There’s a lot of hype around it, but why should we use less plastic? According to an article on News24, global plastic production has increased 20 times over the last 50 years.
Unfortunately, due to poor waste management and low levels of recycling, a huge portion of our plastic ends up in the ocean, killing our marine life. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
These are sobering facts, but we have the power to do something about it. Our reliance on disposable packaging is harming our environment and it’s time to cut back. The good news is that it’s really easy to do – here are seven ways to use less plastic every day.
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1. Switch to glass straws
If you must drink with a straw, purchase a reusable glass version. It’s the easiest way to use less plastic and the Glass Sipper has two sizes that can be used for hot or cold drinks! Pop it in your bag and carry it with you wherever you go. And the next time you order your drink at a restaurant, let the waiter know not to bring you a straw.
2. Take a reusable shopping bag with you
Are you still buying a plastic bag every time you shop? Save money (and the Earth) by taking your own bags with you. This is probably the easiest way to use less plastic and it will make a massive difference to the environment.
Eco GemGem is an eco-conscious and animal-friendly lifestyle brand formed by Gemma Dawn. Her bespoke, handmade pieces include leather-free shopper bags and plastic-free produce bags – perfect for carrying fruit, vegetables, and toys or shopping.
3. Toss the plastic water bottle
There’s a good reason why alcoholic drinks are kept in glass. Not only is it easy to clean (just pop it in the dishwasher) but it also won’t degrade over time. Plastic, on the other hand, absorbs tastes and odours and will pass these flavours on to the liquid inside.
It also contains BPA; a harmful chemical that doctors claim may lead to breast cancer and other health problems. Switch to a glass water bottle (which can be used and refilled over and over) and toss that plastic water bottle for good.
4. Pack food in glass containers
Why not ditch the Ziplock bag habit and switch to something more eco-friendly? Consol has a huge variety of glass containers that are guaranteed to meet any of your packed-food needs.
It’s healthier (no BPA) and you’ll be reducing your plastic use significantly! You can even opt for BPA-free Tupperware so you can finally say goodbye to cling wrap and sandwich bags.
5. Buy in bulk
When buying food in plastic containers, opt for bulk packages instead of single-serving sizes. If the packets are really large, you can freeze them and use as needed or divide them into smaller containers.
Cardboard is easier to recycle than plastic and biodegrades over time, so if your detergent comes in cardboard, choose that over plastic.
6. Trade in your plastic razor for a metal one
One seriously easy way to use less plastic every day is to switch from a plastic razor to a metal one with disposable blades. It requires a little more investment but it means there’ll be a lot less plastic ending up in the sea.
7. Ditch the gum
Did you know that chewing gum is actually plastic? Using polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate chemicals, scientists turned the natural rubber in gum to synthetic. So ditch the gum, pop a mint breath instead and say no to plastic!
By Food & Decor Editor Claire Badenhorst
