There’s no hiding from the fact that we as a society have an enormous plastic problem, and it’s something that won’t be solved unless we all make a conscious effort to reduce our single-use plastic consumption. That’s why we’ve been supporting Plastic Free July this year – we want to cut plastic out of our lives and hopefully help you do the same, with info on where to shop and what brands to buy from. We also want to acknowledge the individuals and businesses that are doing their bit, whether it’s through creating innovative plastic free products and packaging or offering expert tips and tricks on how to make your lifestyle more sustainable, with our Plastic Free Awards 2023.
Best Use of Plastic Waste / Recycled Plastic
Allday Goods
After Hugo Worsley saw the amount of plastic waste generated by kitchens during his time as a chef, he resolved to do something about it, and so Allday Goods was born. He takes diverts plastic waste from landfill and melts it down to form unique marbled handles for kitchen knives, which feature blades made from recycled steel in Sheffield. Not only is he putting plastic rubbish to good use, he’s creating knives that are designed to last in an effort to help slow down consumption.
Most Innovative Toiletry Solution
SURI
We bin over four billion toothbrushes a year, which is a lot of waste (it’s enough to circle the planet 12 times). Enter SURI, who have created a sustainable electric toothbrush that is reusable, repairable and recyclable, and still delivers an effective clean. The body of the toothbrush is made from aluminium rather than single-use plastic, and the brush heads are made from plant-based corn starch with castor oil bristles, and they can recycle the heads for you for free.
Best Plastic Free Resource
No Mise En Plastic
Professional chef Jack Feeny is the brains behind No Mise En Plastic, the free resource designed to help kitchens ditch single-use products. No Mise En Plastic features everything from recommendations on refillable cleaning products to baking paper alternatives. The manual is designed to be simple, user-friendly and practical – perfect for chefs and cooks short on time.
Best Plastic Free Store
Weigh and Pay
Weigh and Pay is the first zero-waste shop in Brixton Village, selling organic and plant-based wholefoods, household goods and cosmetics. The shop is stocking products from local businesses like natural deodorant maker Elsa’s Organic and skincare company Suneeta London.
Best Cleaning Products
Neat
On a mission to eliminate plastic waste from our homes, Neat is selling completely plastic-free cleaning products. Just add the refills to their reusable aluminium bottle (which will honestly last for years), then recycle the glass refill packaging as usual. And these guys have refills for multi-surface cleaners for an all-round spruce; glass and mirror cleaners that come in a beaut yuzu tea scent; and bathroom cleaners that work great on tiles, taps and tubs.
Plastic Free Ambassador
Ella Shone
Founded by Ella Shone in lockdown whilst she was on furlough, TOPUP TRUCK is a zero-waste delivery service running from an old milk float. It’s stocked with over 180 products including tea, coffee, pulses, toiletries, household goods, oils, spices, and more, all free of packaging, so you just fill up whatever containers you like with your goods and pay for them.
Readers’ Choice Award
Müll Club
Charlie Rudkin-Wilson is taking London’s plastic waste problem into her own hands with Müll Club, a refill shop and a plastic recycling hub in Brockley. As well as selling a range of plastic free toiletries and household goods, Charlie uses the space as a recycling hub on the days the shop isn’t open, collecting plastic waste from the local area and turning it into a range of recycled plastic products, like soap dishes, coasters, combs, and candle holders. She also runs workshops where people can come in and have a go themselves because she’s passionate about spreading her knowledge and getting as many people on the plastic recycling train as possible.
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