Weetabix On The Go and Dougie Poynter share top tips to encourage the UK to recycle more

Weetabix On The Go, the UK’s No. 1 breakfast drink, is sharing advice alongside McFly band member, environmentalist and author of ‘Plastic Sucks!’ Dougie Poynter to encourage Brits to recycle more in 2021. The drive for more recycling comes as part of the brand’s commitment to reduce single use packaging, with a new 100 per cent recyclable bottle containing 30 per cent recycled plastics, and range of sustainable sportswear to brighten up your lockdown workout.

Both King of the Jungle and recycling, Dougie encourages his fans to make small changes to their everyday lives to help reduce their impact on the environment1.

Emma Varlow, General Manager, Weetabix On The Go who is passionate about making it as simple as possible for consumers to recycle with confidence also shares her top tips for those unsure where to start.

Dougie says: “Firstly, we must remember that not all plastic is bad. It’s an incredibly important and valuable material that has some cool uses. The problem comes when we throw it away, so we need to reuse and recycle more of what we already have. Even a few changes can make a huge impact on our planet’s wellbeing.

Tip 1: Start with small steps and work your way up. For example, in the kitchen, I swapped my cling film to beeswax wrappers or reusable silicone covers. I’ve swapped my plastic straws and tupperware for metal versions. When shopping, I take a reusable bag instead of buying new plastic ones.”

Emma says:

Tip 2: Choose recyclable packaging. “We should all be trying to minimise buying plastic packaging that cannot be recycled. Switching to a reusable water bottle and choosing products that have completely recyclable packaging are both huge steps in the right direction. For example, Weetabix On The Go is now set to save 84 tonnes of new plastic a year with its new 100 per cent recyclable bottle design. That’s the same as 13 elephants!”

Dougie says:

Tip 3: Pay attention to your toiletries. “I was totally grossed out to discover I had been brushing my teeth with tiny pieces of plastic for years! Take a look at the ingredients list on your toiletries to see if they contain any microplastics, labelled as things like “Polypropylene”, “Polyethylene” or “Nylon. If you’re unsure, there are some handy online tools that look the products up for you. Most products also come in plastic containers, so consider switching to bars of soap, face wash and shampoo next time you run out.”

Emma says:

Tip 4: Opt out of fast fashion. “Lessen the demand for unsustainable fashion by swapping your next fast fashion haul for a timeless item from a sustainable brand. Not sure where to look? Turning old bottles into something new, Weetabix On The Go has created a limited edition range of sportswear made using recycled bottles so you can not only get fit, but do your bit to help save the planet – for just £7!”

Dougie says:

Tip 5: Pick up what you can. “Next time you’re in a park, the countryside or beach, look out for plastic items that shouldn’t be there – you’ll be shocked at how many you spot. If you can, pick them up (wearing gloves and with care of course) and take them to a recycling bin. Good deed for the day done!”

Weetabix On The Go’s breakfast drink, featuring the new 100 per cent recyclable bottle, is available to purchase from stockists nationwide in Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana and Strawberry, RRP £1.49. The new design now allows the bottle, cap and sleeve to all be recycled together, as well as featuring a ‘100% recyclable logo’ on the bottle lid to help consumers confidently recycle2.

A limited edition number of striking gym kits (leggings, running shorts, t-shirts and vests) that will brighten up any lockdown workout are available to purchase at @weetabixonthego via fashion marketplace Depop, priced at £7.

Those looking for further ways to be more sustainable can also visit @WeetabixOnTheGo Instagram and Facebook channels in order to be in with the chance to win a signed copy of Dougie’s book, Plastic Sucks!