Plastic is made from oil. It wasn’t even around just over 100 years ago. But today it’s in everything – from grocery bags to being the ingredient in polyester/nylon clothing. It’s in house paint to beauty products to plastic shoes.
Yet we all know that fossil fuels are killing the planet. Plus oil creates wars. So the less plastic we use, the better. Here are 7 easy ways to reduce plastic in your life today:
This reclaimed wood cutlery set is ideal for camping, picnics, festivals and travel. The set is also dishwasher-safe and composts at end of life.
Avoid single-use cutlery and straws
Single-use cutlery is banned in some places these days. If not, then just refuse it and choose a proper knife and fork. And unless you need one for medical reasons, avoid straws. Use your lips!
Carry a reusable shopping bag
The plastic bag tax has reduced the use of plastic bags, but not by much. Make it a mission to find a nice reusable tote, ideally one that folds up to put in your bag or glovebox.
Then you can use this when you shop at the grocery store. Choose one made from natural materials (like hemp or organic cotton) so it can be safely laundered, without releasing microplastics in the washing machine.
Use a reusable water bottle
Choosing a reusable water bottle not only helps the planet, but saves a fortune on buying bottled water. Choose a good one made with insulated stainless steel, so drinks stay cool in summer.
Be sure to leave the top off when drying after washing, to avoid odours. Many places have free tap refill stations to fill up these days.
Choose a reusable coffee cup
If you like drinking coffee from the store, go for a good quality coffee cup that is reusable, with silicone bands to keep your hands cool. This stops the littering and waste of disposable coffee cups, which usually have a plastic seal inside the cardboard.
Another bonus is that most coffee shops offer a discount, if you bring your own cup.
Choose loose fresh produce at the store.
Rather than buying produce in plastic bags, go for loose. If the local grocery only sells 10 carrots in a plastic bag, then choose a local farm shop or ask them if you can just buy one. If enough people do this, eventually policies will change.
Reuse old plastic items
Plastic is around a long time. So if you do have plastic anything, then reuse it rather than throwing it away. At least until it degrades, then recycle it properly, never litter plastic.
