We all know that plastic bottles and disposable coffee cups are bad for the environment. But the truth is, plastic is everywhere. Scientists have found microplastics in the air, in water, in beer, in seafood and even in salt; a study published in Environmental Science & Technology in June 2019 suggested we eat between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year — and breathe in even more.   When it comes to fashion, it’s the plastic in our clothes that we need to worry about. One load of washing can release up to 700,000 microfibres according to a study from November 2016 (although estimates from other studies are significantly higher). And research from August 2019 found that the delicate wash cycle — despite its deceptive description — is even worse for the environment, shedding on average 800,000 more microfibres per load.   But there are other, rather surprising everyday items that also contain plastic. Here, Vogue rounds up what you should be looking out for, and how to avoid it.  

1. Sheet masks

  Individually wrapped sheet masks are a plastic double-whammy. The mask itself is often made from nylon or polyester, while the pouches they’re packaged in also contain plastic combined with aluminium, which is difficult to recycle.   If you want to dispose of your sheet masks properly, look for organisations such as waste management company TerraCycle, which specialises in hard-to-recycle materials. Meanwhile, switch to masks made out of biodegradable materials, like Natura’s bamboo sheets, which have 100 per cent plant-based origins.  

2. Wet wipes

  Also often made from polyester, wet wipes are another huge problem for the environment, ending up on beaches and in oceans, and releasing microplastics into the water supply as they break down.   Make sure you don’t flush them down the toilet, and opt for biodegradable wipes from brands such as Natracare and Jackson Reece. When it comes to face wipes, kick the habit completely by using flannels and reusable cotton pads instead.  

3. Sequins

  Once made out of metal, most sequins are now made out of PVC and are non-biodegradable. Luckily, companies such as the Sustainable Sequin Company are producing sequins made from recycled plastic, but until these are available on a mass scale, it’s probably best to avoid buying a new sequin party dress.  

4. Sanitary pads

  Sanitary pads are made from up to 90 per cent plastic, according to Friends of the Earth, with the material found in every layer. Tampons, while made out of cotton, also contain plastic in the applicator and the string. There are now a number of more eco-friendly alternatives on the market, such as those found at Freda and Flo, including pads made out of renewable materials, reusable pads and Mooncups.  

5. Teabags

  When enjoying a cup of tea, you wouldn’t expect to be drinking microplastics as well. But according to a study from September 2019, a single teabag made out of plastic mesh can release 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics. Even a teabag made out of paper contains a small amount of plastic used to seal it. Instead, opt for plastic-free teabags, such as those made by Clipper, which are biodegradable or compostable, or try drinking loose-leaf tea.  

6. Chewing gum

  Did you know that chewing gum can contain polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate? Those are forms of plastic, FYI, and were introduced as alternatives to chicle, its former main ingredient found in sap from Mesoamerican trees. Not only is polyvinyl acetate also found in PVA glue and polyethylene found in plastic bags, neither are biodegradable, and they can end up in the stomachs of animals.   There are plenty of plant-based gums available on the market, such as Chewsy and Simply Gum for a much more eco-friendly choice.  

7. Crisp packets

  Crisp packets are made of layers of metallised film in order to keep the contents fresh, which means they usually can’t be recycled because of the mixture of materials involved.   Research is currently being done into alternative packaging, such as synthetic nanosheets using non-toxic materials; but as New Scientist reports, a long regulatory process means that we won’t see these advances on shelves for a few years. In the meantime, organisations such as TerraCycle have set up recycling schemes specifically for crisp packets.  

8. Drinks cartons

  While you might assume that drinks cartons are made out of cardboard, they are also coated with up to 20 per cent plastic to prevent leakages, as well as 5 per cent foil, according to Recycle Now, making them more difficult to recycle.     Make sure you check whether your local authority can recycle drinks cartons, and opt for glass bottles where possible as a more sustainable alternative.  

