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World Environment Day is a reminder for us to reflect on our environmental impact and take steps towards a greener future. This year’s theme focuses on  solutions to plastic pollution under the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign. The accumulation of plastic waste has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to our ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

 

 

Every individual has the power to make a difference. Therefore, as part of our Affinity Zero mission, we wanted to explore some simple and practical ways in which we can all contribute to beating plastic pollution.

Say No to Plastic Straws and Cutlery

 

 

Plastic straws and cutlery are commonly found in the oceans and cause harm to marine life. Make a conscious effort to carry a reusable stainless steel or bamboo straw instead. When eating out or ordering takeout, politely decline plastic cutlery and use your own utensils. Small actions like these can collectively make a huge impact.

Buy reusable coffee cups

 

 

In 2019, an estimated 4.2 billion disposable coffee cups and 2.9 billion cup lids were sold in the UK, and less than 7% of these were recycled. To minimise the number of cups that end up in landfills, consider bringing your own reusable cup. Almost all coffee outlets will refill reusable cups and some even offer a discount for doing so!

Choose Eco-friendly Packaging

 

 

Many products come wrapped in excessive plastic packaging. When shopping for food, prioritise products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Also consider buying from brands that use biodegradable or compostable materials for their packaging. As an added bonus- loose fruit and vegetables are often cheaper than pre-packaged alternatives!

Avoid buying water

 

 

It’s easy to buy a bottle of water when you feel thirsty. However, in the UK, we throw away 7.7 billion plastic water bottles a year, despite having clean drinking water. So, why not bring your own refillable water bottle? There’s even an app that tells you where you can refill your bottle for free!

Participate in Clean-up Initiatives

 

 

Join local community clean-up events or start one yourself if you can. Organise beach or park clean-ups to remove plastic waste from natural environments before it finds its way into the water. This not only helps protect wildlife but also raises awareness about the severity of plastic pollution. 

 

If you want to learn more about Affinity Zero and what we are doing to become a greener, more sustainable organisation, click the button below:

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