Over the years, we have been using plastic as the main product for our daily chores and business. Be it either a water bottle or a bag, we could not get enough of plastic. Well, it took us a while to realize that plastic is one of the problems that we need to tackle in order to counteract the effects of climate change. It takes more than 1000 years for plastic to completely disappear from the surface of the earth. Plastic has become one of the most dangerous products to affect aquamarine life mostly. It is estimated that 1.1 to 8.8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean from coastal areas each year. In 2018, about 380 million tons of plastic were produced worldwide each year even though there are other alternatives. As plastic is one of the cheapest items, it is logical that it is going to used widely. But is there any way that we can reduce our plastic consumption and save marine life? Well, there are some ways that can help, check out the points below!
- Say NO to plastic straws and YES to reusable ones! More than 500 million straws are used every day. Avoid using single-use straws. If you are ordering for something make sure that the bartender or waiter knows that you are okay with no straws. If you are willing to use straws then try the alternatives such as steel, bamboo, and glass straws. They are practical to carry around and can be used anytime.
- Carry a reusable shopping with you when going for grocery shopping. Use shopping bags made of paper, canvas, cotton, basket or jute. These will last longer than the normal plastic bags.
- Get rid of plastic water bottles and food containers. Many stores and companies are now making a variety of reusable water bottles of different sizes, shapes, and materials. Instead of going for single-use plastic bottles, better use refillable water bottles as it saves as much as 170 bottles from being produced each year. Hop onto the trend and go for reusable bottles! Ditch those Ziplock plastic baggies and use something more eco-friendly! Rely on Mason jars in order to pack your lunch.
- Avoid foods or snacks with excess packaging! We are all guilty of this as we tend to buy a huge plastic bag filled with even smaller plastic bags of snack-size chips. Reject foods and vegetables that are individually wrapped. Let’s be honest and accept that most fruits and vegetables do not need to be wrapped.
- Stop using plastic cutlery and give a chance to the alternatives! Mask sure to ask for cutlery that is not plastic. If you are moving anywhere or going on a picnic, then carry your silverware so that you don’t use any plastic. Go for a cheap set of silverware that you can wash and use over again.
So these are some ways in which we can contribute a lot to the environment.