Plastic reduction has become a hot topic of late, prompting Manx residents to focus on protecting the environment.

Initiatives from charities and local businesses, messages from the Isle of Man Green Party and surveys to ban single-use plastic bags have grabbed the attention of the Manx government and encouraged members of the public to think about using sustainable resources.

Recently, a number of supermarkets in the island have decided to charge customers for plastic bags and some companies have also made steps to reduce plastic usage, including Rock Food Concepts and Costa which now use wheat based materials in straws.

The Examiner asked UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man to share their 10 top tips to cut back on plastic:

lWhen shopping, consider saying no to plastic carrier bags and instead take your own, reusable bags.

’Many retailers now offer foldaway cotton and linen bags that you can easily keep in a handbag or in the car. Or stand out from the crowd, make your own and gift them to friends? There are some funky designs on tipnut.com

lThink about turning your company’s plastic reduction into positive PR.

Carry out an audit of unnecessary plastics on your premises, launch an employee challenge to find sustainable replacements, gift your staff reusable bags, travel mugs etc and get your company’s name associated with going green.

lYou can take along your own, non-plastic, containers when collecting takeaways and avoid the plastic packaging many restaurants use. If you eat on the move, keep a supply of bamboo, birch wood or other biodegradable cutlery with you.

lConsider voting with your feet over plastic packaging. Ask your local shop what it is doing to reduce plastic use and persuade its suppliers to do the same. Customers are a powerful voice for change.

lParents, think about ditching ’party plastics’ such as cups and plates. Saving on the washing up is one thing, but saving the planet is more important.

And if preparing party bags, use paper or fabric bags or give a parting gift that doesn’t require wrapping. Balloons, although nice to look at, can cause problems in the environment if they escape.

lConsider buying greetings cards and wrapping paper loose rather than in the plastic shrink wrap they often come in.

lPlastic straws are in the news.

They are used for minutes but can take centuries to break down.

If you really need to use straws, buy biodegradable alternatives, available from local suppliers.

lMake eco-friendly choices over bathroom products and their packaging.

From shampoos and shower gels to razors and sanitary products, there is a growing range of plastic-free options to choose from.

lYou could also support the great work going on in Manx schools, educate your children about the perils of plastics and break the chain. The next generation of consumers will play a huge role in eradicating plastic pollution.

l Volunteer for Beach Buddies and join the 1,000-strong army of people who work hard to rid our beaches of thousands of tonnes of plastics that wash up here from around the world.

A UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man spokesman added: ’You can sign up your organisation or charity to partner UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and play a part in keeping the island a special place for people and nature.’

Visit www.biosphere.im, email [email protected] or ring 686080 for more information.