The huge problem is that almost everything we own and buy contains plastics. However, it’s not actually the products that directly harm us, but rather what happens to them after they go down the drain. Manufacturers could redesign plastic items so they could be reused better, and rethink their production methods to make recycling easier. More products could be made out of materials which can be composted on an industrial scale, including rubbish bags for organic waste and food packaging for outdoor events, canteens and fast food outlets.