Reducing our use of single-use plastics to protect our fragile wildlife and ecosystems is a priority for countries all around the world. With every piece of plastic taking precious natural resources to create, now is the time to recycle and reuse what we can, while reducing our use and reliance on plastic overall. Here are our 10 top tips to help you reduce your plastic use in 2022.

1. Use bamboo toothbrushes

You should change your toothbrush every 3-4 months for optimal oral hygiene. But your old plastic toothbrush could end up in the ocean or in landfill where it could take 500 years to break down. Switching to a sustainable and natural bamboo toothbrush means it can be composted.

2. Cut out clingfilm

Clingfilm is made from non-recyclable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), so gets used once and put in the bin to end up in landfill. For a reusable alternative, use wax-coated cotton food bags, or foil as a recyclable option, or use reusable pots with sealable lids.

3. Refuse plastic cutlery

When you’re out buying and eating food, many items can come with plastic cutlery. This is single-use plastic that we use for just a few minutes before it goes into the bin. Take a reusable spork so you can avoid plastic knives and forks.

4. Say no to straws

While many food outlets are using paper straws, non-recyclable plastic ones are still being used. But do you even need one? If you have the choice, try not using one at all or buying reusable metal straws to use at home.

5. Refill a reusable cup

The UK gets through a staggering 2.5bn disposable coffee cups each year, with only 1 in 400 being recycled. Investing in a hard-wearing and reusable plastic cup for your coffee on the way to work may even get you a discount!

6. Don’t buy bottled water

Drinking water is a great way to stay hydrated at work, but buying a single-use plastic bottle isn’t the most eco-friendly way to do it. Refilling a reusable water bottle from your office water cooler through the day will do the same job, be cheaper, and help the environment.

7. Stop using plastic cups

If you have a water cooler in your home or office, switch from plastic cups to recyclable or biodegradable paper cups instead. Thirsty Work has done this as standard for each customer and achieved a 99% reduction in the amount of single-use plastic cups we distribute.

8. Ditch your bathroom plastic

Shower gel and shampoo bottles account for a lot of plastic waste per household. When it’s time to buy more, try a natural body wash bar or a shampoo bar instead. And these will often be available loose or inside recyclable packaging too.

9. Use fabric shopping bags

Since the supermarket plastic bag charge was introduced back in 2015, the UK has seen a massive reduction in their use. In fact, we’ve been able to stop 9bn of them going to landfills or the ocean. But we can often forget to bring reusable cotton or jute bags with us, so try keeping some in the car.

10. Avoid excess food packaging

Many supermarkets are eliminating excess plastic packaging from their general products, including fruit and veg. Buying fruit and veg items loose should save you money and cut out any unnecessary plastic packaging.

Going green with Thirsty Work

Thirsty Work is committed to doing everything we can to reduce, reuse, and recycle our plastic use and have a solid environmental policy to back us up. To find out more about how we do it, or to get your free quote, or start your no-risk, 10-day free trial for your water cooler or hot water dispenser, contact our customer service team today on 01392 877 172 or email us at hello@thirstywork.com.