Why?
Plastic pollutes is accumulating in our natural world at an alarming rate. It washes from waterways into our oceans, causing a whole host of problems for marine wildlife. Because plastic isn’t biodegradable, plastic pollution persists in the environment, breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces. These microplastic particles are then consumed by animals which we in turn ingest. As well as being a waste problem, producing plastic is heavily chemical and oil dependent too. But the story around plastic is complex – in our current food system they play a role in helping to reduce food waste, a big contributor to climate change.
Initiatives like the Plastic Pact Roadmap to 2025 are providing a framework for progress but change can’t come fast enough. Behaviour changes we can make as individuals and pressure that we can apply to manufacturers and government will all help until then.
Full Circle (co Lizzie Woodmann)
How?
Cambridge is lucky to have its very own shop dedicated to zero waste, Full Circle on Norfolk Street. Stocking toiletries, food stuffs and cleaning products, they offer home deliveries and click and collect too.
Supermarkets sell refill pouches for many major brands.
Bulk buy if you are able. It works out cheaper by weight and volume and reduces waste.
It can be easy to make your own with ingredients including soap flakes, bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils.
Support
Outlets offering household refills include Full Circle, Daily Bread Co-operative, Arjuna Wholefoods, Radmore Farm Shop, The Geographer, Cam Home and Garden and Organic Health in Hauxton.
Lush has a packaging free shampoo, conditioner and deodorant bars.
Stock cupboard refills delivered to your door in Cambridge by unpkd
