Easy Ways to Cut Single-Use Plastic 💚

May 27, 2025

Plastic Pollution and How We Can Reduce Our Reliance on Plastics (Especially Single Use!)

Plastic pollution is a huge problem globally and it has seemed to have crept up on us over the last few years. Single-use plastics that are quick to use but not so fast to dispose of are the main culprit.

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Plastic Pollution Facts | Why Are We Addicted? | Easy Swaps | Why Are They Dangerous?

Some Plastic Pollution Facts and Figures

At least 8 million pieces of plastic enter the oceans each day (Surfers Against Sewage)

Approximately 5,000 items of marine plastic pollution are found per mile of beach in the UK (Surfers Against Sewage)

1 in 3 species of marine mammals have been found entangled in litter in the oceans (Plastic Oceans)

Over 90% of all seabirds have some kind of plastic in their stomachs (Plastic Oceans)

Over the last decade, humans have produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century (Plastic Oceans)

A plastic bag is used, on average, for 15 minutes before it's thrown away (Plastic Oceans)

Why Are Humans 'Addicted' to Single-Use Plastic?

Cheap to produce, making plastic products cheaper than alternatives

Easily produced and replicated — more, faster, cheaper

Supermarket checkout filled with single-use plastic packaging and bags.

Easy Swaps

What you use now...	What I could swap to...
Plastic takeaway containers	Glass containers, durable Tupperware, or food flasks. BPA-free is best. Ask your takeaway if they'll use your containers.
Plastic water bottles	Reusable water bottles — explore Black+Blum bottles on our website.
Sliced bread in plastic bags	Try bakery loaves in paper bags at supermarkets.
Thin plastic produce bags	Cotton produce bags — some supermarkets now stock them, or buy from eco shops.
Toiletries in plastic bottles	Shampoo bars, soap bars, and refill stations — check our Shower Blocks and Ku'tis products.
Plastic washing-up items	Wooden brushes, coconut scrubbers, cellulose sponges — natural and reusable.
Plastic shopping bags	Use canvas or jute bags from brands like Shared Earth — durable and customizable.
Takeaway coffee cups	Reusable cups (metal, ceramic, or bamboo). Many cafes offer discounts. Try Shared Earth's Travel Cups in-store.
Plastic tea bags	Reusable tea bags or loose leaf tea — we have both! Browse through our Teas & Infusions Collection.

Plastic-free lifestyle items including reusable bottle, soap bar, and cotton bag.

Why Are Single-Use Plastics Dangerous?

Plastics don't biodegrade — they break into micro- and nano-particles, entering the food chain via algae, insects, and fish… all the way up to humans.

More evidence shows plastic harms marine life chemically and physically. While the effects on humans are still being studied, we can act now to reduce the risk.