It looks like 2018 could be the year in which we start to, collectively, take plastic waste reduction seriously.

Whilst some plastic is necessary and useful (many have spoken out about how some plastic packaging can aid people with disabilities to be more self-sufficient), there is still far too much of it in the world. Plastic waste can have devastating environmental impacts.

One of the main catalysts for the nation's recent heightened awareness of plastic overuse, was David Attenborough's wildlife documentary Blue Planet II, which highlighted how ecosystems in the ocean could be destroyed with plastic waste.

youtubeView full post on Youtube

The award-winning show inspired many ordinary Brits so go plastic free for a month this year, and was even mentioned by Chancellor Phillip Hammond at the close of last year, when discussing his plans for Britain 'to become a world leader in tackling the scourge of plastic.'

And, it looks like the Queen was similarly inspired by the ground-breaking show, having taken steps to ensure that Buckingham Palace will reduce it's plastic waste.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that Buckingham Palace has outlined new waste plans which include banning straws and plastic bottles from all the Royal estates. The new measures detail that their use will be gradually phased out in public cafes and banned in staff rooms, to be replaced with china crockery and recyclable paper.

Queen Elizabeth II and David Attenboroughpinterest
Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and David Attenborough

Apparently, there is a 'strong desire to tackle the issue' from the very top of the Royal household, since Elizabeth II became 'personally interested' in the ills of plastic waste after working with environmentalist Sir David Attenborough. The pair are both 91 and worked together on a conservation documentary dealing with wildlife in the Commonwealth.

With top-down initiations such as the plastic-bag charge proving effective (usage is said to be down 85 per cent), we an all take inspiration from these movements and start looking to our own homes, like the Queen, to see how we can reduce our plastic waste.

Headshot of Daisy Murray
Daisy Murray
Digital Fashion Editor

Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.