Drinks

Bottled Water

There are several ways to combat the issues with bottled water!

Why do you choose to use bottled water?

Don’t realise the problem with bottled water – Buying bottled water means more plastic going into production as bottled water is usually made from virgin plastic (non-recycled), which is made from oil and gives a large carbon footprint. Plastic bottles often end up in the sea where they often fill with water and sink, being abraded on the sea floor, producing micro-plastics which are harmful to many types of organisms. As well as all that, while the bottled water is sitting on the shelf, there is a risk of BPA, dioxins and micro-plastics leaching into the water!

Worried about the purity of tap water or don’t like the taste – It is easy to still avoid bottled water as there are many types of water filters out there to remove any impurities.

Need a drink when you are out – Many businesses are now taking part in the Refill Scheme, which allows you to fill up a reusable bottle with water for free at many shops and cafes, and therefore saves you money! There is even a Refill app so you can easily find a place which supports the scheme to fill up your bottle. To find out more visit the Refill website.

Solutions:
1. Buy a reusable bottle instead of bottled water
2. Drink tap water (and use a filter if necessary!)
3. When out-and-about use the Refill scheme to avoid buying bottled water

If you ever feel you HAVE to buy bottled water, make sure you recycle the bottle after using it!

Tea & Coffee

At home

The problem – Most teabags actually contain plastic and coffee pods are regularly made of plastic.

Solutions:
1. Use loose leaf tea instead; this can be composted when you have finished with it!
2. Some teabags are plastic-free, read the packaging and switch if yours aren’t.
3. When choosing a coffee machine, choose one that grinds coffee beans or uses ground coffee rather than pods.


Buying takeaway tea / coffee

The problem – When you buy takeaway tea / coffee you are handed it in a single-use cup, often with a plastic lid, where both of these cannot be recycled, so just end up in landfill.

Solution:
1. Bring a reusable travel mug with you and ask them to use that instead. If the reduction in landfill waste wasn’t enough, you also often get a discount on the drink!

What discount can I get?
– Café Nero : double loyalty stamps
– Costa : 25p off
– Greggs : 20p off
– Paul : 25p off
– Pret : 50p off
– Starbucks : 25p off
Other smaller cafés often do similar discounts too!