7 Ways To Break Up with Single-Use Plastic for Better

Plastic is bad; we all know that. It takes over 450 years for a water bottle to break down into microplastics. Yes, that bad! Because it doesn’t break down easily, it ends up in oceans and other water bodies where it is a major threat to aquatic life. Moreover, plastic accumulated in open spaces releases chemicals that harm the environment.

Most dangerous among plastics are the single-use plastics because they can’t be used more than once and end up forming the major portions of plastic garbage.

These include plastic cutlery, coffee cups, shopping bags, takeaway containers, etc. Plastics are so overused these days that it is nearly impossible to cut them overnight. In order to protect our environment and our health, we need to start cutting it from life bit by bit.

The Crisis

Since the global plastic pollution crisis is becoming a major concern, more and more people are quitting using single-use plastics that form the largest portion of the plastic garbage. Some of the countries have imposed a ban on single-use plastics. However, there are still a large number of countries that are doing nothing to tackle this crisis.

Straws, bottles, and cutlery are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless items made from plastic we use in everyday life. Plastic litter in the streets is proof of that.

We have to stop waiting for the time when the governments will ban them and start replacing our daily use items with safer products one by one. We suggest that we start by cutting the single-use plastics from life one by one. This article provides insight into the most commonly used single-use plastic items and their alternatives.

1. Water PET Bottles

The plastic water bottles we buy every time we feel thirsty when we are out are one of the major causes of plastic pollution. And this can be easily avoided. As mentioned previously, it takes 450 years for the biodegradation of one bottle. Therefore, before you leave your home, fill your own stainless steel or glass bottle with water and carry it with you. It will not only reduce plastic pollution but also save you money.

Check here the list of best reusable water bottles.

2. Plastic Straws

Plastic straws that are given to you when you drink something on the go are another big cause of plastic pollution. Data suggests that America alone disposes of over 500 million straw in one day. Imagine the havoc they are wreaking worldwide. Ergo, quit using straws or switch to safer versions like stainless steel straws and other reusable straws.

Check here for the list of best reusable straws options available.

3. Plastic Take-Out Containers

When you get the food packed at some restaurant to take with you, they mostly pack it in single-use plastic containers. The better option is to carry your utensils with you and get your food packed in them. Or better yet, quit eating out at restaurants too often and cook your own food.

4. Plastic Cutlery

Just like straws, plastic cutlery like spoons, forks, etc. is contributing largely to plastic pollution. Whenever you eat out or order food at home, request them not to use disposable utensils and cutlery. Also, when you pack food at home, include eco-friendly cutlery in it.

5. Prepackaged Food

Prepackaged foods like chips, cookies, and other snacks are given in plastic pouches that are also single-use plastic. Instead, get your food from the zero-waste supermarket and opt for recyclable packaging if you must.

6. Coffee Cups

Paper cups given at coffee shops, often touted as recyclable, are also a major threat to the environment. Neither are they eco-friendly nor healthy. If you often have coffee outside, always carry your coffee mug with you, which you can get filled from the shop.

Check here the list of reusable tea coffee mugs available.

7. Shopping Bags

And lastly, the shopping bags. Every time you go grocery shopping, you tend to accumulate a huge number of plastic bags that later end up in the garbage. Quit using plastic bags. Instead, carry your own bag made from cloth to the market to bring your groceries home.

Check here the list of reusable shopping bags that you can carry with you whenever you go out shopping.

Conclusion

The problem of plastic pollution is grave and more critical than we think it is. It is high time that we start ditching the plastic and go for a plastic-free lifestyle.

Single-use plastic is one of the biggest culprits in this plastic maniac throughout the world. You need to make a decision today and opt out of using any single-use plastic. Instead, choose eco-friendly products in your day-to-day life.