Sustainability

Plastic-free living

By Halls 24 Mar 2023

We've all seen the headlines about the huge environmental problems caused by single-use plastic.

By 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). Plastic is such a durable material that this is what people have considered a viable solution for too long.

Why do we need to stop using so much plastic?

You're probably thinking, you're not to blame it's the overarching institutionalised abuse of plastic that is really doing the most damage (and you're right).

Thankfully, many organisations are starting to fight back and are pledging to go plastic-free, but as individuals we have great power in refusing plastic where possible, and encouraging more corporations to change their packaging.

Every time you go for plastic-free, you are placing a vote for a world where plastic is not so commonplace. If you need convincing about why we need to reduce our plastic, watch Blue Planet II, or the video linked below.

How you can go plastic-free

Here are a few simple reusable products you can switch to instead of using one-time use only to cut out plastic from your everyday life (and save you money as well!):

Start by switching to a reusable water bottle/flask and hot drinks cup instead of buying single-use plastic. Not only will you massively cut your plastic usage, but you'll save money over the long term too, as you won't need to pay for water, and most cafe's offer a discount for bringing your own cup. LSE has lots of water fountains on campus.
Most grab-and-go meal deals are full of plastic, and often not recyclable either. Why not switch to preparing more meals at home and bringing packed lunches in food containers or beeswax wrap? Again, you will end up spending a lot less on food so you'll feel the benefits instantly!
Swap to using a bar of soap instead of shower gel. Pretty much all soaps come in paper or card packaging which is widely recycled and does the exact same job, in fact they often last longer! You can get shampoo soaps to clean your hair as well, so there's no need to use any plastic products when washing.
When food shopping, invest in reusable bags for your fresh produce, and then you can pick fruits and vegetables that are unwrapped. Find your nearest zero-waste shop (e.g. Re:Store Hackney or Source Bulkfoods in Clapham) to top up on other cupboard essentials like pasta, nuts and lentils (all you have to bring along jars/containers).
If you menstruate, think about investing in a menstrual cup or plastic-free sanitary towels/tampons. We've partnered with Here We Flo alongside LSE Students' Union to provide free menstrual products throughout LSE-managed halls. Here We Flow products are available throughout bathrooms in communal areas and generally throughout each hall (common rooms, reception etc).

Read this blog by Friends of the Earth on more tips to going plastic free.