Easy swaps for Plastic Free July

Reduce your plastic waste room by room this Plastic Free July.

Last updated

24 June 2024

Reduce your plastic waste room by room this Plastic Free July.

This Plastic Free July we’ve asked our team to share their top tips to reduce plastic waste at home. We’ve put together an easy room by room guide on sustainable swaps that help us keep plastic waste to a minimum:

In the bathroom

  • Ditch the soap dispenser and switch to a soap bar. Bars of soap usually come in cardboard, this means no plastic packaging, unlike liquid soap. Soap bars usually last longer and take less materials to make too.
  • Why not switch to a shampoo bar instead of buying bottled shampoo. Most popular shampoo brands have a bar alternative, meaning you can ditch the bottles.
  • Why not swap out your old plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush instead. Bamboo toothbrushes are better for the environment as they take less resource to create.
  • Plastic wrapped toilet paper, like those you would get from the supermarket, can be swapped out for toilet rolls that come in paper or cardboard boxes. Most supermarkets offer a plastic free alternative, or you can look online for options through companies like Cheeky Panda.
  • Did you know the sponge you use in the shower is most likely made from plastic? Why not give a plastic free body sponge a go. There are lots of alternatives out there made from recycled textiles, bamboo and even konjac (a type of root vegetable).
  • If you have a little one, why not try switching from disposable nappies to reusable ones? Reusable nappies are better for the environment, gentle on soft skin and could save you some money. Why not look online for easy alternatives that will suit your family?
  • Each year more than 3 billion single-use period products are disposed of in the UK. That’s the same weight as just over 900 blue whales each year in tampons and period pads! Reusable period products can be a great option for menstruators looking to reduce their plastic waste. There are lots of different options available and could save you money in the long term.

In the bedroom

  • If you use a roll-on deodorant, why not change from a single use one that comes in a plastic casing, to a refillable one that is made of metal. Put a stop to throwaway culture and give brands like 'Wild' a go.
  • Swapping out your plastic tub of face cream for a glass or metal tub can also make a huge difference. If you’re reluctant to swap, why not recycle your old plastic cosmetic containers at your local Boots or Superdrug?

In the kitchen

  • If you have leftovers, instead of wrapping them in cling film or foil, pop them in a reusable Tupperware instead. You can even use Tupperware to store sandwiches. These can be washed and reused loads of times and means you’re not constantly throwing away plastic film. You could also use reusable pot covers or beeswax wraps to keep your food fresh.
  • Replace your old plastic dish brush with a bamboo or wooden scrubber. Not only are the bristles and handles made plastic free, they also come free from plastic packaging.
  • Why not swap to more sustainable cleaning products? There are plenty of brands on the market that offer plastic free refills so you can keep your old trigger spray bottle for longer and reduce your waste. Remember to recycle your trigger spray bottle when you’re finished with it.
  • Don’t forget to invest in some reusable shopping bags to take with you when picking up groceries or other household bits. All shops now charge for plastic carrier bags, so you can save some money and keep waste to a low, by building up a stash of reusable bags and keeping them somewhere you won’t forget them - for example, on a coat hook by the front door.
  • If you’re heading out and know you’ll want a coffee, make sure you take your reusable coffee cup. Reusable coffee cups are a great way to reduce your waste and most coffee shops will reward you for using one. This could be by taking some money off or offering you extra reward points - saving you money in the long run.

Plastic recycling

If you do use plastic, please remember to recycle what you can at home or your local Recycling Centre. Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays can be recycled at home in West Sussex as long as they are clean, dry and loose.

Find further information on what plastics can be recycled at home.

Remember - plastic bags and wrapping can't be recycled in West Sussex and will need to go in your general waste bin. Some supermarkets have collection points for plastic bags and wrapping. Find your nearest participating store.