Day 13 · Waste

Three plastic habits

Pick one: a bag in your pocket, no bottled drinks, or 'no cutlery' on the takeaway order.

Of all the plastic ever made, researchers estimated in 2017 that about nine per cent had been recycled. The rest was burned, buried, or is still around. That is not a reason to give up. It is a reason to stop feeding the pile where it is easy. Three habits do most of the work: a folding bag that lives in your coat, a refillable bottle instead of bought drinks, and 'no cutlery, no napkins' when you order in. Choose one this week. Add the next when it sticks.