How to use less plastic

At South Norfolk and Broadland District Council, we are actively addressing the issues created by plastic waste, and are on our way to becoming single use plastic free councils.

We have put together some top tips to help our resident and businesses to reduce their use of single use plastics too:

1) Cloths made of natural fibres are a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic cloths which often contain microplastics, and using wooden dish washing brushes can help to reduce your plastics consumption in your home.

Buy wooden dish washing brushes and cloths made of natural fibes sup

2) It's important to be mindful about plastic waste when doing your weekly shop. Can you choose items that have reduced or no plastic packing?

Illustration of products with no plastic packaging. Text reads: Choose products that have less plastic packaging.

3) Wax wraps are a great alternative to using cling film and tinfoil, and can even be made at home.

Illustrations of food in wax wraps. Text reads Ditch cling film try tin foil instead

4) Taking a reusable bag when you go shopping helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste being sent to landfill, and also saves you money!

Illustration of reusable shopping bags. Text reads: Take your own reusable bags.

5) To reduce your plastic consumption, using a reusable water bottle instead of buying disposable plastic bottles is a great way to start.

Illustrations of reusable water bottles. Text reads: Use a refillable water bottle

6) Bamboo tooth brushes can be just as good for your teeth as plastic ones. Bamboo is also a renewable material that does not require any harsh chemicals to grow.

Illustration of bamboo toothbrushes. Text reads: Use bamboo tooth brushes

7) Lunch boxes and Tupperware are great reusable alternative to plastic packaging for carrying your food around with you.

Illustration of lunch boxes. Text reads: Use lunch boxes and tupperware.

8) Eco-friendly decorations are a great alternative to plastic ones, as this helps to reduce the amount of plastic being put in the bin. Paper confetti can be used as an alternative to plastic confetti, as well as paper banners and streamers, which can all be reused too.

Illustrations of felt Christmas decorations. Text reads: Use eco friendly decorations for special occasions

9) Using soap bars and refillable soap bottles can help to reduce your plastic consumption, but make sure to choose soap bars that are wrapped in paper, and not plastic!

Illustrations of reusable soap dispensers. Text reads: Use soap boars or refillable soap bottles

10) When doing your weekly shop, choosing items that do not have any plastic packaging, for example loose fruit and veg, can help to reduce the amount of household plastic waste being sent to landfill.

Ilustrations of a tomato, a carrot and a pear. Text reads: Buy your fruit and veg unbagged