As it turns out, plastic is not so fantastic after
all. While we have definitely found a way to make great use of this material,
it has also become an environmental pandemic. Plastic pollution has spiraled
out of control and it is safe to assume that the current environmental scenario
we are facing today is not what Leo Baekeland envisioned when he invented
plastics all those years ago in 1907.
Plastic is designed to last forever but when it is
thrown away instead of being recycled, it degrades into smaller pieces rather
than decompose. This synthetic material
has harmful imprints on the environment and even on human health according to recent studies and research.
Because plastic nowadays is primarily utilized for
making single-use items that can be
thrown away easily such as water bottles, there is growing concern that the use
of plastic might persist forever, which will continue to contribute to an array
of environmental issues. You may be just one person, but there are steps that
you can take to reduce global plastic use. They include:
Avoid
items packaged using plastic
When shopping try
and avoid items that are packaged using plastic. For instance, opt for detergents
that come in boxes instead of plastic packets. Not only will you reduce your
plastic waste, but you will also be sending a powerful message to manufacturers
that use plastic packaging.
Also, avoid buying
frozen microwaveable meals as they are often packaged in plastic. You will be
eating fewer processed food as well, which is ideal for your health.
Use
reusable shopping bags
Purchase or DIY a re-usable shopping bag and carry it
along with you whenever you go shopping. Nowadays, extra-large carryall bags
are even available if you need a larger shopping bag for your goods. At check
out, decline a plastic bag if it is offered to you especially if you can carry
all your items by hand.
Keep
a refillable bottle close by
Plastic bottles are some of the biggest culprits in
the war on plastic. Instead of buying bottled water which is an easy target for
waste, keep a refillable water bottle close by. There is a wide range in the
market today to suit your preference and need. You should also eliminate straw
use as plastic straws are very easy to waste.
Pick
your consumer products carefully
A lot of the plastic that is polluting our rivers and
oceans today comes from micro-plastic components. Micro-plastics refer to tiny
chunks of plastic that are difficult to recycle or break down. Micro-plastics
are used commonly in consumer goods like face wash and toothpaste. Generally,
avoid items that contain ingredients like polypropylene or polyethylene if you
want to live plastic-free.