Thank you for your suggestions! Some answers, clarifications, and further information.

When I mentioned buying food in bulk, I simply meant ‘lots’; as far as I can tell, the UK don’t have the same culture of unpackaged food, and I don’t know of anywhere in my area where I could buy food from bulk bins. (And I think I’m familiar with all the health/whole food stores around here.)

I could have been clearer about our food packaging. The collection actually didn’t contain any wrappers from vegetables, and the only fruit wrapper was from my pre-prepared pineapple. I could have fixed that if I’d had the time and energy to buy a whole pineapple and prepare it myself. We do eat fresh fruit and veg delievered mostly without plastic by a local organic company, so that’s a big step we’ve already taken.

The food we struggle with is protein – speed, familiarity, comfort, and other related issues tend to make us choose vegan options which look like and cook like meat options (sausages, burgers, etc.) They come in plastic wrappers, as does tofu, and there doesn’t seem to be much to be done about that. A lot of homemade vegan stuff is knocked out when you are short of time and energy – and if you have a lentil allergy in the household.

The list of recycable plastic numbers is indeed online (http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Community_and_living/Recycling_rubbish_and_waste/Recycling__information_and_advice.aspx) Perhaps I’ll print it out and have it ready next week!

I have a question — when you mention buying bulk foods — do you mean bulk in the sense of food packaged in large quantities or food purchased from bulk bins unpackaged?

Preparing foods without plastic certainly involves eating more fresh produce. Perhaps your discussion could involve choosing several meals per week consisting of fresh veg instead of frozen. Or some other plan that works for you.

It also involves setting priorities. You’ve clearly set an environmental priority not to eat meat, which is fantastic and something that is challenging for most people. If your reason for cutting out meat is to lower emissions, then buying some fresh local produce when available will not only reduce plastic but also food miles and therefore emissions.

These are just some things to think about. I know the project might seem daunting, but just take it step by step. I’ve taken 5 years to get to the point where I am, and I still end up with some plastic each week.

Also, about recycling — you are absolutely right that the word “recyclable” on a product does not mean it’s necessarily recyclable where you live. Maybe your first step this week could be to call the Council and get another list. Or is it available online?

Ooh, and I just thought of another step. Perhaps you could contact the company that sends your food and have a conversation about their packaging. Find out if they are willing to explore alternatives an explain why you would prefer to receive your food without a lot of plastic packaging.

Okay, just some ideas. I look forward to hearing back about solutions you find, and I hope you will continue on with the challenge!