What is Plastic Free Month?

Plastic Free Month is a global movement that takes place in July, where people make a conscious effort to reduce their use of single-use plastics throughout the entire month. It is part of the solution to plastic pollution so we can have cleaner streets, oceans and environments. 

The goal of this month is to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment and encourage sustainable alternatives.

Throughout Plastic Free Month, participants aim to minimise their consumption of single-use plastic such as plastic bags, disposable water bottles, plastic straws and plastic packaging. People tend to opt for reusable alternatives during this period such as reusable water bottles and making more sustainable purchases. 

 

Our top tips to reduce plastic usage

Plastic Free Month is an opportunity to adopt long-term sustainable habits and make these lifestyle changes to minimise consumption of single-use plastics. Here are some of our top tips to reduce plastic waste during Plastic Free Month:

1. Reusable shopping bags

Bring reusable shopping bags with you instead of using plastic ones when you go shopping or to the supermarket. 

2. Stainless steel water bottle

Overall, UK consumers drink 2.5 million litres of bottled water a year and on average, each adult spends over £200 per year on bottled water.  This all adds up to a lot of plastic and a lot of money wasted. Invest in a good quality reusable water bottle that will last you many years. We recommend using our Direct Drink Flask for everyday use as it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 10 hours. 

3. Reusable coffee mug

Carry a Thermos Flask for hot drinks instead of using disposable cups when out. Check out our Thermos Mugs and Tumblers which are designed to keep your coffee hot whilst being environmentally friendly. Based on the average price of a takeaway coffee and the number of working days a year, you can spend between £800 - £900 per year on takeaway hot drinks. So, by using a coffee flask, you'll save money and reduce your use of single-use plastics. 

4. Bamboo or steel straws

Use stainless steel or bamboo straws instead of plastic ones. Plastic straws are among the top 10 contributors to plastic marine debris around the world, as most recycling machines aren’t capable of recycling them due to their size.   

5. Food Packaging

Buy food products with minimal plastic packaging and opt for more sustainable options. Shopping at local markets is also a good idea as many stallholders often use paper bags for your food. 

6. Reusable containers

Use reusable containers instead of plastic ones when storing food. There are many alternatives to use including stainless steel which is tough and easy to clean. Bamboo or glass are also great options. 

7. Beeswax Wraps

Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap or cling film. Beeswax wraps are an alternative food wrap material made of cotton that is infused with food-grade beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. A beeswax wrap is a moldable, grippable alternative to using cling film or foil. 

8. Cutlery

Avoid using plastic cutlery and bring your reusable utensils when outside. Many of our food flasks come with ​​an integrated, full sized, stainless steel foldable spoon fitted securely in the lid.

9. Recycling

Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year and 14 million tons end up in the ocean. Recycle and dispose of your plastic waste properly to help minimise damage to the environment. 

10. Food Flask

Avoid buying ‘on the go’ lunch from supermarkets and take your food in a food flask. We recommend investing in a Stainless King Food Flask that will last you many years and help you care for the environment.

 

At THERMOS®, we have been pioneering sustainability since 1904 and were the original innovators of quality, reusable, insulated solutions guaranteed to keep food and drinks hot or cold, enabling you to eat and hydrate when you want, wherever you want - you're in control.

There are more than 15 million plastic bottles thrown away in the UK each year and less than 50% are recycled. Taking an average of 450 years to biodegrade, some up to 1,000. This waste is dropped into landfill or pollutes our oceans for centuries to come. Our whole focus is to be able to provide reusable drinks and food products. We completely support the cause to eliminate the use of single-use plastics and we are committed to minimising our packaging and waste and reducing our carbon footprint.

Owning a THERMOS® product means you're in control of your day allowing you the freedom to go your way and enjoy the great outdoors. Let’s keep pioneering together.