Here are six top tips for making small changes that collectively lead to a big impact in turning the tide on plastic pollution:

The theme for this year’s World Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics with a call to rapidly phase out all single use plastics, as well as urgently pushing for a strong United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, building a plastic-free planet for generations to come.  Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, endangering marine life, polluting our waterways, and harming ecosystems worldwide. However, amid the daunting challenge, there is hope.  Here are six top tips for making small changes that collectively lead to a big impact in turning the tide on plastic pollution:

Simple Swaps: Swapping out single-use plastics such as bags, and soft drinks bottles for reusable alternatives are quick wins. Invest in a durable water bottle, and carry reusable organic cotton shopping bags. Every time you refuse single-use plastics, you're preventing them from entering the environment.

Look for hidden plastics: Don’t be afraid to check whether there are hidden plastics in products. For example, many paper plates and cups still have a thin plastic lining, so look for products which use vegetable-based inks and replace the plastic liner with a vegetable lacquer (there are some great examples of these in our tableware section).

Shop local: Keep meaning to pop into that zero waste shop near you but not quite found the time? Today’s the day! Don’t be put off if you’re short on glass jars or reusable containers, they usually have plenty available for you to fill with goodies and essentials, which you can return the next time you visit.

Party Plastic-Free: Celebrations are synonymous with waste of all kinds from food to decorations. Switching to plastic-free celebrations has never been easier with tableware, party bags, decorations, and games all in one place at the Party Without Plastic® marketplace. Not only that, but every purchase supports the individuals and families behind the small businesses too. Celebrations have never been so good for the planet, and for people!

Choose Zero or Sustainable Packaging: When shopping, choose products that have no packaging i.e. loose fruit and veg, or minimal plastic-free packaging made from materials such as recycled paper, seaweed, or corn starch. By supporting businesses that prioritise zero or sustainable packaging, you're sending a message that eco-friendly practices matter.

Spread Awareness: Share information about the impacts of plastic pollution with your friends, family, and social networks. Educate others about the importance of reducing plastic consumption. By raising awareness, you inspire others to take action and multiply the impact of small changes.

We cannot win the battle of Planet vs Plastics overnight. It needs a holistic approach combining individual actions, shifts in business values, and action-focused policies from government to really turn the tide. For our part as individuals, it’s about making consistent efforts to reduce  plastic consumption, taking one small step at a time. Most people agree that the flow of plastic pollution needs to stop. If your bath were overflowing wouldn’t you turn the tap off first before mopping up the water? Let's commit to turning the tap off by making one small plastic-free change at a time. Happy World Earth Day! 💚🌍