If, like many others, you have been trying to be more environmentally friendly, then you may have been tempted to choose plastic-packaged products which are labelled as 'recyclable', thinking that you are making a good decision.  But beware!  Just because it says it on the label, does not mean that it is actually easy to recycle.  'Greenwashing' is a term used to describe products which are marketed by companies as being more environmentally friendly than they actually are.  For example,  you might be forgiven for thinking that a compostable plastic need only be put in a domestic compost bin or landfill.  But, in practice, this is not the case -  it  needs to be broken down in an industrial composter.  Putting it in your recycling bin at home might not be effective either, as not all areas have the facilities to manage the different types of plastic.  Making bio-plastics actually takes more energy and generates more greenhouse gas emissions than making conventional plastic and, therefore, costs more to produce.  So, what is needed, is a change in the mindset of businesses and the government to focus on reusing plastic.  Some countries already have systems in place for beverage bottles to be returned, cleaned and refilled.  In the meantime, we, as consumers, can do our bit by choosing alternatively-packaged goods or reusing the plastic that we have.  It may not be the 'easier' option of recycling, but, ultimately, it will be the be one that is best for our planet.  

Thanks go to researchers at Sheffield University who inspired me to write this blog.  They are working across disciplines to call for a new approach to plastic waste.  If you are  interested in learning more about their projects, then visit grantham.sheffield.ac.uk/research-projects/redefine-single-use-plastic