Ditch the plastic, choose glass this World Environment Day
This World Environment Day (Monday 5th June),
people across the globe are coming together to shine a light on how we can beat
plastic pollution. Staggering statistics from the UN reveal the chokehold that
single-use plastic has on our environment. Every minute, one million plastic
bottles are purchased worldwide, and half of all plastic produced is designed
for single-use purposes. Marine ecosystems are also suffering, with more than
90% of all fish and birds believed to have plastic particles in their stomachs.
However, in the face of the overwhelming impact of plastic,
small changes can make a big difference. That’s where glass comes in! This
World Environment Day, we’re exploring why opting for glass bottles is an easy
way to reduce your plastic pollution – and why glass truly is
greener!
Glass: a truly recyclable material
While many plastics can be recycled, the sad truth is that
less than 10% of everyday plastic actually gets recycled in the UK (Greenpeace).
For the 10% that is recycled, it is in fact ‘downcycled’ – so its quality is
reduced after recycling. And despite the recycling icons you see on many
plastic items, most plastic is not made to be recycled, with 46% of the world’s
plastic flooding into landfill, 22% littering pavements and nature, while 17%
is incinerated.
The solution? Glass! One of the remarkable qualities of
glass is its recyclability. Compared to plastic, glass actually retains its
integrity and can be transformed into new bottles or other glass products
repeatedly. Round and round glass goes in the circular economy, reducing the
demand for virgin materials and conserving energy and resources needed to
create new materials.
Reducing plastic production
The more people that introduce glass bottles into their
daily routines, the more that demand for plastic production goes down. It’s not
only throwing away plastic that harms the planet, but its manufacture: plastic
production consumes huge amounts of fossil fuels and energy, heating up our
planet. By switching to glass bottles, we’re signalling less need for plastic
manufacturing and helping protect our planet from harmful greenhouse gas
emissions.
Supporting local dairies and farmers
So, you’ve made the switch to glass and are doing your bit
to reduce plastic waste and pollution, but how else does it support the
environment?
Choosing glass-bottled products,
from milk and dairy-free drinks to fruit juices and flavoured milks, as well as
plastic-free food packaging, often goes hand in hand with supporting local
dairies and farmers who are committed to sustainability practices. We’re proud
to say that we only partner with local dairy farmers within a 35-mile radius of
our HQ who uphold the same values as us. By consciously supporting these
businesses, you not only contribute to local economies but also encourage
sustainable farming practices and strengthen community. It’s a win-win
situation for all!
Join us, this World Environment Day, as we raise a pint of milk to glass and take steps towards a greener future for generations to come!
