The average family is thought to use around 100 mostly non-recyclable plastic bottles each year.
Published: January 7, 2022 | Updated: 8th January 2022
Gotta Lotta Bottle? Then now is the time to do something about it!
Just1Swap is among a network of refill shops across the UK taking part in the new ‘Just one bottle’ campaign.
Launched on January 1 it encourages people to try refilling one bottle in a bid to cut down on waste plastic.
It’s believed that each family gets through about 100 bottles of mostly non-recyclable plastic annually.
Ellen Savva, Owner and Founder of Just1Swap in Boscombe, said: “We hope to encourage people who want to do their bit to help reduce plastic waste to just start small.
“Just refill one bottle.
“If each household did this, imagine the impact it would make.
“Whether it is refilling an empty bottle of washing up liquid or shampoo bottle we are encouraging people to just give it a go.
“The network of refill shops across the UK work together, unlike the majority of the retail sector.
“We all have the same goal, to help the fight against climate change and to support our communities in their sustainable goals.
“Many members of the public feel powerless against the effects of climate change and that they are not able to contribute in the fight against it.
“This campaign is about empowering individuals and showing people that together, with one small change, we can all contribute to the fight against climate change.”
Before establishing her zero waste shop Just1Swap in 2020, Ellen worked as a science teacher for 15 years and was an eco-club organiser.
Having taught how plastic is made, polymerised and disposed of, she wanted to turn this passion into something that would have a positive impact on both her local community and the world.
Ellen said: “Each piece of plastic that has ever been produced can take between 450 and 1000 years to decompose.
“These pieces of plastic then become a scourge to wildlife, our environment and our own food chain.
“There are 5,441 households in Boscombe alone.
“If each household made one swap (perhaps reused their shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, toilet cleaner, washing-up liquid, and so many more options) that would save 5,441 plastic bottles going to landfill each week.
“One small change can have a significant impact not only on your blue bin but what we leave behind for future generations.”
