Somerset Council

Plastic free July

reuse coffee cups

 

 

It's Plastic Free July, a great time to take a fresh look at the everyday plastic we use and see where small, simple changes could help. You don’t have to be perfect or change everything at once. Choosing one or two easy swaps can still help cut down on single-use plastics and may become a habit that lasts well beyond July. If you need ideas, the Plastic Free July website has a calendar of suggestions at plasticfreejuly.org.

Last year, Somerset households recycled around 6,500 tonnes of plastic through their kerbside collections, and more than 99% of this was recycled in the UK.

Recycling plastic is important, but using less in the first place is even better. The good news is that many plastic-free swaps are simple, low-cost and easy to fit into everyday life.

Simple swaps to try this month:

  • Choose loose fruit and vegetables where you can, or pick items in paper, cardboard or no packaging instead of plastic wrapping.
  • Keep a reusable shopping bag in your handbag, car or by the front door so it is ready when you need it.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle. Somerset has five free-to-use tap water stations. Find your nearest one via Wessex Water’s Community refill points
  • Swap bottled bathroom products for bars, such as soap, shampoo or conditioner bars, when your current products run out.
  • Try refill options for household cleaners, washing-up liquid or toiletries. Somerset has many refill shops, so it is also a good way to support local businesses.
  • Use a reusable lunch box, snack pot or coffee cup instead of disposable wrappers, bags or takeaway cups.
  • Cover leftovers with a plate, tub or reusable wrap instead of cling film.
  • If you can’t avoid plastic, recycle what you can. In Somerset, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays should go in your Bright Blue Bag for weekly collection.
  • Take flexible plastics, such as bread bags and wrappers, to supermarket collection points where available. Use Recycle Now’s online look-up to find options near you.

Every swap counts. Start with what feels easiest, keep going if it works for you, and remember that lots of small changes across Somerset can add up to a big difference.