Items packaged in plastics #3, #4, #6 and #7 are a particularly hot potato. It is more difficult to turn them into other new products so there isn’t a market for them and they generally end up in landfills. Let’s refuse, reduce, simmer and bake instead!
Tips on a silver platter
Choosing not to buy plastics #3, #4, #6 and #7 is a great start. You’ll find the plastics number in a triangle on the bottom of the container. Here are easy alternatives to everyday items generally packaged in plastic.
Check out this video
Try these simple swaps

Try easy recipes to avoid…
- Plastic #3 in the kitchen
Many biscuit and cracker trays are made from plastic #3. We all know lots of great biscuit recipes. Among others, why not try making budget crackers, tasty seeded crackers or these green garden crackers?
- Plastic #4 in the kitchen
Most tomato sauce, lemon juice, lime juice and mild American mustard bottles are made from plastic #4. For tomato sauce you can buy refills in cans or buy brands packaged in glass. If you’re looking for an alternative for lemon or lime juice, the trees are ladened with them at the moment, so squeeze them into ice cube trays then when frozen pop them in a container and freeze. They will last for up to a year. For mustard why not try making you own?
- Plastic #6 in the kitchen
If you’re buying multi packs of yoghurt pottles, it’s probably made of plastic #6. Check out how to make your own? All you need is milk, some leftover yoghurt and a thermometer.
- Plastic #7 in the kitchen
Fresh pasta and sliced deli meats usually come in plastic #7. Take your own container to the supermarket and buy shaved ham from the delicatessen. Fresh pasta is super easy and cheap to make. Why not give it a try?