Since day one of Bread & Weather I have used only plastic free packing and shipping materials.

I can’t think of one good reason to use plastic packaging, but here are five big reasons why I don’t.

Most plastic waste never gets recycled.

Even when we responsibly dispose of plastic waste in the recycling bin there is sadly no guarantee that it gets recycled.

Tons of non-biodegradable waste finds its way into our oceans and ecosystems every year. According to National Geographic 91% of the world’s plastic isn’t recycled. So the argument to use ‘recyclable’ plastic packaging never appealed to me.

Plastic pollution in oceans is harmful to wildlife

Once plastic enters the sea it has no boundaries.

Plastic waste is carried by currents to the furthest reaches of the ocean. This waste accumulates into large ‘ocean garbage patches’. While en route to an ocean garbage patch, plastic waste causes huge damage to the animals and fish who live in and near the ocean.

Animals and fish can mistake plastic for food and eat it, or they become tangled in this unnatural material which causes injury and huge distress.

I could not bear to have a plastic lid of a candle, or a soap wrapper that I sold be mixed up in all that waste, so it’s been a firm no from me to plastic packaging from day one.

Plastic creates microplastics

After months or years in the sea, plastic waste breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually to sizes smaller than a grain of sand known as microplastcs and nanoplastics.

Microplastics find their way into the water we drink and the food we eat.

Research is still being conducted to learn the full effects of microplastics on human and animal health, which may not be known for decades. Initial studies show that microplastics can negatively affect the immune, endocrine and respiratory systems among others.

Unhealthy Ocean = Unhealthy Planet

Oceans make up the majority surface area of the earth.

Oceans generate 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorb 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and capture 90 percent of the excess heat generated by these emissions.

Oceans are not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest ‘carbon sink’ – a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change. The ocean is central to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and stabilising the Earth’s climate.

The ocean is an ecosystem made up of plants, fish and animals. Creating plastic waste that will likely end up in the ocean and disrupt these ecosystems is something I do not want to take part in.

Reducing my plastic use both personally and as a small business helps me sleep a little better

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan

The problem of plastic waste can feel overwhelming but making small changes in how I live and work helps me feel I am part of the solution instead of part of the problem. We can all contribute to solve the plastic pollution crisis if we work together. By making small changes to our daily usage of plastic, we can make a positive impact.

Plastic free stockists

Shopping small and local is usually a great way to reduce plastic and find sustainable products.

I am proud that all my stockists do their best to reduce plastic but special mention is given here to five that make plastic free a top priority.

The Good Neighbour, Dundrum

Slowstreet, Blackrock

Blue Bridge House, The Liberties

An Tairseach Organic Farm Shop, Wicklow Town

The Flow Life, Craughwell