10 Simple ways to reduce plastic usage
Plastic is bad for us humans as well as for the environment. It accumulates in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats and has negative impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Its waste also releases harmful chemicals into the environment as it decomposes over time. These chemicals enter the food chain and negatively impact human health. That being said, we all know that it takes 500 to 1000 years for plastic to decompose. In addition, the production of plastic consumes fossil fuels and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to big climate change.
These are just a few of many examples of how plastic is eating up our environment
Yet so many companies produce and sell products that contain plastic. And so many people buy them. But why? Because plastic is a lucrative material that is cheap and does not really break. The companies make it, and the average person buys it without a guilty conscience to save a quick buck and use the product for a while.
But we need to understand that if we keep asking for plastic, companies will keep producing it and this cycle will never end.
“So what can we do to reduce plastic waste?”
Below are 10 small ways you can help reduce plastic.
1. Use reusable bags, containers and water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles. 2. Bring your own dishes, cups, and containers when eating out or taking food with you. 3. Choose products with minimal or no packaging or with packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials. 4. Recycle plastic properly by rinsing containers and placing them in the appropriate recycling garbage can. 5. Shop from local stores. 6. Be mindful and put your plastic waste in the right recycling bin.
7. Support brands and organizations that promote sustainability. 8. Avoid products that contain microplastics, such as scrubs and toothpaste. 9. Buy more bulk foods and fewer packaged products.
10. Educate others about the importance of reducing plastic use and recycling properly. This may seem easier said than done. But remember, there is no planet B.
These are just some of the few actions we can take to destroy the evil plastic and protect our mother earth. For us humans, too, and for future generations.
If you think about how much you alone can do to reduce plastic - remember that the small drops make up the big ocean. And these are small steps that WILL make a big difference.