OneNine5 has launched a unisex & eco-conscious travel wash bag, to minimise the number of single-use plastic liquid bags required by 284 million* passengers at UK airports every year. The ambitious London based start-up want to make air travel easier for the thousands passing through airport security every day and encourage airports to do more to reduce single-use plastics offered to passengers. They have created a wash bag with a carefully considered layout that incorporates a reusable and detachable TSA approved clear liquid bag.   Built to match the needs of the modern traveller, the OneNine5 wash bag is an upgrade to the outdated wash bags widely available and is constructed full of clever features. Designed in Shoreditch, London – the bag has been made using a recyclable water resistant outer, whilst the lining is manufactured from a 100% recycled plastic lining.   Inside, you’ll find a reusable and detachable clear liquid bag with easy release magnets to speed up the airport security process and avoid the need for single-use plastic liquid bags at airports. With seven separate compartments to maximise space, the wash bag also includes a zip-away hanging hook, a separate toothbrush holder, and a hidden waterproof compartment for valuables.   Giving equal consideration to the packaging – the product sleeve and shipping box are both made from 100% recycled paper, whilst the product wrapping uses 100% biodegradable plastic. As 63% of global packaging was made from plastic in 2017**, it’s a small but crucial contribution to help reduce that number.   Alex Stewart, Co-founder of OneNine5 explains: “’The ‘Attenborough Effect’ has had a hugely positive impact on reducing single-use plastic bags in the Retail industry, but the same concern for single-use plastics hasn’t been prioritised in UK airports. Whilst we accept that security is paramount, passengers are still encouraged to grab single-use plastic bags while passing through airport security. The threat of plastic to our planet is unequivocal, yet established brands and airports persist in their failure to recognise consumers’ concerns and help them confront the plastic crisis.”   With three bold unisex colours and a contemporary design, OneNine5 has created a wash bag that’s stylish, practical and helping the modern traveller combat the war on single-use plastic. Partnering with Terracycle & reGAIN App, the company has created an industry first for luggage brands by offering UK customers a free-of-charge scheme to recycle or reuse the materials from their well-used OneNine5 wash bags.   OneNine5 has a clear mission to reduce single-use plastic at airports and create more environmentally sustainable luggage for consumers. This is just step one, “With 195 countries on the planet waiting to be explored, we want our customers to be able to explore these in style and minimise their environmental impact along the way.” says Alex Stewart, Co-founder of OneNine5. “Existing luggage and fashion brands aren’t doing enough to combat this fast-fashion culture and it’s concerning. 90% of Millennials prefer to buy from brands that have environmentally sustainable practices*** so beyond the wash bag we’ve got big plans to design more eco-conscious products that make modern travel, hassle-free.”   OneNine5 wash bags are available in three unisex colours; Havelock Blue, Komodo Pink and Moeraki Grey. They are available to buy at www.onenine5.com and Amazon UK now.   * Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Data 2018, March 22 2018 ** Euromonitor International, Ethical Living: Plastic – Lose It or Re-Use It?, March 2018 *** Nuveen, Third Annual Responsible Investing Survey

