Background
The Sick of Plastic campaign formed when Friends of the Earth and VOICE Ireland noticed a surge in the public’s frustration with single use plastic. Despite introducing the plastic bag tax back in 2002, we’re taking more plastic packaging home (in our reusable shopping bags) than ever! Sick of Plastic is working to empower communities to take action on single use plastics. See more information here
How it works
Producers and supermarkets are largely contributing to the plastic crisis we are facing today. As consumers, we can drive change but our individual voices are louder and stronger when we come together. Sick of Plastic want to support people in connecting with others in their local area to drive change on a bigger scale. In addition to putting pressure on Supermarkets to act on plastic, Sick of Plastic has been pressuring government to place legislation for tackling plastic. The Waste Reduction Bill demands the following;
Highlights so far
Background
The Sick of Plastic campaign formed when Friends of the Earth and VOICE Ireland noticed a surge in the public’s frustration with single use plastic. Despite introducing the plastic bag tax back in 2002, we’re taking more plastic packaging home (in our reusable shopping bags) than ever! Sick of Plastic is working to empower communities to take action on single use plastics. See more information here
How it works
Producers and supermarkets are largely contributing to the plastic crisis we are facing today. As consumers, we can drive change but our individual voices are louder and stronger when we come together. Sick of Plastic want to support people in connecting with others in their local area to drive change on a bigger scale. In addition to putting pressure on Supermarkets to act on plastic, Sick of Plastic has been pressuring government to place legislation for tackling plastic. The Waste Reduction Bill demands the following;
Highlights so far
Big success! Today at Tesco, we collected 1,247 signatures from people who are truly Sick Of Plastic. Thanks to the team and all the volunteers who worked so hard today. And thanks for the wonderful costumes and signs! We can accomplish a lot when we work together!.
Hi, Team. Looking forward to our Day of Action on Saturday. I am still looking for some suggestions for individuals and families to reduce plastic use. So far, we have:
Use a bar of soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles.
Try shampoo bars and conditioner bars.
Switch to a bamboo toothbrush. I also found silk dental floss in glass, with refills available.
Make or buy cotton cloth produce bags for fruit and vegetables. Bonus - they stay fresh longer!
Shop at farmers markets and local producers.
Always, bring your bags from home.
Any more good ideas?
Refuse plastic straws when offered and if needed but a stainless steel or glass one instead. Use razors with changeable heads or it for the old fashioned ‘cut throat ‘ (?) razor instead. Use ground coffee instead of coffee pods We only need a few we don’t want to overload people but good to get the thought processes moving in the right direction.
Reduce - ask yourself whether you really need the product & reuse any packaging
Good one, Shailagh. I hope the possibilities for bulk buying will increase. Maybe a co-op of friends could form, buying bulk quantities of rice and other staples, and then dividing them. Makes it easier for small households.
Hello, Team,
I am working today on the petition and other things we will need on Saturday. One suggestion that Sinead had was very good - can we list some tips for reducing plastic for the shoppers? Can we come up with a list of 5 to 10 suggestions? I could create a poster to use on the day. Please give me some good, simple suggestions. Thanks.
Also, I downloaded the petition from the resource list. I had a good look at it, but I think it doesn't comply with GDPR regulations. It asks for email addresses which is personal information. Then we are meant to hand the petitions in to Tesco at the end of the day, which means that this personal information is given to a third party. Not comfortable with that. I redesigned the petition to just include signature and printed name.
Our page link and contact info will be available to people who are interested in joining us as we continue the war against plastic.
Buy bars of soap rather than the plastic bottles of liquid soap is an easy one for people
Tell the produce management that you are making an informed decision not buy produce that comes in wrap. At least express your concern and wish for change.
Pretty sure all the obvious suggestions have been said but a suggestion not so obvious is don't shop at these shops! Find out when your local Farmers Market is and get to know your food suppliers - direct from the source. And you need only bring your bags from home.