Plastics are becoming a bad word in our society. In a world where we
can no longer avoid the damage, the waste and the shocking images of
pollution and death of wildlife. But yet how do we tackle such a huge
issue?
For years at Dr Zigs we've been working on this. Exploring
alternatives, options, solutions.
We firmly believe that change must come from us. That whilst we
shouldn't carry the responsibility as individuals, as consumers, and as
a company - especially one who's product is so enjoyed by children, we
have a responsibility to BE the change, and by being the change, we can
play our part in changing the world.
As you will know, we have now removed ALL single use plastic across our
range. Our bucket is now a beautiful Coconut Bucket, or toggles are now
made of natural rubber (from a tree!), our weighted ring on our Giant
Wand is now a beautiful turned piece of sustainably sourced wood, our
Foamer is Bamboo and reclaimed coconut husk. We're really doing our
best to drive and be this change.
The one ongoing conundrum that we are left with is our plastic bottle -
and for the past 3 years we've been exploring solutions. Could our mix
go in water soluble sachets? Could we create a bar that could dissolve
in water? A powder? It's a long story but the answer to each, so far at
least (we're still working on it), is no.
We've also looked long and hard - literally years of conversations,
emails, research, prototypes, experiments, company visits etc etc at all
manner of Bio-Plastics - could these be the solution for our plastic
bottle?
Well, the short answer is no, not at all. The longer answer we will go
into in a more in-depth blog, but for now it's to do with mixed bio and
standard plastics, lack of recycling provision, water /raw materials
needed, how it biodegrades. and, and...
As you can tell we've been on quite a long journey of discovery, and one
that is not over yet - but what we have found out so far?
OUR PLASTIC BOTTLES ARE CURRENTLY THE BEST MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY SOLUTION
OUT THERE!
- HDPE plastic is the most stable, easily recyclable the world over
- Recycling plants have a great success rate at recuperating this material
- It's easily and readily transformed into.... new plastic bottles!!
(That we then buy)
So this is one of the most clear examples of a Circular Economy in
practice - with surprisingly little 'leakage' of plastic into the
environment.
And when you add to this the host of Zero Waste Stores that now help you
re-use your plastic bottle, therefore giving it longer and longer life
WE'RE ACTUALLY ALREADY DOING BEST PRACTICE!
How cool is that??
The Plastic question is not simple, we know, and it is up to us to be
the change we can, but this is to let you know - that for now, whilst we
strive to improve even further, by being SMART about plastic we're
certainly all playing our part.
Happy Bubbling!
