Let's chew the cud... about gum!

We've all trodden on it and got it stuck to our shoes; we've found it lurking under the rim of a table at a cafe or stuck to our clothes!

The original chewing gum was made from chicle, a natural product from the sap of trees native to Mexico. Now it is made from many synthetic ingredients.

Did you realise that modern chewing gum contains plastic?

The process starts with a gum base, which in the case of most chewing gum, contains synthetic ingredients, such as petroleum wax, butyl rubber, paraffin, polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate.

The last two ingredients are also used in the manufacture of plastic bags, children's toys and glue! Makes you think, doesn't it?

To this gum base is added softeners, artificial sweeteners, flavourings and preservatives. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you may like to check out whether the contents of the gum dovetail with your choices.

Not only is this an issue for our long-term health, the use of plastic in chewing gum raises a great many environmental concerns too.

Why not switch to a gum made from a 100% natural base and 100% natural ingredients? Why not make your own using food grade beeswax?

Why not do without? Is it just a habit you could wean yourself off by cutting down gradually?

Could you reduce your contribution to the annual 100,000 tonnes of this type of plastic pollution and improve your health and our environment? Remember, less demand will equal less production and this will drive change further up the chain. It starts with the individual.

For more eco-tips of information on Plastic Free Axminster, visit our Facebook page.