Embrace Spring: A Fresh Start for Reducing Plastic in Your Daily Life
As Spring blossoms around us, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace new beginnings, reflect on the changes we can make and live more sustainably. It’s also an ideal moment to evaluate our lifestyles and consider how perhaps one of the biggest factors can be our mindset and attitude.
With plastic pollution being a pressing global issue, impacting our oceans, wildlife, and even our own health, it’s important that we as individuals take a closer look at what changes we can make, but often these ideas only stick if we have the right motivation and are empowered with the knowledge to make the best choices. However, small, mindful changes in our daily lives can make a substantial difference.
So this spring, let’s take a dive into finding ways to empower ourselves and our communities by learning more about our plastic consumption and explore practical steps we can take to minimise our environmental footprint. Whether it’s opting for reusable alternatives, supporting sustainable products, or making conscious choices in our daily routines, every action counts.
Join us as we delve into some different solutions for reducing plastic in our lives and discover how spring can serve as a catalyst for positive mindsets and sustainable behaviours!
#1 READY TO DITCH THE PLASTIC?
This Spring, let’s make a real difference – for ourselves and the planet.
Did you know that in the UK, more than 60% of the plastic we use ends up in landfills, incinerated, or polluting our environment and oceans? It’s a pretty daunting statistic, but it’s also a call to action! So why not challenge yourself to go fully plastic-free for an entire month?
Since 2011, the Plastic Free Foundation (Plastic Free July) has been leading the charge with Plastic Free July, offering a wealth of resources to help us all reduce our plastic footprint. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, their tips can be tailored to fit your life, making it easier than ever to cut out plastic. But this amazing event isn’t just in July – you can ditch the plastic with their support, resources and tips all year round and these habits can carry you through every month of the year.
What makes it even more rewarding is you’re not alone! When you join the movement, you become part of a global community of passionate individuals all striving for the same goal – a cleaner, greener planet.
Let’s challenge ourselves to go plastic-free for spring – and who knows, you might just find you can keep it up for longer than a month!
#2 DOCUMENT YOUR JOURNEY
Thinking about cutting plastic out of your life? Why not document your journey and inspire others to do the same? One of the best ways to learn how to reduce plastic is by hearing how real people – like you – are doing it. The good, the bad, the ugly – and most importantly – the triumphs! These are the stories that can truly make a difference, beyond what we hear from brands or companies.
In 2017, over 467,000 tonnes of household recycling in England was rejected from recycling plants. That’s a huge amount of waste that could have been avoided if we were all more aware of what we’re throwing away and how we’re recycling. By sharing your plastic-free journey, you can help raise that awareness and encourage others to make changes too.
Whether it’s through a blog, vlog, podcast, or even a Facebook group, you have the power to create a platform where you can be real, relatable, and inspiring. And the best part? There are no rules! You can write or talk about anything that matters to you – from daily tips to big-picture ideas – whatever reflects your experience and passion.
Not only does this give you a chance to tell your story, but it also helps you engage with a like-minded community. You’ll find support, share advice, and connect with others who are on the same journey. And with free options like Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms, it’s easy to get started.
So, why not take the leap?
#3 WE CAN’T DO BETTER UNTIL WE KNOW BETTER!
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against plastic pollution.
But while it would be ideal to offer environmental education for free, there are often costs involved—whether it’s travel, printing materials, or other resources needed to make an educational program effective. That’s where education grants come in, providing the financial boost needed to make these important initiatives happen.
Consider this: globally, we produce over 390 million tonnes of plastic per year – that’s the weight of all humans on earth! So we think it’s pretty clear that there is an urgent need for widespread education on plastic-free living and sustainable choices. We need all the support we can get to spread awareness and grants can help do just that.
Writing a grant application isn’t just about securing funds – it’s also a valuable exercise in identifying and articulating the key benefits of your programme. This process helps you clarify your goals, refine your approach, and ensure that your efforts are making the greatest possible impact. Plus, you have the opportunity to tailor your grant request to fit the specific needs of your programme or community, making your application more compelling and effective.
In the UK, Grants Online is an incredibly valuable resource, offering the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of grant funding opportunities. With millions of pounds available each year specifically aimed at protecting the environment, it’s a resource you can’t afford to overlook. These grants can empower you to educate yourselves further and make knowledge more accessible and inspire others.
