5 Tips on Reducing Plastic Waste
Plastics are devastating on the environment. This July, in line with #PlasticFreeJuly, here are a few tips on how you could reduce plastic-waste at home.
1. Use reusable bags and containers.
When you’re out shopping, bring your own reusable bag and containers to store goods. This is possible at most farmers’ markets and also a great avenue to chat with local businesses on sustainable practices! When taking out food, storing leftovers or purchasing from Bring Me Home’s partners, use your own containers.
2. Reduce use or purchase of single-use plastic where possible.
A quick tour around the average supermarket will reveal plenty of plastic packaging. You don’t have to completely ditch 2-minute noodles, simply be more conscious about how often you’re consuming goods with excessive plastic packaging. Otherwise, purchase goods packaged in cardboard as these are likely more easily recycled than plastics. For example, pick out detergent packaged in cardboard boxes than liquid ones in bottles.
3. Check your wardrobe
Our clothes are actually a major source for microplastics found in the ocean. Much of what we wear is made from polyester. Washing them causes millions of plastic fibres to be shed, ending up in wastewater that eventually reaches the ocean. To avoid this as a consumer, shop only for essentials and pay attention to what materials your clothes manufacturer uses and where they source it from!
4. Compost your organic waste.
Another source of plastic you could reduce is trash bags. Instead of mixing compostables with regular trash, composting your organic waste produces usable fertiliser for plants whilst reducing landfill waste in the process. There are several composting methods you can try, with or without a yard.
5. Start small but think big.
When it comes down to the individual consumer, our choices do matter. Saying no to plastics when we’re able to is important. It is, however, not the one-stop solution to waste. (Hint: The plastic straw ban’s unintended impact on disabled access) Industrial processes are still the biggest culprits to plastic waste, making it important to be critical of large corporations and what is being done on a larger scale for the environment. Regularly inform yourself on the topic and discuss with family and friends. By educating each other, we can make bigger changes!
