Small changes can make a big difference

Tap into the Refill App

Download the free Refill App and find places to refill near the office.

View
Switch to reusables

More and more cafés and takeaways are welcoming reusables. Bringing your own cutlery and reusable containers for lunch is a great way to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in the waste bin. Don’t forget your reusable cup too!

View
Challenge the supply chain

If you are purchasing single-use plastic items for the workplace, ask yourself ‘do we need these’ or ‘is there a more sustainable option?’ If you notice your suppliers using excessive packaging, call them out on it and ask them to reduce or remove it. Take a look at the recently banned single-use plastic items commonly used in catering and their more sustainable alternatives.

View
Cut the cups

If you are holding an event or meeting, think about what plastic you can reduce. Avoid single-use plastic cups, bowls and containers and choose ones that can be collected, washed and re-used again and again. If you are running a large outdoor event check out the ‘Refill Guide for Events‘ on how to move from single-use disposable plastic cups to reusable ones.

View
Move to more sustainable packaging

PlasticFreeGM has worked through some of the ‘worst offenders’ in terms of avoidable single-use plastics (straws, stirrers, takeaway containers, hot and cold drink cups, and cutlery) and offers advice and guidance on how to make more sustainable, low carbon choices.

View
Spread the word

Encourage other local businesses and community centres that you work  with to sign up as a refill station on the Refill app or to install a water fountain on their premises. City to Sea have lots  of great advice. Contact info@refill.org.uk for an introduction to MIW, their Refill infrastructure partner for fountains and bottle refill points.

View

#Reuse not single-use.

If you work in catering or have to order in food for meetings take a look at our factsheets for lots of advice on alternatives to single-use plastic items like cups, plates, trays and bowls. If you would like to cut down on plastic at home, take a look at our tops tips for Reducing Plastic Waste.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Don’t miss out on the latest green updates, tips and advice from GM Green City!

Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter
GM Green City Logo