6 Simple Ways To Reduce Plastic Use

Currently, we can find plastic in virtually anything; food and hygiene products carry plastic containers, your car, your phone, and your computer are made of plastic and even if you eat gum regularly you will be putting plastic in your mouth. Although most plastics are sold as recyclable, the truth is that they are downcycled. A milk tetra brick can never be recycled and converted into another tetra brick, it can become a lower quality element.

So how big is our problem with plastic? Of the 30 million tons of plastic waste generated, only, in the US During 2009, only 7% recovered for recycling. This plastic waste, unfortunately, ends up in landfills, beaches, rivers, and oceans and contributes to such important problems as the great garbage spot of the Pacific, a swirl of garbage the size of a continent in which plastic exceeds plankton. In addition, most of that plastic is made of oil.

SAY NO TO THE STRAWS

One of the easiest ways to reduce the consumption of plastic is by not using drinking straws. Simply tell your waiter or waitress that you do not need it and, if you are one of those who cannot give up the comfort of the straw, then you should buy reusable stainless steel or similar. Bars will be less likely to take a plastic one if they see that you have brought yours.

USE RECYCLABLE BAGS

Approximately 1 million plastic bags are used every minute while a single plastic bag can take about 1,000 years to degrade. If you are one of those who carry their own reusable bags to the supermarket, you are on the right track, however, if you still use plastic bags, it is time to make a change! Keep in mind that nylon or polyester bags are made of plastic, so opt for cotton bags instead.

BUY BOXES, NOT BOTTLES

Buy detergent and dishwasher in boxes instead of in plastic bottles. Cardboard can be easily recycled and become more products than plastic.

BUY FOOD IN BULK

Some stores sell bulk food such as rice, pasta, nuts, cereals, etc., and if you choose to fill your bag or reusable container with these items you will save both money and unnecessary plastic. The stores have several methods to know the weight of your bag easily so ask the customer service and they will inform you.

REUSE CONTAINERS

If you buy cherries or cherry tomatoes in the market, take your own container with you to have the fruit or vegetables thrown at you.

USE REUSABLE BOTTLES AND GLASSES

Bottled water produces 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year and, according to the Food & Water Watch, some 180 million liters of oil are required to produce those bottles. With actions as simple as filling the bottles you can prevent a good number of plastic bottles from ending up in our oceans and landfills, but this is not all; Take a reusable cup to coffee shops and ask the waiter to refill it, have a cup on your desk instead of a plastic. In Spain, each employee uses an average of 400 disposable cups a year.

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