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Message last updated - Sunday 24th November 2024
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Message last updated - Sunday 24th November 2024
Message last updated - Sunday 24th November 2024
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While it is likely to be impossible to eliminate plastic completely from our lives, there are steps which can be taken to help reduce the amount we are all using and the amount that is circulating in our oceans.
In 2018 we became the first water company to announce a radical commitment to rid the East of England of plastic pollution by 2030, read more about our ambitious commitments to create a more sustainable future of water and our regions environment.
Single use plastic items – the kind we use every day without even thinking about it – make up around half of all the pollution found on our beaches and rivers.
Our top tips for living with less plastic is choose to reuse products, materials and resources for as long as possible, consequently minimising the generation of waste which is produced.
The worst offenders are plastic bottles, food-wrappers, wipes, cotton buds and menstrual products – many of which have reusable alternatives. Using these alternatives are not only better for the environment, help reducing plastic pollution. They will also save you money.
We have several partners who all formed the East of England Coalition, and together have some great tips to reduce our reliance on single use plastic and how to live plastic free.
Action | Saving |
---|---|
Refill water bottles |
By refilling water bottles, we can all help reduce single use plastic waste. This country has some of the best drinking water in the world and we want everyone to benefit from it. By using a reusable alternative and refilling the bottles with free water, you’ll be part of a growing community committed to reducing a total of 4 billion plastic bottles ending up as waste across the whole of England. |
Wipes |
Most wet wipes contain plastic and should always be thrown in the bin. In the UK we are using 11 billion of wipes a year and it's estimated around 1/3 of these are flushed down the toilet. The Marine Conservation Society recorded over 14 wet wipes were found per 100 meters of coastline, a rise of 700% over the last decade! Switching to reusable wipe is an easy way to save money and also prevent plastic pollution. |
Discover cups, reusable pads and washable pants |
Many women swear by reusables and never want to go back. Alternatives include menstrual cups, reusable pads and washable pants. Find out how much you can save by switching. |
Nappies |
8 million disposable nappies are thrown into landfill every single day, in the UK alone. By swapping just one disposable nappy for a reusable every day, over the course of the nappy period, you could save a staggering 730 nappies from landfill – and that’s if you only use them for one baby! |
Drinking straws |
20 minutes is the average use time of a plastic straw, but they will be around for 600 years. Switching to reusable straws or purchasing companies will be friendlier to the environment. |
Refill water bottles
By refilling water bottles, we can all help reduce single use plastic waste. This country has some of the best drinking water in the world and we want everyone to benefit from it. By using a reusable alternative and refilling the bottles with free water, you’ll be part of a growing community committed to reducing a total of 4 billion plastic bottles ending up as waste across the whole of England.
Wipes
Most wet wipes contain plastic and should always be thrown in the bin. In the UK we are using 11 billion of wipes a year and it's estimated around 1/3 of these are flushed down the toilet. The Marine Conservation Society recorded over 14 wet wipes were found per 100 meters of coastline, a rise of 700% over the last decade!
Switching to reusable wipe is an easy way to save money and also prevent plastic pollution.
Discover cups, reusable pads and washable pants
Many women swear by reusables and never want to go back. Alternatives include menstrual cups, reusable pads and washable pants. Find out how much you can save by switching.
Nappies
8 million disposable nappies are thrown into landfill every single day, in the UK alone. By swapping just one disposable nappy for a reusable every day, over the course of the nappy period, you could save a staggering 730 nappies from landfill – and that’s if you only use them for one baby!
Drinking straws
20 minutes is the average use time of a plastic straw, but they will be around for 600 years. Switching to reusable straws or purchasing companies will be friendlier to the environment.