This month Rosalind shares 5 ways we can make a difference during the school holidays.

1. Say no to plastic straws

Straws are amongst the top ten items found in beach cleans, according to the Marine Conservation Society.  Environment Secretary Michael Gove has said they are to be banned in Britain next year, but until then ask for your drink to be served without one.  Reusable titanium and 100% natural paper straws are available if you need to use one. The Independent has listed 8 of the best.

2. Use paper stemmed cotton buds

During the Great British Beach Clean last year, an average of 29 plastic-stemmed cotton buds were found every 100m.  Again, the plan is to ban these in Britain next year.

3. Carry a re-usable water bottle

An increasing number of councils are installing water fountains, plus you can look for shops that offer a ‘water refill’ point – download the app at refill.org.uk.  This resource may become even more valuable later this year if the deposit on single-use plastic bottles and aluminium cans, currently under discussion, is introduced.

4. Keep a knife and fork in your bag

For when you’re out and about and eating on the go.  Buy a spare set of cutlery from a charity shop and wrap them in a linen cloth to keep them clean – thus avoiding disposable plastic cutlery.  

5. Join the growing number of #2minutebeachclean volunteers             

If you’re on holiday at the seaside, turn your dog walk or stroll on the beach into a way of cleaning up the plastic litter that already exists.  There are numerous points around the coast (visit beachclean.net for a map) that have litter pickers you can borrow.  You could even join the Great British Beach Clean.  It’s not just beaches – plastic litter threatens wildlife in rivers and the countryside too.  If you’re feeling more energetic, and I know we have a number of regular runners amongst our number, the Scandinavian trend of ‘plogging’ (Picking Litter While Jogging) is gaining in popularity.

If you want to get in on the trend, all you need is a solid pair of running shoes and a good, sturdy recycling bag to hold your rubbish. It’s also not a bad idea to wear gloves while you’re picking waste off the road – Travel and Leisure

A note for your safety – Avoid the Salisbury area!