Let’s face it: there’s a massive excess of plastic waste on this planet. Plastic often feels inescapable. Eight million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, killing and harming marine life and pollution the ocean.
Easy Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint
Plastic waste is harming the environment in countless ways from adding to greenhouse gas emissions to destroying life under water. Here are simple ways you can reduce your plastic footprint.
- Use a refillable bottle – Each year, people buy nearly half a trillion plastic water bottles. From production to end of use destinations, most single-use plastic bottles end up in U.S. landfills, with a recycling rate less than 30% (as of 2018). These realizations have prompted interest in reusable water bottles, which can save consumers money, decrease waste, and reduce chemical exposure.
- Ditch the glitter –Glitter is made from plastic of such a small size it’s especially lethal to our oceans. This microplastic can eventually end up in our food chain as plankton and shellfish can ingest it. But don’t worry, you can still sparkle guilt-free! There are many ranges of eco-friendly, biodegradable glitter out there.
- Stop using cling wrap – Unlike cling film that cannot be recycled, foil is recyclable. So if you are using foil, make sure you put it in the recycling bin after use! Another alternative is Beeswax Wraps or other eco-friendly alternative for saving your leftovers.
In addition to eliminating the use of certain items, you can start replacing everyday plastic items – like toothbrushes – with more sustainable alternatives is the way forward.
