The past year the environmental impact of plastic waste has become evidently clear. Single-use plastic is causing a serious problem, such as harming wildlife specifically marine wildlife such as turtles, whales, dolphins, and seabirds to name a few along with polluting the ocean. It has become an issue that I am extremely passionate about and since doing a university assignment on it have become increasingly aware of the many alternatives available instead of plastic.

I feel it is an issue that will be impossible to solve unless everyone changes their attitudes towards plastic consumption. Here are some easy ways in which you can reduce plastic pollution in your everyday life. 

1. Use a reusable coffee cup
Coffee is a go-to for most people's busy lifestyles including me. I always get a coffee when heading into university. My favorite coffee cup is from the brand keepcup. Many coffee shops give you a discount for bringing a reusable coffee cup, preventing waste and saving the environment.

2. Reusable bags
You will always find a reusable bag in my handbag. I find they are useful for everything. My favorite ones to carry around are the paper chase ones. However, you can purchase these types of bags anywhere now and if you decide to pop into the shops you always have a bag on hand so do not have to pay 5p for one.

3. Metal straws
When I stopped using plastic straws I first started using cardboard straws, these are great however will go soggy in your drink and aren't good for someone like me who makes a drink and drinks it for ages out of a straw. Then I discovered stainless steel straws which honestly are amazing, and so small and convenient to keep in a handbag for whenever you might need it. They can also be purchased from most retailers I bought mine in Asda but you can get loads of different styles on Amazon too.

4. Reusable bottle
For Christmas, my mum actually bought me a daisy print Chilly's reusable water bottle to go with my blog theme and I absolutely love it. These water bottles are great as they keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for 24 hours. Fill your water bottle up before you leave the house and refill when you find a water station (or alternatively ask a café to do so). You’ll never have to buy a plastic bottle again!

5. Bring a lunch box
If traveling even if it is easier to buy food, this is usually contaminated with plastic packaging. Making meals at home and bringing out leftovers avoids plastic packaging and is a great way to save money. 

6. Say no to plastic in supermarkets
Often when buying fruit and vegetables from the supermarket, they are contained in unnecessary plastic packaging. Therefore, I find the best thing is to choose loose products. Whenever I purchase items such as peppers, tomatoes, bananas, etc and just put them in my basket without getting a plastic bag for them.

7. Reusable bathroom items
Face wipes - Avoid using face wipes. Face wipes contain non-biodegradable plastics which will harm the environment. There are many alternatives available such as flannels that can be used with the same effects.

Reusable cotton pads - Honestly this is one that I have not yet tried but it is something I have been doing research on and am planning to do in the future. They work in exactly the same way as single-use pads and can be used many times. 



If you would like some more tips on how to reduce your plastic consumption there are many Facebook groups that you can join that offer helpful information along with tips and tricks and living a more sustainable lifestyle.