To help combat the universal tsunami of plastic, Crosby’s Soroptimists urge everyone to ‘shop wisely’ on the high street.
At the regional meeting on International Women’s Day (IWD) the club took part in a whistle-stop showcase of recent project work. Crosby’s focus was their recycling initiative. Members have been finding out much more about the recycling process and taking action to maximise their personal recycling efforts.
Crosby Soroptimist Sue Rogers presented the club’s update. An experienced scientist with a career in the consumer goods industry Sue is well placed to guide everyone through the ‘minefield’ of plastics available.
For the future health of our planet, therefore, ‘shop wisely’ means looking at the symbol on plastic goods. (Easy on the high street – a challenge online!)
PET (1) indicates the most common recyclable plastic. Our Sefton Council brown bins accept: “Plastic bottles (including all plastic drinks bottles, shampoo bottles and household cleaner bottles. Bottles should be emptied and rinsed but please do not squash, you can put the tops back on.)”
Soft (flexible) plastic may not be collected at the kerb-side but is now accepted in many supermarkets on the high street. So collect a bagful of peel-off film lids, bubble wrap, snack packets, etc and take them to the local collecting bin. They can be recycled.
Sue also reminded everyone that ‘shop wisely’ also means, for example, increasing our use of refill options (such as dishwash liquid, household cleaners, shampoo) and using non-plastic shopping bags.
There’s a lot we can do. Small steps, yes – but together we can make massive strides.