How to reduce plastic waste in school

Plastic waste is a growing concern across the globe, and schools are no exception. From lunch packaging to supplies, single-use plastics are difficult to avoid.

However, with careful planning and a commitment to sustainable practices, schools can significantly reduce their plastic waste footprint.

Whether you’re a teacher, school chef, receptionist, parent, or student, find out how to reduce plastic waste in school. Explore our expert strategies and share them with others to take action against waste today.

The impact of plastic waste in school

Schools generate a substantial amount of plastic waste and contribute to the wider problem of environmental pollution. Single-use plastics such as water bottles, food packaging, and plastic cutlery are common offenders, alongside packaging for items like textbooks and art supplies.

When not properly disposed of, this waste can end up in landfills or oceans, causing harm to wildlife and contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution.

Reducing plastic waste in school is beneficial for the environment. But it also presents an opportunity to educate students on the importance of sustainability. By implementing eco-friendly practices, schools can lead by example, showing students that small changes can make a significant impact on the planet.

Reducing plastic waste in the school canteen

The lunch room is often a hive of activity, with hungry students piling in either with lunchboxes from home or to order from the kitchen.

While it can be difficult to enforce rules on what parents can and cannot pack into their children’s lunchboxes, you can make a difference with the food your school provides to students.

Eliminate single-use plastics

One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste in the dining hall is by eliminating single-use plastics. This includes replacing disposable cutlery, plates, and cups with reusable alternatives. While doing so increases what needs to be washed, using reusable items where possible can greatly reduce the amount of daily plastic waste.

Schools can also encourage students to bring their own reusable water bottles and lunch containers, reducing the need for plastic packaging.

Offer bulk food options

Instead of individually packaged snacks and drinks, schools can offer bulk food options in the dining hall. For example, providing large dispensers for water, juice, or milk can eliminate the need for single-use bottles or cartons.

Similarly, bulk bins for snacks like granola, nuts, or fruit can reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste.

Reducing plastic waste in classrooms

While classrooms might not see as much damage as the canteen, there is still plastic waste to battle with.

Use reusable supplies

From pens and markers to glue sticks and art supplies, many classroom materials come packaged in plastic.

By switching to reusable or refillable options, schools can cut down on plastic waste. Try introducing refillable markers and pens and encourage the use of recycled paper. These minor switches can make a big difference.

Implement plastic-free art lessons

Art supplies are often packaged in plastic, but there are sustainable alternatives available. Schools can opt for biodegradable or recyclable art materials, such as paper-based paints, natural brushes, and reusable palettes.

Encouraging students to create art from recycled materials can also reduce the need for new plastic supplies while fostering creativity and environmental awareness.

Encourage digital learning

Digital learning tools can greatly reduce the need for plastic-based materials like binders, folders, and textbooks. By introducing tablets and laptops in the classroom, schools can minimise their reliance on plastic products.

Digital assignments and e-books also reduce the need for printed materials, further cutting down on waste.

Reducing plastic waste in bathrooms

Toiletries are big offenders of the plastic waste dilemma. Tackle the problem head-on in school toilets with these simple alternatives.

Switch to eco-friendly toiletries

Try to source eco-friendly alternatives to toiletries that can be delivered in bulk to your school. Choosing bulk soap dispensers in favour of multiple smaller options and recycled paper products can significantly reduce plastic waste in schools.

For further waste reduction, consider installing hand dryers instead of using paper towels.

Use refillable products

Refillable dispensers for soap, hand sanitiser, and cleaning products can reduce the need for single-use plastic containers. Schools can purchase these products in bulk and refill the dispensers as needed, cutting down on packaging waste.

Reducing plastic waste in staff rooms

Teachers should lead by example to encourage their students to make better choices. Start in the staff room so you get into the habit of teaching others.

Try sustainable teabags and coffee

With a long day of lessons ahead, you might be tempted to stock up on caffeinated drinks. However, many teabags contain plastic, which can contribute to waste.

By opting for plastic-free teabags or loose-leaf tea, schools can reduce their plastic footprint. Similarly, switching to a reusable coffee filter or a French press can eliminate the need for disposable coffee pods or filters.

