We often hear about methane emissions from cows, but did you know that plastic waste is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gases? Beyond releasing harmful methane during decomposition, plastics pollute oceans, poison wildlife, and leave a lasting environmental footprint.
In the UK, 43.8% of local authority waste was incinerated in 2018/19, a figure that has steadily increased. While waste incineration produces 2.4% of the UK's electricity, it accounts for 13% of greenhouse gas emissions from energy production.
Thankfully, some forward-thinking businesses are leading the charge in reducing plastic waste and adopting sustainable practices. Here are three inspiring companies making a difference:
1. Yorkshire Pasta Company
Does pasta grow on trees in Yorkshire? Not quite—but Yorkshire Pasta Company is bringing sustainability to the table with pasta packaged in paper bags. Made from locally milled flour and shaped using solar power, their pasta combines exceptional taste with eco-conscious practices.
They offer five pasta shapes, including the delicious mezze maniche rigate—short, grooved tubes perfect for holding a simple tomato sauce or grated cheddar. On sunny days, any surplus energy from their solar panels is fed back into the national grid. It’s a comforting thought that your pasta could help power a neighbouring home!
2. ReStore
Located in Hackney Downs Studios, Re
is a zero-waste shop that recently celebrated its second anniversary. This welcoming space allows customers to bring their own containers to stock up on grains, herbs, cleaning products, and even vegan sweets.
On my visit, I filled a Tupperware container with their vegan sweets and a Snickers-inspired bar. The texture and flavour were incredible—chewy, satisfying, and far from ordinary alternatives.
Re Store also features a donation box where you can drop off clean, used jars and containers or pick one up if you forget to bring your own. It’s a fantastic way to shop sustainably while indulging in treats or finding eco-friendly gifts like soaps, candles, and flasks.
3. Stamford Cheese
Cheese predates plastic by thousands of years, and the Shorrock family dairy honours that history by offering a plastic-free cheese experience. Founded in 1923, their dairy produces the iconic Lancashire Bomb Cheese, wrapped in wax instead of plastic.
This cheese is matured for two years, resulting in a rich, creamy, and flavourful product. The wax wrapping preserves its freshness even after opening, while its distinctive bomb shape adds a touch of fun. The range now includes a variety of flavours, ensuring there’s a Lancashire Bomb for every occasion.
Why These Businesses Matter
By innovating ways to eliminate plastic waste, these businesses are making a meaningful impact on the environment. From Yorkshire Pasta’s solar-powered production to Re
’s zero-waste ethos and Stamford Cheese’s wax-wrapped delicacies, these companies prove that sustainability and quality go hand in hand.
Supporting such businesses means reducing your environmental footprint while enjoying high-quality, thoughtfully made products.
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