  New luggage brand redesigns a travel essential OneNine5 launches a premium wash bag with detachable TSA approved liquid bag OneNine5 has launched a unisex & eco-conscious travel wash bag, to minimise the number of single-use plastic liquid bags required by 284 million* passengers at UK airports every year. The ambitious London based start-up want to make air travel easier for the thousands passing through airport security every day and encourage airports to do more to reduce single-use plastics offered to passengers. They have created a wash bag with a carefully considered layout that incorporates a reusable and detachable TSA approved clear liquid bag.   Built to match the needs of the modern traveller, the OneNine5 wash bag is an upgrade to the outdated wash bags widely available and is constructed full of clever features. Designed in Shoreditch, London – the bag has been made using a recyclable water resistant outer, whilst the lining is manufactured from a 100% recycled plastic lining.   Inside, you’ll find a reusable and detachable clear liquid bag with easy release magnets to speed up the airport security process and avoid the need for single-use plastic liquid bags at airports. With seven separate compartments to maximise space, the wash bag also includes a zip-away hanging hook, a separate toothbrush holder, and a hidden waterproof compartment for valuables.   Giving equal consideration to the packaging – the product sleeve and shipping box are both made from 100% recycled paper, whilst the product wrapping uses 100% biodegradable plastic. As 63% of global packaging was made from plastic in 2017**, it’s a small but crucial contribution to help reduce that number.   Alex Stewart, Co-founder of OneNine5 explains: “’The ‘Attenborough Effect’ has had a hugely positive impact on reducing single-use plastic bags in the Retail industry, but the same concern for single-use plastics hasn’t been prioritised in UK airports. Whilst we accept that security is paramount, passengers are still encouraged to grab single-use plastic bags while passing through airport security. The threat of plastic to our planet is unequivocal, yet established brands and airports persist in their failure to recognise consumers’ concerns and help them confront the plastic crisis.”   With three bold unisex colours and a contemporary design, OneNine5 has created a wash bag that’s stylish, practical and helping the modern traveller combat the war on single-use plastic. Partnering with Terracycle & reGAIN App, the company has created an industry first for luggage brands by offering UK customers a free-of-charge scheme to recycle or reuse the materials from their well-used OneNine5 wash bags.   OneNine5 has a clear mission to reduce single-use plastic at airports and create more environmentally sustainable luggage for consumers. This is just step one, “With 195 countries on the planet waiting to be explored, we want our customers to be able to explore these in style and minimise their environmental impact along the way.” says Alex Stewart, Co-founder of OneNine5. “Existing luggage and fashion brands aren’t doing enough to combat this fast-fashion culture and it’s concerning. 90% of Millennials prefer to buy from brands that have environmentally sustainable practices*** so beyond the wash bag we’ve got big plans to design more eco-conscious products that make modern travel, hassle-free.”   OneNine5 wash bags are available in three unisex colours; Havelock Blue, Komodo Pink and Moeraki Grey. They are available to buy at www.onenine5.com and Amazon UK now.   * Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Data 2018, March 22 2018 ** Euromonitor International, Ethical Living: Plastic – Lose It or Re-Use It?, March 2018 *** Nuveen, Third Annual Responsible Investing Survey

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — In an effort to keep wrapping paper, bows, garland, and more out of Utah's landfills, a local car dealership has teamed up with a recycling company to give you the chance to recycle your Christmas waste.   Mark Miller Subaru is teaming up with Terracycle to help you get rid of hard-to-recycle items that often go in the trash bin.   From December 25 - January 4, you can bring any type of wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tissue paper or party supplies such as garlands, and confetti for proper recycling at two Mark Miller Subaru locations: Midtown and South Towne.   According to a news release, Terracycle is "a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials that most city recycling programs do not accept."

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — In an effort to keep wrapping paper, bows, garland, and more out of Utah's landfills, a local car dealership has teamed up with a recycling company to give you the chance to recycle your Christmas waste. Mark Miller Subaru is teaming up with Terracycle to help you get rid of hard-to-recycle items that often go in the trash bin. From December 25 - January 4, you can bring any type of wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tissue paper or party supplies such as garlands, and confetti for proper recycling at two Mark Miller Subaru locations: Midtown and South Towne. According to a news release, Terracycle is "a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials that most city recycling programs do not accept."

Santa and his reindeer are back at the North Pole, the treats are all gone, and gifts are unwrapped. The mess can be overwhelming.   While you’re working on cleaning everything up the next few days, set aside the wrapping paper and tissue paper for recycling.   Mark Miller Subaru and TerraCycle are making it easy.   Just bring your wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tissue paper, and party supplies like garlands and confetti to Mark Miller Subaru in Midtown or South Towne now through January 4th.   The Midtown location is at 3535 State Street and the South Towne location is 10920 South State.   TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials that most city recycling programs do not accept.   Check with your city for a complete list of items accepted in your recycling receptacle.

  SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — In an effort to keep wrapping paper, bows, garland, and more out of Utah's landfills, a local car dealership has teamed up with a recycling company to give you the chance to recycle your Christmas waste.   Mark Miller Subaru is teaming up with Terracycle to help you get rid of hard-to-recycle items that often go in the trash bin.   From December 25 - January 4, you can bring any type of wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, tissue paper or party supplies such as garlands, and confetti for proper recycling at two Mark Miller Subaru locations: Midtown and South Towne.   According to a news release, Terracycle is "a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials that most city recycling programs do not accept."  

