Single-use plastic products (SUPs) such as plates, cutlery and polystyrene cups look to be banned in Ireland, with further calls to limit wet wipes that contain plastic, tobacco filters and sachets.
The 10 most commonly found single-use plastic items represent 70% of all marine litter in the European Union. For this reason, among many others, the EU aims to reduce the volume and impact of specific plastic products on the environment through Directive (EU) 2019/904.
Under this directive, Ireland has banned the following SUP items from being placed on the Irish market:
- Cotton Bud Sticks
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Stirrers
- Chopsticks
- Straws
- Expanded polystyrene single use food and beverage containers
- All oxo-degradable plastic products
It may feel like an enormous issue to tackle, but we can all start small. Here, Hickie shares some ways to reduce your plastic use. Pick one, or a few, and go from there.
At home…
1. Buy fresh
Buying fresh bread or baking your own can cut down on your use of soft plastics. Although bread bags and other soft plastics such as the disposable bags we use to buy fruit and veg can now be recycled in Ireland, it's even better to avoid them all together.
2. Bin it properly
Every day thousands of unsuitable items are flushed down the toilet instead of being put in the bin. This creates problems to the plumbing in our homes, our wastewater network and our marine environment. Even if a wipe says it is flushable, it is better for our marine environment if you place it in the bin instead.
3. Reuse it
Swap the endless plastic bottles in your bathroom for shampoo and conditioner soap bars, which are eco-friendly and plastic free – or look at refill options at your local zero waste shop.
Read more: 5 reasons why you should switch to refillable toiletries
4. Think long term
Ditch single use plastic razors for a reusable one. Some brands are offering a subscription (and recycling) service which can be delivered to your door.
5. Use bamboo
When it’s time to replace your toothbrush, try switching to one made from bamboo (electric ones are available now too). There are even Irish brands to choose from!
6. Mop smart
If you have a floor mop which uses single use wipes, switch to one with reusable cotton pads.
7. Go plastic-free
Switch to plastic-free menstrual products or a reusable mooncup.
Read more: Switching to a reusable period cup? Here's what you need to know
And outside the home…
8. Be prepared
Keep a set of reusable cutlery in your bag (another use for those takeaway cartons!) or your work desk so you do not have to use disposable ones.
9. Chew carefully
Chewing gum is made from plastic – switch to plastic free chewing gum and always dispose in a waste bin.
10. Pack smart
Avoid using plastic condiment sachets – if you have room in your bag, consider bringing your own condiments in small, reusable, glass jars or plastic containers.
11. BYOP (Bring Your Own Plate)
If you are eating in a work canteen, either opt for a plate or bring your own reusable food containers for canteen staff to place your food in. This can help eliminate the use of polystyrene takeaway boxes, which are not commonly recycled and are harmful to the environment.
This Christmas…
12. Shop smart
Give experience gifts rather than physical gifts.
13. Eco-friendly & festive
If you want to bring some sparkle to your festivities, use energy efficient fairly lights, and reusable tealights in pretty jam jars, rather than glitter, which can be a harmful microplastic that ends up polluting our oceans.
14. Decorate again and again
Avoid using plastic balloons and balloon sticks – instead make your own decorations such as bunting and paper chains from recyclable materials, or buy durable ones you will be able to reuse and store them away carefully for next time.
And finally…
15. Spread the word
Start a conversation with a friend or family member about plastic pollution. Lend and borrow items amongst friends, neighbours, family and local community groups. Find out if your local area has eco-friendly businesses so you can make do and mend items.
