LUCY SIEGLE’S 5 EASY ECO HACKS

1 Use the 8 ‘R’s in order.

I believe that recycling should actually come last on your list of green behaviours. This might sound strange, but here’s the gist – use the eight ‘R’s in the following order:

Record

Reduce

Replace

Refuse

Reuse

Refill

Rethink

Recycle.

Recording your plastic use is the entry point; if you keep a tally of the flow of plastics into your bin, you’ll be amazed at how much unwanted material sneaks into your life.

2 Remove your buying power from problem brands.
Direct your hard-earned cash towards better alternatives. Buy well with an eye to the future, and instil the ‘30 wears’ rule when it comes to your wardrobe – if you can’t commit to wearing a piece a minimum of 30 times, don’t buy it!

3 Look for up-and-coming brands addressing over-production.
There are a profusion of new companies with business models that are based on small collections made from waste products. In the next few months, I predict the launch of rental sites and take-back fashion services. Prioritise all of these above mainsteam brands making ‘green noises’ – their eco initiatives don’t address the volume and pace of their production.

4 Try a few small shopping hacks.
Take your own Tupperware to the deli counter, and use the paper bags near the mushrooms for other loos produce, instead of the plastic bags.

5 Get started with something fun.
A beach clean is a great way to get involved with the plastic-free movement. They’re crucial in establishing evidence for change, they’re surprisingly good fun, and you’ll learn a tonne about plastic.