Think green ... live clean - reduce single-use plastics | Latest news

Making a difference for our planet doesn't have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, it starts with the smallest steps-like saying no to single-use plastics.

Ditch the disposables! Switch to reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Small swaps at home or in town can make a big difference.

We know this is routine for many but some still do not see the value of it, so let's inspire each other to make mindful choices. Share your favourite plastic-free swaps with friends and family.

Lead by example - show how easy and rewarding recycling can be. When people see you consistently making eco-friendly choices, they're more likely to follow suit

The truth about plastic

• single plastic bottle can take 450 years to decompose
  
  
• UK households throw away 90 billion pieces of plastic packaging each year, that's about 1.7 billion pieces every week
  
  
• the UK produces 2.5 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste annually
  
  
• 98.66 kg of plastic waste is generated per person in the UK each year 
  
  
• only 44.2% of plastic packaging waste is recycled in the UK
  
  
• 100% of animals washed up on British shores were found to have plastic in their stomach
  
  
• the plastic bag charge introduced in 2015 led to a 90% reduction in plastic bag sales
  
  
• a 10% reduction in plastic packaging is equivalent to removing 150,000 cars' worth of emissions from UK roads
  
  

Together, our small steps can lead to big change - every plastic fork refused, every reusable coffee cup you use, every plastic bag reused, is a step toward cleaner oceans and a healthier planet.