Small Changes, Big Impact – Start Reducing Your Plastic Footprint This World Refill Day
Reducing our plastic footprint is one of the most effective ways we can take action to protect our planet. World Refill Day 16th June is the perfect time to start.
You don’t have to give up single-use plastic completely or be perfect. What we need is millions of people making small, everyday changes. Together, these actions add up to something powerful.
To help you get started, Refill has put together their Top 10 Tips for living with less plastic without breaking the bank. You can find the full list on their website, but here’s a quick overview:
- Water
Start simple—carry a reusable water bottle and refill on the go to cut down on single-use plastic bottles. - Hot Drinks on the Go
Avoid disposable coffee cups. Around 500 billion are used globally each year, and less than 1% are recycled. Bring your own reusable cup instead. - Lunch on the Go
Prepare your lunch at home. Takeaway food packaging is one of the top ten items found polluting beaches worldwide. - Laundry Products
An estimated 13 billion plastic bottles are used each year in the UK for laundry. Refill stations now offer eco-friendly detergents—without the plastic or harsh chemicals. - Fruit & Veg
Choose loose, unpackaged produce whenever possible. Local markets and greengrocers - Cleaning Products
Switch to refillable, plastic-free alternatives. They work just as well—without the waste or harmful ingredients. - Toiletries
Replace shower gels and liquid soap with solid bars, or refill liquid options instead of buying new bottles. - Store Cupboard Staples
Buy items like rice, pasta, nuts, and lentils without plastic packaging. Many shops now offer refill options beyond just zero-waste stores. - Milk
Choose milk in reusable glass bottles if available—or look for local delivery options to avoid plastic and difficult-to-recycle cartons. - Herbs & Spices
Keep your spice jars and refill them instead of buying new ones. Most zero-waste shops offer a wide selection.
Here at Mole Valley, we’re relaunching our Refill Scheme and encouraging more local businesses to take part. If you’re a business interested in joining, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.
You can find a full list of participating refill stations or download the Refill app to discover refill-friendly places across the UK.
In recognition of this we have awarded this story the Waste and Recycling badge for help us be aware of the impacts of single use plastic this world refill day.