Use reusable containers

Staff members should be encouraged to bring their own reusable containers for lunches and snacks, reducing their use of plastic packaging. Schools can also provide reusable dishes, cutlery, and cups in the staff room, which makes it easy for staff to avoid single-use plastics.

Introduce a recycling program

A robust recycling program in the staff room can help ensure any plastic waste is properly disposed of. Clear signage and accessible recycling bins can encourage staff to recycle plastic items like bottles and containers, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the trash.

Taking the next step

Reducing plastic waste in school is a critical step towards creating a more sustainable future. By implementing these strategies across all areas of the school, you and others involved can make a significant impact on the planet. Through small changes and collective action, schools can lead the way in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment for years to come.

Find out more about ways to tackle plastic waste by reaching out to Forge Recycling for help.

10 easy eco-friendly house cleaning hacks

Having a wonderfully clean and freshly fragrant home can do wonders for our mood. If we feel clean in our homes, we feel clean in our minds. It’s, of course, important to keep our environments clean for our physical health, too.

But have the products we use gone too far?

Many cleaning products can cause significant damage to the environment and release harsh chemicals into the air and water. Fortunately, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives offer an effective way to maintain a sparkling home without harming the planet.

Discover our top 10 ways to clean your home and find out which ingredients you should always keep in your cupboards to make your own eco-friendly cleaning products.

Why switch to eco-friendly cleaning products?

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is a much kinder environmental alternative to traditional products. However, did you know that making the change can also benefit you and anyone else living in your house?

The conventional cleaning products you pick up from the shelves at your local supermarket are filled with harsh chemicals that young children and pets are especially sensitive to. Products might be masked by pleasant floral or citrus scents, but they’re in there. These chemicals can cause skin irritations and potential respiratory issues.

Eco-friendly alternative products are made from natural ingredients that are kinder to you and the planet. The ingredients that make up these cleaning products are strong enough to banish bacteria and get your surfaces glistening, so you can feel fresh and safe all at once.

Eco-friendly cleaning hacks

Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or bedroom, there’s an eco-friendly way to clean your home.

1.     Carpet cleaning

Carpets love to hold on to dust, dirt, pet hair, and crumbs. Sometimes, a once-over with the hoover isn’t enough to clean deep down between the fibres, which is when we typically reach for the carpet shampoo.

Eco-friendly carpet cleaning eliminates the need to douse your carpets with harsh ingredients. As an alternative, sprinkle baking soda over your carpets and let them sit for 30 minutes for it to do its job. Then, thoroughly hoover carpets to pick up the baking soda, along with any lingering smells.

If you have stubborn stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle by shaking well. Spray the solution directly onto the stain and pat it with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.

2.     Dusting

Traditional dusting sprays release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are intrusive vapours that can reduce indoor air quality and impact drinking water supplies. While they produce a pleasant scent to the human nose, they can do more damage than they are worth.

Consider simply using a microfiber cloth or even a handheld hoover to pick up dust without the need for sprays. If you have wooden surfaces that need to be polished, simply mix a few drops of olive oil with lemon juice for a natural DIY polish. Your surfaces will glisten, and the lemon will leave behind a lovely aroma.

3.     Window cleaning

Eco window cleaning is, thankfully, very simple. Grab the white vinegar and water solution you used for cleaning the carpet and spray it on to your windows. Wipe away with a clean cloth (preferably microfiber) using circular motions.

A handy trick for getting rid of cleaning streaks is to go over the window again with scrunched-up newspaper. If there are any stubborn spots that didn’t pick up, try adding a few drops of rubbing alcohol to your solution to give it extra strength.

4.     Mattress freshening

We spend an average of one-third of our lives sleeping, so our mattresses are very well-used. As such, they pick up stains, odours, and even dust mites.

Refresh your mattress by dusting a fine layer of baking soda over the entire surface. Let it sit for at least two hours then hoover the mattress. You will be left with a much more pleasant scent and likely a better night’s sleep.

