Findings show that we are recycling only 50% of our packaging in the bathroom, compared to 90% in our kitchens. We could all make a concerted effort to improve this statistic and make greater use of our local facilities. Even toothpaste tubes can now be recycled. Simply drop them off at a collection point. To find your nearest one, check out Terracycle. com. In Wilmslow, for example, you can take toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes and empty dental floss dispensers to L J Natural.

An even better solution would be to reduce your use of plastic altogether. Here’s how:

1. Soap bars are an excellent alternative to shampoo and shower gel and can be easily sourced. They last longer than bottles, so work out cheaper. Leftover soap pieces can be put in a ‘soapsaver’ bag and used as a body scrub. 2. If you really can’t do without siap and shampoo in liquid form, there are now several places where you can refill your bottles.

3. Swap plastic disposable razors for bamboo or metal ones. They cost more but last a lifetime. Even shaving foam can be bought in the form of a soap bar.

4. Swap ordinary facial wipes which contain over 80% plastic for biodegradeable ones, or, better still, use a flannel or soft cloth which can be re-used.

5. There are bamboo and cardboard- stemmed cotton buds on the market now. This simple swap could really make a difference to the amount of plastic which ends up in the sea threatening our marine and bird life.

6. You can buy nylon and plastic-free silk dental floss. As a start, you might at least purchase dental floss in alternative packaging. 7. Bamboo toothbrushes are readily available. There are even replacement heads for Oral B electric toothbrushes on the market.

8. You might like to try toothpaste tabs or powder instead of conventional toothpaste in a tube.

9. Déodorants can be bought in stick form in cardboard packaging. There are also ‘Thai deodorant stones’ which you just wet and apply. Again, they last for a long time.

10. Make your own! There are plenty of recipes out there for items such as mouthwash, body wash and pamper products.

No- one can do this overnight but you could make gradual changes over the course of the year. As a new month begins, why not make it your goal to make at least one change in the bathroom to recycle or reduce your use of plastic? Remember- there is no Planet B.