Fighting plastic pollution may at times feel like an impossible battle. A quick look at our roadsides or beaches is testament to this. However, if we all do our bit, we can make a difference.
Auditing your lifestyle
If you’re serious about reducing plastic pollution, it’s probably best to start at home. To that end, try spending a bit of time evaluating how much plastic you use and in which areas of your life it is prevalent.
Plastic products in the bathroom
Some questions to consider when assessing plastic bathroom products include:
- Do your soaps and shampoos come in plastic containers?
- Do you have a plastic toothbrush?
- What about sanitary products?
You don’t necessarily want to throw products away, but you can gradually replace them with plastic-free alternatives when they run out. You could also look for alternatives which use less plastic.
Reducing kitchen plastic
Consider food mileage and preservation
- How much do you know about the journey your food has taken to get to you?
- Was it wrapped in plastic when you bought it?
- Has it made a long journey across the world, and how was it packaged if it did?
Plastic packaging for ‘fast’ food
- Do you eat pre-packaged ready meals and takeaways?
- Do they come in recycled packaging or single-use plastics?
- Can you refill and reuse containers?
Reusable drinks containers
- Can you take your own cup or flask to your local coffee shop?
- Have you got any bad plastic habits, like using plastic cups?
Disposable tableware
- Can you use compostable plates and bowls for special events or picnics, rather than plastic or paper mix ones? (Note: disposable paper plates can contain plastic.)
Plastic in shopping and human consumption
Spend a bit of time online researching where you can shop for more environmentally friendly alternatives to your usual products. Next time you go shopping, think carefully about your choices. Take your own bags and avoid items with plastic wrapping.
Reuse and recycle clothing
Over recent years, the clothes industry has been notorious for its use of synthetics and throw-away culture. Rather than throw away an item, consider repairing it or donating it to charity.
Vintage and preloved clothing shops are another option. Chances are you may find a great bargain which doesn’t make use of plastic packaging.
Plastic disposal and reuse
Disposing of plastic
Most people now have a recycling bin that gets collected weekly or fortnightly, but not everything is suitable for that type of recycling.
A quick search of your local community should reveal other recycling initiatives. For example, is there somewhere near you that recycles crisp packets?
Only use plastic alternatives or recycled plastic
It’s important to apply pressure on the ‘plastic economy’ by creating demand for recycled or plastic alternatives. Big brands are beginning to change and the more pressure we create as a society the faster this will happen.
Brands that have already embraced plastic alternatives are often focused on ensuring their processes are ethical and sustainable and may well be making a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate.
Active conservation efforts to reduce plastic waste
Join a litter pick
There are plenty of organised groups that go litter picking. If there isn’t one near you, you could always start one. If you don’t want to join a group, just take a rubbish bag with you when you’re out and about and pick up plastic litter.
Tell people about the effects of environmental pollution
By telling people what you’re doing, you may inspire others to action. For example, if you’ve found some great anti-plastic lifehacks, share them in a social media post.
Support an eco-friendly cause
There are a lot of charitable and ethical organisations working hard to fight plastic pollution. If you find one that resonates with you, you could donate. If you cannot afford that, you could volunteer.
Volunteering can cover multiple things: from clean-ups to gathering data. It can also mean meeting new people and enjoying new experiences.
Reusable biodegradable tableware as a plastic alternative
An easy positive change you can make today to reduce plastic consumption is to switch to environmentally friendly and sustainable tableware.
At FOOGO green we supply a range of durable but compostable disposable plates, bowls, and cutlery – perfect substitutes both for paper plates and traditional crockery.
To learn more, visit our online store.