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Simple ways to reduce plastic use

Plastic is a huge part of our modern lives because it is durable, light and convenient. It is the main packing material used for food and many other products and can be used for a variety of purposes. Unfortunately plastic is toxic to our health, the health of the planet and animal life and we need to reduce our dependence on it if we want a better future.

For years plastic contained a compound called Bisphenol A (BPA) which is an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to certain cancers and birth defects. Luckily BPA has been removed from many types of plastic but the chemicals that are used to replace it are not much better. PVC, a chemical that gives plastic its flexibility, is also a known endocrine disruptor.

As plastic does not biodegrade it can take hundreds of years to break down, and when it does it releases toxins into the air and water system. Recycling plastic can be helpful to reduce the amount that ends up in landfills and waterways, however only a few types of plastic can be recycled.

Plastic also takes a huge amount of fossil fuels and electricity to process which can be significantly decreased if we learn to use alternative and more eco-friendly materials.

Here are some simple ways that you can reduce plastic use:

Buy stainless steel plates, cups and bowls for your children instead of plastic ones. Food grade stainless steel is light-weight, non-breakable, dishwasher and oven safe.

Plastic straws are one of the biggest sources of waste and they often end up polluting waterways and harming aquatic life. Buy reusable glass or stainless steel straws and take them with you when you go to a restaurant or coffee shop.

Save money and reduce waste by using cloth nappies or natural biodegradable nappies on your baby instead of synthetic disposable nappies.

Always take a reusable bag with you to the shops so you can avoid accumulating plastic bags that take thousands of years to break down in the environment.

Buy fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and pasta from bulk bins and fill your own reusable bags. This helps to avoid unnecessary plastic packaging.

Micro-plastics have been found to be one of the main sources of pollution in the ocean because these tiny particles are almost impossible to filter. They may come from large plastic items breaking down or from products like face wash, shower gel and toothpaste that contain tiny plastic particles that are intended to exfoliate. Instead use natural exfoliates like sugar, coffee and salt.

Plastics and plastic chemicals are used to make many types of synthetic clothing fabrics like lycra and polyester. Try to buy organic clothing made from natural fibres like cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo and linen.

Find companies here that provide clothing made from cotton, bamboo and hemp

Sources

http://www.treehugger.com/green-home/11-easy-ways-reduce-your-plastic-waste-today.html
http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/nationalgreenweeksub/waste-reduction-tips/tips-to-use-less-plastic.html
http://wellnessmama.com/76990/reduce-plastic-use/