5.     Grease removal

Tough grease stains can be so difficult to remove that it’s easy to reach for heavy-duty cleaning products. But just as they are effective for many other cleaning hacks, baking soda and white vinegar can be your best friends to tackle grease and grime.

First, sprinkle the baking soda over the greasy surfaces. Next, generously spray some white vinegar and let the mixture fizz. Let it sit for just a few minutes and you’ll find you can easily wipe the grime away with a cloth or paper towel to achieve a gleaming surface.

6.     Oven cleaning

Commercial oven cleaners are among the most fiendish of cleaning products in terms of nasty chemicals. Because cleaning ovens often requires elbow grease, products are packed with more chemicals to lift burnt crusts and grease more easily.

For eco oven cleaning, all you need is baking soda and a little bit of water. Make a paste from the combination by only adding a small amount of water each time, mixing as you go. When you have enough mixture, spread it inside your oven and let it sit overnight. It will easily wipe away by the morning. However, if you do find anything has stuck behind, just spritz your trusty white vinegar solution to dissolve lingering grime.

7.     Air fresheners

We all love to get our homes smelling clean, fresh, and inviting. But at what cost? Synthetic air fresheners release chemicals directly into the air that can be dangerous when ingested.

Try a natural alternative so you can enjoy pleasant scents in your home without any of the worry. Pick out your favourite essential oil and add a few drops into a spray bottle filled with water. Lavender and eucalyptus are popular, as are orange and jasmine. Spray it around your home to enjoy the natural scent. Be sure to check the oils are safe to use if you have pets.

8.     Laundry detergent

It’s important to consider the impact of our laundry detergent has on water supplies.

If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious, try making your own detergent that is gentler on our skin and the environment. Simply mix washing soda and borax, grating in some soap of your choosing. It works as a natural detergent that effectively cleans your clothes without the negative impact.

9.     Toilet scrubbing

Nobody loves to clean toilets, so it makes sense that we would want to pick up traditional products that speed up the process with the chemicals they use. But these chemicals are released into the world with every flush, so we have a responsibility to find an eco-friendly way to clean our toilets and achieve an environmentally conscious bathroom.

Measure 60g of baking soda into a cup and pour directly into the toilet bowl, followed by another 60g of white vinegar. Make sure to pour it all around the bowl. The mixture will begin to fizz and foam, breaking down stains and disinfecting the bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with the toilet brush and flushing away.

10.  Cleaning the microwave

Microwaves can get very messy, thanks to sauces and soups spluttering inside while heating.

Instead of scrubbing down with something harsh that could filter into your next meal, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup or microwave-safe bowl if you have one. Add some water and microwave on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, making sure the solution doesn’t boil over. When finished, keep the microwave door closed for another five minutes. The steam of the solution will loosen grime that can easily be wiped away with a paper towel.

Once you have discovered effective eco-friendly cleaning hacks, you’ll realise how easy it is to be kind to the planet. Discover more environmentally conscious tips and tricks with Forge Recycling so you can make mindful switches that help the planet.

Makeup removal: Eight sustainable ways to remove makeup

For the 83% of women and 5% of men in the UK wearing makeup, makeup removal is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing breakouts.

After a long day, the convenience of disposable makeup wipes is hard to resist. However, these single-use products have significant environmental drawbacks. They often contain plastic, release harmful chemicals into the soil and water, and endanger wildlife when littered. Disposable wipes are also responsible for a staggering 93% of UK sewage blockages.

Minor changes to your makeup removal routine can help protect the planet and improve your skin’s health. Join us as we explore eight sustainable options for an eco-conscious skincare regime.

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How to reduce water waste in schools

As our population grows and water demand increases, pressure on the planet’s water resources intensifies — especially with the added challenge of climate change. Protecting this invaluable resource is essential for our environment and well-being.

Yet for many British schools, managing water use efficiently presents a dual challenge: safeguarding natural resources while navigating tight budgets.

Join us as we explore actionable strategies that schools can adopt to conserve water, reduce costs, and contribute positively to the planet.

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How to buy sustainable swimwear

Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, choosing more durable, reusable, and repairable products.

