Just like the best time to plant a tree is “yesterday”, cutting down on single-use plastic is something that is long overdue.
Studies have found that unless humans manage to drastically reduce plastic pollution, there will be more plastic than marine life in our oceans by the year 2050.
The best thing about ditching plastic is that it’s easier than you think. Below are some simple ways in which you can drastically reduce your “plastic footprint” on the environment.
Re-Use Your Coffee Cup
Quite shocking is the realisation that well in excess of 500 billion single-use coffee cups are discarded around the world every year. These cups often make their way into landfills, or even into valuable water sources.
The good news is that the solution is as easy as bringing along your own, re-usable coffee cup when buying your favourite beverage.
Opt For Sugar-Free Gum
The fact that traditional chewing gum is mostly plastic is a fact not realised by most people.
According to UK charity Just One Ocean, chewing gum contributes to more than 10,000 tons of plastic pollution every year.
Instead of grabbing the closest brand of chewing gum from the isle of your local store, next time go for a plastic-free alternative instead.
Say “No” To Cling Wrap
Instead of using cling wrap, which cannot be recycled, opt in on using foil instead.
But an even better alternative would be to use the new wraps from Beeswax. They’re manufactured using cotton, local Beeswax, Pine Resin, and Jojoba Oil, making them 100% recyclable and friendly for the environment.
They’re also reusable, which means money saved.
Gone With Glitter
Glitter is as dangerous to earth’s oceans as micro-plastics can get. In terms of the environment, they’re everything but shiny.
Lucky for lovers of the sparkle, there are now several brands of biodegradable glitter that are readily available from most arts and crafts stores.
Buy Your Milk In Glass
Glass milk bottles, which can be used over and over again, are friendlier to the environment than single-use ones made of plastic.
Many stores have gone back to the good old days of the “milkman” by now offering milk and even fruit juice in glass bottles.
Straws Suck For A Reason
Straws are bad news for earth’s oceans. This is because plastic straws can take up to 200 years to even begin to decompose, meaning they usually end up in landfills and the sea.
Instead, either ditch them completely, or try paper straws instead.
Don’t Be Shy To Carry A Bag
The reason so many people struggle to make the switch from plastic shopping bags to reusable ones, is that they forget to bring the along.
A great workaround for this is to store them in your car or even your handbag. That way you’ll have them handy wherever you go.
Rid Yourself Of Consumerism
Perhaps the most effective way to cut down on plastic is to rid yourself of a consumerism mindset and stick to mobile roulette and other less-energy consuming habits.
Ask yourself whether you really need whatever you’re dying to buy. Very often, you’ll find the answer to be a definite “no”.
