cup to avoid monthly plastic waste or Modibodi

  • Facial scrubs and washes - Avoid micro-beads

  • Bottled water - Stop buying it and carry refill bottle

  • Cloth nappies - Switch to Terry towelling cloth nappies

  • Quit using Q-tips - Go organic cotton with paper stems

  • Avoid free samples (e.g. food samples that come in single-use packaging, hotel shampoo/conditioner)

  • Reusable coffee cups - Bring your own thermos to the coffee shop

  • Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags

  • Beauty brands - Look out for the ones that use sustainable packaging and let them know if they don’t

  • Buy tea the loose-leaf way

  • Leave plastic at the supermarket - You’re well within your rights to do it

  • Leftover food - Ditch cling wrap and use reusable containers/bowl with a plate on top or old jars

  • Get campaigning - Check out Greenpeace on how to help - Take-action

  • Smokers - Throw your butts in the bin, not on the floor

  • Zero waste shops Refill stations for dry products without packaging

  • Discover plastic-free living here

  • Create ecobricks of non-biodegradable waste stuffed solid into a plastic bottle to create reusable building block. Read more