Swimwear presents a unique challenge for sustainability due to its need for stretchiness and water resistance — qualities typically achieved with synthetic fibres. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure your next swimsuit purchase is eco-friendly.

By researching a brand’s eco credentials, carefully considering style and fit, and reading care labels, you can make informed decisions that will benefit you and the environment.

Here are our top tips for sourcing sustainable swimwear and making a splash with a clear conscience.

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How to remove skirting boards: a step-by-step guide

Skirting boards, the essential junctions between your walls and floors, protect lower walls from dirt and scuffs and give rooms a polished look. But it’s important to remove them when they’re irreparably damaged, when lifting laminate flooring, or during redecorating.

If you’re considering tackling skirting board removal yourself rather than hiring a professional carpenter or handyperson, you’re in the right place. Our comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the process from equipment and prep to removal and reuse, ensuring you can confidently remove your skirting boards without damage.

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A beginner’s guide to battery recycling

Batteries are essential in many places, including homes and businesses. They’re a much-needed power source for everything from children’s toys to laptops and lamps.

Approximately 40,000 tonnes of portable batteries are sold annually across the UK, yet only 18,000 are recycled. When batteries end up in landfill sites, they pose a significant threat to the natural world, causing damage to ecosystems and wildlife. This is due to hazardous chemicals like zinc, lead, lithium, cadmium, and mercury.

While all batteries provide energy, they differ in shape, size, power, and materials, and need to be disposed of differently.

Join us as we dive into the recycling procedure for different battery types and discuss strategies for reducing battery consumption in the digital age.

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The beginner’s guide to eco-friendly false lashes

False lashes are fun to wear and add instant drama and flutter to the eyes. A glamorous option for special occasions, they have also become integral to some people’s daily makeup routines.

Unfortunately, this style boost has a hidden environmental cost. False lashes are typically used once and thrown away, contributing to the planet’s growing waste problem.

Join us as we discuss enhancing your eyes without harming the natural world. We’ll explore eco-friendly false lashes, highlight greener alternatives, and share tips on how to clean and reuse single-use lashes.

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Six festival waste management tips for organisers

The vibrant atmosphere and lively entertainment of UK festivals draw in millions of attendees every year. Our local music festivals attract 6.5 million people, with many more attending festivals dedicated to food, dance, arts, and cultural events.

Despite the excitement surrounding each British festival, there’s a persistent issue: excessive waste.

Waste management poses a significant challenge for organisers, whether those covering the sprawling grounds of Leeds Festival or smaller sites like Slam Dunk, Live at Leeds, and North Leeds Food Festival.

Taking charge of site waste is crucial to festival organisation. We’ve all witnessed the disheartening post-event footage of those lacking a sufficient festival waste management plan — fields strewn with litter, abandoned tents, and chairs.

Powerful Thinking’s ‘The Show Must Go On’ report revealed UK camping music festivals produce 25,800 tonnes of waste yearly. Prevention is ideal but not always feasible, so prioritising reusability and fostering a responsible waste disposal culture among festivalgoers is essential.

Join us as we explore six tips for managing waste at festivals. Learn how to prepare ticketholders, liaise with waste management vendors, and produce a comprehensive event waste management plan.

Implementing these practical strategies can prevent issues, alleviate concerns, and pave the way for a cleaner, more eco-friendly festival experience.

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The essential guide to natural deodorant

In 1888, the debut of the first commercial deodorant marked a pivotal moment in the battle against underarm sweat. The first antiperspirant was marketed in 1903, and by the mid-20th century, the popularity of these products rocketed.

Consumers are now increasingly conscious of the substances they apply to their bodies and release into the environment. This is due to concern surrounding the ingredients in many conventional deodorants and antiperspirants.

The market has witnessed a surge in natural, eco-friendly deodorants in response to these growing concerns.

Join us as we traverse the disadvantages of traditional deodorants and antiperspirants and the advantages of natural ones. We’ll explore the anxieties deodorants provoke before navigating the landscape of natural alternatives and outlining three of the most popular brands.

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