Just a few months ago #plasticfree was merely a movement – now it’s fast becoming a way of life. Which, given the frequency of headlines regarding the pandemic of microplastics, can only be good news.
Did you know that more than 150 plastic bottles litter each mile of UK beaches? Or that approximately eight million pieces of plastic pollution end up in the world’s oceans every day and that, as a result, plastic is infiltrating our food chain?
Fortunately, Surrey is leading the way when it comes to places offering alternatives to your standard plastic-laden weekly shop. And it’s not just dried goods that are filling the shelves – haircare, detergents and pet products are also now commonly available by refill.
So why not say goodbye to the supermarket and head down to one of these fabulous ‘packaging-free’ outlets – just don’t forget a Tupperware or two!
41 Croydon Road, Caterham, CR3 6PB
57 Guildford Road, Ash, GU12 6BQ
8a Buckingham Avenue, East Molesey, West Molesey, KT8 1TG
236-240 Cobham Road, Fetcham, KT22 9JQ
18 Downing Street, Farnham, GU9 7PB
Unit 4, 73 High Street, Cranleigh, GU6 8AU
Matt Pereira
No gesture is too small when it comes to doing your bit for the environment. So, now that you’ve trimmed the plastic from your weekly shop, here are four more hacks to keep you going – and, before you turn the page, they’re all actually achievable...
Recycle even more – effortlessly
Crisp packets and biscuit wrappers can now be given a new lease of life thanks to Terracycle, a scheme that “recycles the non-recyclable”. Pedricks in Caterham is in on the action – simply take in your used packets and the staff will do the recycling rest for you.
Shop for a good cause
Join Easyfundraising and, for every purchase you make online (from 3,700 registered retailers), a donation will be made to a good cause – such as The Hygiene Bank which works to end hygiene poverty across the UK. The charity works with the likes of women’s refuges, children’s centres and homeless charities across Surrey. January sales never sounded so good.
I-spy
Give nature a hand by keeping track of certain species. Next time you’re stood at your kitchen sink doing the washing up, take a glance through the window and note down the birds you see outside. Log your sightings in the RSPB’s 2020 Big Garden Birdwatch (Jan 26-28, rspb.org.uk) to help identify population problems.
Give nature a home
When trimming your lawn be sure to leave a section uncut as it makes a fine home and forage pitstop for beetles and bees. No lawn? Stuff washed out tins with dried leaves and twigs and position in quiet spots around your plot for a simple DIY bug hotel.