 

In our callout for greener gifting ideas, some readers suggested gift certificates for things like a show, a restaurant or, more traditionally, a store. Gift cards can be a great last-minute option, and they’re very popular — in fact, they were the most popular holiday gift in a recent online survey of Canadians, more than half of whom planned to buy gift cards for their loved ones. But they, too, have an environmental impact. Many gift cards are made of PVC plastic, which is hard to recycle and isn’t accepted by most recycling systems. While they’re small and slim, their popularity means they add up — in 2014, two billion gift cards were purchased in the U.S. alone, according to an estimate by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney. Giftrocket, a company that offers e-gift cards, estimates that each physical card contains about five grams of PVC and generates 21 grams of CO2. That means in total, gift cards created 10,000 tonnes of PVC waste and 42,000 tonnes of CO2 in the U.S. alone in 2014. So, what to do? Here are some options:

• Some retailers, like Starbucks and Whole Foods, offer recyclable cardboard gift cards (see above photo).
• Many others offer gift cards that can be printed onto a sheet of paper.
• E-gift cards can be sent via email and printed out or redeemed online or from your phone.
• Some small businesses just keep a note of credit that you can redeem when you get to the store.
• If you have a plastic gift card that you’ve already spent, you can often reload it and re-gift it to someone else.

If you really want to recycle gift cards after using them and have a way of collecting a big volume, they can be recycled by a company named Terracycle, which specializes in recycling materials that normally aren’t recyclable. The company charges $91 to recycle a “small” box (25 x 25 x 46 centimetres) full of plastic cards. Some Canadian municipalities — for example, Strathcona in Alberta and Niagara Region in Ontario — allow people to drop off spent gift cards at certain depots for recycling. (The Municipality of Strathcona uses Terracycle as its gift card recycler.) Whatever you choose to do, think about what the gift card or certificate can be used to buy — the environmental impact of that purchase is probably much bigger than that of the card itself. — Emily Chung

In our callout for greener gifting ideas, some readers suggested gift certificates for things like a show, a restaurant or, more traditionally, a store. Gift cards can be a great last-minute option, and they're very popular — in fact, they were the most popular holiday gift in a recent online survey of Canadians, more than half of whom planned to buy gift cards for their loved ones. But they, too, have an environmental impact. Many gift cards are made of PVC plastic, which is hard to recycle and isn't accepted by most recycling systems. While they're small and slim, their popularity means they add up — in 2014, two billion gift cards were purchased in the U.S. alone, according to an estimate by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney. Giftrocket, a company that offers e-gift cards, estimates that each physical card contains about five grams of PVC and generates 21 grams of CO2. That means in total, gift cards created 10,000 tonnes of PVC waste and 42,000 tonnes of CO2 in the U.S. alone in 2014. So, what to do? Here are some options:

• Some retailers, like Starbucks and Whole Foods, offer recyclable cardboard gift cards (see above photo).
• Many others offer gift cards that can be printed onto a sheet of paper.
• E-gift cards can be sent via email and printed out or redeemed online or from your phone.
• Some small businesses just keep a note of credit that you can redeem when you get to the store.
• If you have a plastic gift card that you've already spent, you can often reload it and re-gift it to someone else.

If you really want to recycle gift cards after using them and have a way of collecting a big volume, they can be recycled by a company named Terracycle, which specializes in recycling materials that normally aren't recyclable. The company charges $91 to recycle a "small" box (25 x 25 x 46 centimetres) full of plastic cards. Some Canadian municipalities — for example, Strathcona in Alberta and Niagara Region in Ontario — allow people to drop off spent gift cards at certain depots for recycling. (The Municipality of Strathcona uses Terracycle as its gift card recycler.) Whatever you choose to do, think about what the gift card or certificate can be used to buy — the environmental impact of that purchase is probably much bigger than that of the card itself. — Emily Chung