Words by Smiley Team
Almost all types of plastic can be recycled and levels continue to grow across the UK yet, according to the British Plastics Federation, only 32 per cent of all plastic is recycled. Today marks the beginning of Plastic Free July, a charity challenging consumers to sign-up and reduce their single-use plastic waste.
To mark the month and raise awareness, ethical brand directory Goodfind has curated a selection of relevant brands and resources, inviting shoppers to ‘Rethink Plastic’.
Whether you're participating or not, we’ve selected our top five alternative products for reducing plastic in your everyday life, which you might not have considered before.
Made from bamboo charcoal, this water filter can remove unwanted tastes and odours from up to two litres of tap water at a time. The stick of moso bamboo (also known as tortoiseshell bamboo) captures impurities in the water, holding them in its porous surface and is completely compostable. Two sizes are currently available, plus equally eco-friendly water jars and carafes can be purchased with the filters included.
Bamboo toothbrushes are becoming fairly commonplace on supermarket shelves, but what about toothbrush heads? Booheads provides electric toothbrush users with an equivalent, creating their brushes from sustainable materials like bamboo. Whilst the bristles do contain nylon, the majority of materials are biodegradable and can be composted rather than binned. There is a range of different colour options and pack sizes.
Encouraging shoppers to #GlitterWithoutTheLitter, this is an environmentally conscious alternative to scattering hundreds (if not thousands) of colourful pieces of plastic everywhere. Rather than polyester, these sparkles primarily use cellulose from eucalyptus for a biodegradable result. Many different shapes and colours are available, plus fixative balms.
With patterns for every occasion, FabRap uses ethically produced organic cotton which can be reused again and again, saving on rolls of paper and tape. Some designs are double-sided, providing a change of pattern, plus guidance videos on how to wrap different items effectively using the fabric are available through their website.
Environmentally friendly options aren’t only for people – this website stocks pet products too! There are biodegradable, plastic-free food bowls, dog toys made from recycled materials, natural shampoos and olive wood chews, to name but a few, with plenty of products to help reduce waste and reduce plastic.
