Thank you for taking on Plastic Free January for VSO. Most importantly, you are taking this challenge on for the future of our planet.

Take urgent action this January by reducing the amount of throwaway plastic you use. You can choose exactly how you do it but some ideas are below.

. Reuseable tote bags instead of plastic bags

. Use a reuseable mug or cup for your beverages

. Refuse single-use straws

. Buy your fruit and veg loose rather than in plastic packaging

. Buy bread from a bakery

. Buy your soap in bar form

. Use loose tea rather than teabags

. Buy things in bulk

. Make your own cleaning products e.g. vinegar and water

. Give up chewing gum

. Make your own lunch rather than buying from a shop

Donate the money you save and ask for sponsors

Set up a JustGiving page today by clicking 'Start Fundraising' and ask for sponsorship from friends and family for taking on this challenge.

Some ideas for donating include:

Donate up to 50p each time you use a reusable cup at a coffee outlet

Ask for sponsorship from family and friends to raise awareness and money

Donate 10p per plastic bag you refuse

Donate the difference between the price of pre-packaged food compared to the loose food you buy

Not just a plastic problem

Plastic pollution usually affects poor communities more and can lead to disease, death and indignity. Set up a fundraising page today to help more poor and marginalised communities cope with the effects of plastic pollution.

Shop VSO

Buy your very own VSO tote bag from the VSO shop