International Plastic Bag Free Day: Ditch Single-use Plastic
Uncover the hidden costs of everyday plastic & discover eco-friendly swaps that make a real difference.
Every time you go to a restaurant and pack home the leftovers, do you see the restaurants using single-use plastic containers? Or have you ordered food from your favorite food delivery apps and found that your food is packed in plastic containers? This practice is not only harming the environment but also you.
We are surrounded by single-use plastic from plastic straws, plastic bags, cutlery, cups, and more. Did you know a single straw needs up to 200 years to decompose? Landfills are overburdened with plastic waste that has the potential to be recycled. Landfills leach greenhouse gases such as methane, affecting the ozone layer.
Not just the lands but also the oceans are suffering due to plastic. Plastic ends up in the oceans, resulting in the strangling and ingesting of plastic in marine life. Plastic pollution can be minimized by proper recycling and using appropriate alternatives.
There are tons of plastic alternatives you can choose to save yourself and the Earth. Read further to understand what measures you can take to guard the ecosystem.
Embrace reusable alternatives
Straws: Every time you are using a plastic straw, remember there are marine life out there who die due to suffocation after mistaking the straw for food. Straws add convenience to life, and you don’t have to get rid of them completely. All you have to do is buy efficient alternatives such as bamboo straws, sugarcane straws, and glass straws. These are easy to wash and reuse, making them eco-friendly.
Cutlery: Imagine you are organizing a birthday party for your 5-year-old. It is easy and affordable to buy plastic plates and cups to serve cake and juice. But what you are forgetting is it takes up to 400 years to decompose. You can instead opt for Bamboo or wooden cutlery. You can explore other alternatives like edible cutlery. This will not only be beneficial for the environment but also spice up your parties or get-togethers, making it a good conversation starter.
Takeout Containers: Are you someone who likes to order food often? Then you have to keep a small practice in mind. Always choose restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging. If there is no other alternative always recycle your plastic containers or dine out when there is a possibility.
Switch to plastic-free every day: Always use metal bottles and stainless-steel tiffin instead of plastic bottles and tiffins. Make lifestyle changes that are sustainable in the long run.
Benefits of switching from single-use plastic
Make your pockets happy: Plastic alternatives have a longer shelf life. This means you don’t have to buy cutleries or bottles regularly and save money in the long run.
Reduce plastic waste: Using plastic alternatives helps you reduce the amount of plastic waste. This means there is more space for non-recyclable waste in the landfills, reducing the burden on the landfills.
Be an eco-warrior: Feel a sense of accomplishment by making these tiny changes that bring a huge impact. Be an educator and spread the word to your friends and family.
Tips to reduce plastic waste for eco-friendly living
- Plan meals and buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
- Carry reusable cloth/paper bags instead of buying plastic bags at the grocery store.
- Go for bar soap or refillable containers for personal care products.
- Support businesses with sustainable packaging practices.
- Advocate for plastic bag bans and legislation.
There is no doubt that single-use plastic is convenient to use, but its impact on the environment is alarming. Invest in reusable items to reduce plastic footprint and bring a change.
Now that you know the best practices for a sustainable future, implement them in your daily lives to make a difference because every small step matters.
On this International Plastic Bag Free Day, make your first move and share pictures with us on LinkedIn with the hashtag #DitchSingleUsePlastic.
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