Alexei Volkov
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, with more than nine billion metric tons of plastic produced since the 1950s, and it's only expected to increase. The UK is making progress in reducing plastic packaging, with a 3% decrease between 2019 and 2022, and a notable improvement in recycling rates. However, there's still a long way to go, especially in the supermarket industry, which generates a significant amount of plastic waste. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious, with half of UK consumers willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging. This paragraph will explore strategies to further reduce plastic packaging in the UK, including consumer choices, corporate initiatives, and government policies.
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What You'll Learn
Look out for the new plastic-free 'trust mark' on products
The Plastic Free Trust Mark is a label that is placed on food and drink products that are packaged without plastic. It was introduced in 2018 and is the brainchild of environmental campaign group A Plastic Planet. The label is designed to sit clearly on the front of the pack, instantly informing and empowering consumers to make plastic-free choices.
The Trust Mark will be awarded to products that have a minimum of 99% plastic-free packaging. The 1% allowance is to cover tiny amounts of plastics found in glues, labels and colourings. Trust Mark-accredited packaging will include materials such as carton board, wood pulp, glass, metal and certified-compostable biomaterials.
Iceland was the first supermarket to introduce the Trust Mark, displaying it on products such as its own-brand eggs, cottage pie and vegetable burgers. The Dutch supermarket chain Ekoplaza is also an early adopter of the Trust Mark, rolling it out across 74 outlets in the Netherlands. The Plastic Free Trust Mark can also be found on the products of British tea brand Teapigs.
The introduction of the Trust Mark is an important step in helping consumers make more sustainable choices and reducing plastic waste. It is hoped that more supermarkets and brands will start using the Trust Mark to help shoppers identify which products use plastic-free packaging.
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Avoid black plastic food packaging
While the amount of plastic food packaging in the UK is falling, there are still some key pieces of food packaging we should avoid. Black plastic food packaging is one of them.
Black plastic is often used as a marketing ploy because it makes food look nicer. However, black plastic cannot be identified by automatic sorting machines and therefore is not recycled. The black colour is created by adding a substance called carbon black to the plastic. Carbon black contains numerous compounds, some of which have carcinogenic properties. It is not yet known if carbon black leaches out of black plastic containers into food during microwaving, but it is recommended not to microwave food in any colour of plastic container.
Black plastic also often contains unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and flame retardants, which can leach into food and pose a hazard to human health. These chemicals are present because black plastic is often made from recycled electronics, such as TVs and computers, which contain flame retardants.
To avoid black plastic food packaging, you can follow these tips:
- Avoid buying food packaged in black plastic.
- If you purchase food in a black plastic container, transfer it to a glass, ceramic or metal storage container when you get home.
- Carry your own metal or bamboo cutlery and straw so you don't have to use black plastic utensils or straws.
- Avoid single-use hot cups, especially those with black plastic lids. Instead, bring your own metal or ceramic mug.
- Get rid of any black plastic cooking utensils in your kitchen and switch to wooden or stainless steel alternatives.
By following these tips, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and help reduce the amount of black plastic waste.
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Take reusable bags when shopping for fresh fruit and veg
Taking reusable bags when shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to avoid plastic packaging. Reusable bags are an effective alternative to single-use plastic bags, which are harmful to the environment.
WRAP, a climate action group, suggests that buying loose fruit and vegetables can significantly reduce plastic packaging waste. For example, apples, bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, and potatoes are some of the most commonly wasted products, and buying these loose could prevent 10,300 tonnes of plastic packaging waste annually.
Reusable bags are available in a variety of materials, such as cotton, mesh, and silicone. Cotton mesh bags are a popular option as they are natural, sustainable, organic, biodegradable, and reusable. They are also GOTS-certified for both ecology and social responsibility. These bags are ideal for thick-skinned produce, such as apples and oranges, and root vegetables like onions, potatoes, and garlic. They can also be used for refrigerator storage and come in various sizes.
Silicone bags are another option and are particularly useful for storing leftovers and reheating food. They are freezer-safe, heatproof, microwave-safe, and oven-safe. Some silicone bags, like Stasher bags, are easy to clean and seal securely.
Remember to wash your reusable bags regularly to keep them clean and hygienic.
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Avoid individually packaged goods, like snack packs
The first step to avoiding individually packaged goods is to identify them. From snacks to drinks, many products are packaged in plastic. These include items like individually wrapped pistachio packs, popcorn, cookies, chips, and pretzels. Drinks are also often packaged in plastic bottles or containers.
Once you have identified the individually packaged goods, you can take steps to avoid them. One way is to look for alternative products that are not packaged in plastic. For example, instead of buying individually wrapped snacks, you can buy snacks in bulk and package them yourself using reusable containers. This reduces the amount of plastic waste generated.
Another way to avoid individually packaged goods is to support companies that use sustainable packaging alternatives. Some companies are now using paper, steel, glass, or aluminium instead of plastic. You can also look for plastic-free aisles in supermarkets or shops that specifically sell products without plastic packaging.
In addition to choosing alternative products and supporting sustainable companies, you can also reduce your plastic consumption by bringing your own reusable bags when shopping. This way, you can avoid the plastic bags typically used for fruits, vegetables, and other loose items.
Finally, you can advocate for change by supporting campaigns and initiatives that aim to reduce plastic packaging. For example, the "A Plastic Planet" campaign has led to the introduction of plastic-free aisles and a plastic-free "trust mark" on products in some supermarkets. By supporting and spreading awareness about such initiatives, you can help encourage more companies to reduce their plastic packaging.
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Buy from zero-waste shops and bring your own containers
One of the best ways to avoid plastic packaging is to buy from zero-waste shops and bring your own containers. Zero-waste shops are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, offering a wide range of sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical, and vegan products that are free from plastic packaging.
These shops allow you to buy only what you need, reducing waste. For example, Yoyo Grocery Co delivers restaurant-quality, plant-based ingredients in returnable packaging, while also offering refills for customers who already have suitable containers at home.
Online zero-waste shops, such as Friendly Turtle, deliver sustainable and eco-friendly products directly to your door, making green living more accessible. Friendly Turtle stocks over 1,700 everyday essentials, gifts, and pet essentials, all while remaining committed to plastic-free packaging.
Zero-waste shops are not limited to groceries and food items. Zero Waste Store, for instance, offers a range of plastic-free, cruelty-free, and sustainable products for the home, including hair care and cleaning products.
By buying from zero-waste shops and bringing your own containers, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste and contribute to a greener lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
You can avoid plastic packaging by buying fresh fruit and vegetables loose, rather than packaged. You can also look for the new plastic-free "trust mark" on food and drink products, which shows that the packaging contains no hidden plastic.
You can take your own reusable bags when shopping for fresh produce, and check if your supermarket has signed up to the UK Plastics Act. You can also avoid buying food in black plastic packaging, as this is not ideal for recycling.
You can avoid buying products in plastic packaging by shopping at zero-waste stores, which encourage you to bring and fill your own containers. You can also avoid buying individually packaged goods, such as snack packs.
You can avoid plastic packaging when shopping online by buying in bulk and avoiding express delivery, as this often requires additional packaging. You can also walk, bike, or take public transit to buy products in person and reduce your overall plastic footprint.