So, if you’re passionate about spreading the knowledge needed to reduce plastic use, consider applying for an education grant. It could be the key to turning your vision into reality, making a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution.
#4 THE BIGGER PICTURE
If you’re passionate about reducing plastic waste, it’s important to look at the bigger picture and stay informed about global efforts to ban single-use plastic items.
Many countries around the world have implemented bans on items like plastic bags, straws, cutlery, and to-go food packaging in a bid to tackle the plastic crisis. While the enforcement of some of these regulations slowed down due to COVID-19, progress is still being made, and there’s a great tool to help you keep track.
Starboard’s Plastic Ban Matrix is an invaluable resource that lets you explore which single-use plastic items have been banned, when, and where around the globe. This comprehensive database allows you to see how different regions are addressing the plastic problem and can serve as a powerful educational tool.
With over 300 million tons of plastic produced annually – 50% of it for single-use purposes – it’s more important than ever to understand and support these bans. The Plastic Ban Matrix not only highlights global progress but also helps identify gaps where more work is needed. Whether you’re an educator, an advocate, or just someone who wants to make a difference, this resource can deepen your understanding and inspire action.
Staying informed about these bans is crucial in the fight against plastic pollution. The Matrix allows you to contribute to the global conversation, raise awareness, and help push for stronger regulations where they’re needed most.
#5 DISCOVER SOLUTIONS
Are you passionate about tackling marine plastic pollution but unsure where to start?
SHiFT Workshops are designed to help individuals and groups discover their unique role in solving this global issue. These workshops offer an engaging, interactive experience that takes participants on a journey from understanding the plastic problem to exploring solutions and identifying actionable steps.
With 80% of plastic waste originating on land, it’s clear that the most effective solutions need to address the problem at its source. SHiFT Workshops are tailored to do just that, offering a deep dive into the causes of plastic pollution and the range of solutions available – from reducing single-use plastics to advocating for policy changes. Whether you’re a student, an athlete, a corporate team member, or even a government official, these workshops provide the tools and knowledge you need to make a meaningful impact!
One of the key strengths of SHiFT Workshops is their ability to help participants identify how they can leverage their own skills and passions to combat plastic pollution. Whether you’re an educator looking to inspire students, a business leader aiming to reduce your company’s environmental footprint, or an individual eager to make a difference, these workshops offer practical guidance and inspiration.
Emily (and many of our Ambassadors!) have successfully used these workshops to engage everyone from children to government ministers, making them a versatile tool in the fight against plastic pollution and accessible for a wide range of groups.
Join or run a SHiFT Workshop and become part of the solution to one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Together, we can turn off the plastic tap and protect our oceans for future generations!
#6 MAKE WAVES OF CHANGE!
Are you ready to lead your town toward a plastic-free future?
Surfers Against Sewage is spearheading the Plastic Free Community network, a movement dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics from our everyday lives. This initiative tackles the issue from all angles – starting with beach cleanups and extending to the brands and businesses that produce plastic.
In 2016 alone, the world generated 320 million tonnes of plastic, and this figure is expected to double by 2034 if we don’t take action. The Plastic Free Community network provides tailored advice for both individuals and businesses to help you make a significant impact in reducing plastic waste.
By joining this movement, you gain access to a free toolkit designed to help you create meaningful change in your community. Whether you’re looking to organise local events, partner with businesses, or educate others about the importance of reducing single-use plastics, the toolkit offers practical resources and guidance.
You’ll also become part of a network of dedicated leaders who are committed to making a difference. Connect with others in your area who are working toward the same goal, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that can drive real change.
Take the lead and be part of a growing community that’s determined to turn the tide on plastic pollution. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our towns and beyond!
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With these just being a few examples of the many ways you can make changes to your outlook and attitude, we hope that we’ve inspired you to try something new, shift your perspective and hopefully inspire others to do the same!
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Help us have a bigger impact and share this article with your friends too.
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On the SHiFT platform, there are now hundreds of solutions available at just the click of your mouse and filters that help you refine the options down to the ones that are most appropriate for you.
We don’t need everyone to do everything, but we do need everyone to do something. What will your next SHiFT be?
We encourage you to share your actions across social media to inspire others to join you in making a difference in their own lives, communities, businesses and wider world.
by eXXpedition Team
