Plastic pollution is one of the greatest problems that we are facing worldwide. It affects everyone around the world, but despite this, it continues to increase year after year. The longer we leave plastic pollution to grow, the more out of control it becomes.
Every minute, a truckload of plastic is dumped into our oceans as a way to dispose of waste. It is entering our environment at a rapid pace, but not as quickly as we dispose of single-use plastic once we have used it.
Did you know that on average, a plastic bag is used for less than 15 minutes before being disposed of? Just for it to take years to decompose in our environment. Using the average life expectancy (73), single-use plastic can outlast nearly 14 generations of humans. Shocking right?
So, to tackle plastic pollution, it is best to first understand more about plastic pollution and the damage it is creating to our world, wildlife, and ourselves.
What is Plastic Pollution?
Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles, including microplastics, within our environment created by our wasteful habits and disposal of plastics. When plastic enters our environment, it takes years and years to decompose, ranging from 20 years to thousands of years.
Plastic ends up everywhere, from the depths of our oceans to even inside of us! It breaks down from various elements into microplastics, which are naked to the human eye. Microplastics are everywhere, in the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. Read more about microplastics.
The production, transportation, and disposal of plastics all contribute to global warming due to the harmful greenhouse gases emitted during these processes. As a result of this, temperatures rise and cause extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide, destroying the environment and people’s lives.
Plastic production accelerated after World War 2, creating convenience for everyone and life-saving devices. However, this also led to a throw-away culture and increased linear economy due to the short lifespan of disposable products, such as plastic bags, wrappers, and packaging.
With the increase in plastic production, means an increase in plastic waste entering our environment through incorrect disposal. Every year, millions of animals are killed by plastic – in fact, 700 species are at risk of becoming extinct.
Communities within developing countries are vulnerable to plastic pollution causing health risks and unsafe food and water stock due to poor infrastructure.
Not only that, but plastic is now within us. From inhaling it in the air to being in the food we eat – especially as animals are eating plastic. Studies are occurring to determine the harm being done to our bodies.
Take a look at some shocking plastic pollution facts:
On average, we eat 70,000 microplastics each year
50% of plastic produced is for single-use purposes
Over 73% of beach litter is plastic
Now that we know more about plastic pollution, we can begin finding and implementing ways to reduce plastic pollution (and waste) in our lives.
Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution
There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic pollution, here's just a few ways to get you started in reducing your plastic consumption.
Incorporate Recycling and Reuse into Routines
Make recycling and reusing a part of your life. Recycling and reusing have a large, positive impact on the planet as they eliminate the need for raw materials to be created into new products as well as prevent waste from heading to landfills and the environment.
To start incorporating recycling and reuse into your routine, start with one manageable habit (such as rinsing our jars and packaging) to see how it can fit into your routine. Once you have created this habit, move on to the next habit.
Ask others for any tips on recycling, and see if you can try them. Why not create a communal recycling point to encourage others to recycle more?
Swap Out Single-Use for Reusables
With reusable products on the increase recently, there is more choice than ever of reusable products. Ranging from everyday products such as water bottles, shopping bags and containers to reusable beauty products, cleaning products, and deodorant containers – you name it, there is probably a reusable alternative out there.
Find the right reusable products that suit you and your needs, and start reducing waste. Not only will you reduce the amount of waste you create, but you will also reduce the amount you spend on these products that you usually throw away after one use.
Spread the joy of reusables with those around you – reusable products make great gifts for all occasions.
Buy Local Produce or Grow Your Own
Support local businesses that sell local products and do not use packaging for their products, unlike supermarkets. Local and small farmers and businesses often use little to no packaging with their produce, so this is a great way to eliminate your packaging.
You can bring your own reusable bags or containers to transport the produce you buy. Using your own container means you can fill them as much as you want. Some may even give you reusable packaging that you can bring back and refill to reduce your environmental impact.
Want to go the extra mile? Why not grow your own fruit and vegetables? Be self-sufficient and begin growing your own fruit and vegetables, not only does this minimise travelling elsewhere, but you get a sense of achievement.
Buy Second-Hand or In Bulks
Buying second-hand products, such as clothes and toys, minimises the amount of waste thrown away after people are finished, and also helps combat fast fashion which produces 2.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.
There are many platforms and services available that make it easier to purchase products second-hand, such as Vinted and eBay, or if you fancy getting out of the house consider charity shops or car boot sales.
Consider buying items in bulk or larger quantities. For example, yoghurts often come in individual pots, but why not purchase a large tub of yoghurt that can be separated into reusable containers for you to take to work or on picnics? This reduces the amount of packaging you will have to recycle or reuse.
Use Alternative Packaging
Do you use coverings such as cling film to wrap your sandwiches or leftovers with? Swap it out to sustainable, and eco-friendly alternatives that can be recycled or reused. There are alternative food wrappings out there such as beeswax wraps, fabric and reusable food covers – why not use a reusable container that you already have?
If you still want or need to use aluminium foil, ensure that you clean it and dispose of it in a recycling bin once you have used it. Aluminium foil can be recycled, as long as it is disposed of correctly.
Say No to Single-Use Whilst Out and About
Whilst out and about, it can be easy to fall into using single-use plastic packaging as many takeaways and food establishments opt for an easy way to serve your food. However, you can say no to single-use products. Bring your own reusable cutlery and straws so that you can continue your commitment to reducing single-use disposable plastic outside of your home.
Saying no to single-use in public can influence other people to say no and puts pressure on suppliers and establishments to look for more eco-friendly alternatives to maintain consumers and make a difference to the environment.
If businesses are seeing that fewer people are buying from them due to the reception towards plastics can influence their decision to make positive changes sooner.
So now you have a few ways to reduce plastic in your life, it’s time to explore and begin implementing them. If you’re unsure of how to start, begin with just one and then implement more to not overwhelm yourself. Remember, every small action counts in the fight against plastic pollution.
Are you a business looking to increase eco-friendly practices to tackle the plastic problem within the workplace? Visit our website to find out more about how we can support you in reducing plastic. While you’re at it, why not sign up for our newsletter? Sign up here.
