British shoppers use up to twenty billion disposable plastic bags a year - that's around 335 per person. Most of the major supermarkets now offer bags for life which can be used again and again. When they finally need replacing, the supermarkets swap the old bag for a new one - free of charge.

 

Buy your fruit and vegetables loose, avoiding polystyrene trays and plastic punnets. Think about signing up to a vegetable box delivery company – many will aim to keep packaging to a minimum, and also try and source local, seasonal food.

 

Items such as toilet paper, kitchen roll, writing paper, envelopes and bin liners can all be made from recycled content. Look for a recycling symbol with a percentage sign.

 

Buy big and then decant into smaller, reusable containers. When you buy items like coffee, teabags, cereal, or washing powder in larger containers, the product to packaging ratio is much better. Make sure they’re items that aren’t going to go off before you use them.

Consider giving ethical gifts that will provide real benefit to people in other countries, and won’t leave the birthday boy or girl with a mountain of rubbish. Water pumps, mosquito nets, goats and medication all make great gifts and can be donated through a number of different charities.