For some time, plastics products have been considered detrimental to the environment. When they are in the wrong place, doing the wrong thing, and being disposed of without care, objects made of plastics are indeed problematic to the environment. However, the use of plastics can help to reduce other kinds of waste.
The Bodyflik (1) and Bodyflik Sport (2) squeegees are used to remove excess water from the body after a shower or bath ensuring less water is soaked up by a towel. The towel therefore stays clean and dry for longer than usual reducing the need to wash and dry it as often, so less energy is needed for laundry.
By replacing the Celebrations tin with a plastic tub (3) Mars has reduced the overall weight by 46% achieving a 720 tonne yearly saving in material. The new tub is designed with reuse in mind; the tub is freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe. The milk pouch (4) and refillable jug (5) reduce the excess packaging weight and space needed for a normal 2 pint plastic milk bottle. These products now need smaller delivery vehicles; a smaller vehicle requires less energy to run and emit less CO2 into the atmosphere.
The Ribena (6) and Innocent Smoothie (7) bottle are made from 100% recycled material, (although the caps and shrink wrap sleeve are not). The disposable razors (8) are made from recycled yoghurt pots rather than virgin material, and the Original Source shower gel pouch (9) is made of 75% less material than an equivalent bottle. The toothbrush has replaceable heads (10 - 11). These are all examples of how we can reduce the amount of landfill pollution material by using less raw / virgin material.
The silicone Mooncup (12) is reusable and will last many years reducing the amount of sanitary waste disposed of each year dramatically. The recycled carrier bag (13) prevents the need for disposable carrier bags when shopping and the Jar Tops (14) can make jars easily reusable. These products help to reduce waste by being reusable and encouraging us not to use disposable items.
