5 Easy Ways To Reduce Plastic Waste

Did you know that 8 million tons of plastic waste reaches the ocean every year? According to the National Geographic, that much amount is equal to placing five full garbage bags on every foot of coastline around the world. Plastic being thrown into the ocean is nothing short of a global crisis. According to an estimate, 5.25% trillion plastic particles are floating in the oceans and it is said to outweigh all the fish in the oceans by 2050.

If every one of us start accepting plastic as a pollutant and stop it from reaching the ocean, that would be huge favour to mother nature. Always remember that it only takes one spark to start a fire. So, every tiny step you take towards reducing the plastic waste, will create a huge impact on our environment. And every plastic spoon or cup you don’t throw away, there will be a seagull or turtle extremely grateful for your action. Feels good to hear, doesn’t it?

I suggest you commit to these steps that I personally follow and together we can play our part in reducing the plastic waste. So, here’s what you can do to help:

1. Shop Consciously for Personal Hygiene

From reusable products to plastic free packaging, there are so many to ways to look after yourself and your environment at the same time. Hygiene products, most female hygiene products, contain a lot of plastic and toxic chemicals in them that are not only bad for the environment but could also have harmful for your body. Many companies are working towards sustainable productions and reducing their plastic footprint. Here’s a few changes you can make in your shopping routine to reduce plastic waste without spending a lot of money.
• Instead of plastic toothbrushes that will not decompose for centuries, buy a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. Not only are they affordable, they’re also really good for your teeth.
• Avoid buying shampoos in plastic containers or just buy reusable containers made of tin to store your shampoo and soaps.
• For shaving, buy non-plastic Safety Razors or electric razors. They might cost you a bunch in the start but will save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Go DIY! DIY lotions, lip balms and deodorants not only allow you to reuse old containers, but you can clearly choose what ingredients you want to put on your skin.

2. Carry your Own Bags and Containers

Instead of asking the cashier for a plastic or paper bag, why not buy 5-6 reusable tote bags and carry them for your grocery shopping. Reusable tote bags are available in majority of stores nowadays. You can also buy separate bags and jars for your produce shopping and do the ocean a huge favour by just spending a few bucks on your reusable bags. Not only are these bags good for the environment, they’re super fun if you personalize them according to your taste.

Another great way to reduce plastic waste is to carry your own reusable container for food instead of plastic containers. If you’re ordering takeaway, ask the restaurant for paper or cardboard packaging and if they only offer plastic containers, ask them to pack the food in your reusable container.

3. Carry your Own Bottle and Mug

I don’t know about you guys, but I love to use my own mug and bottle when I’m outside. Instead of buying plastic water bottles, carry your own reusable water bottle. Or if you’re a caffeine junkie, just carry your own coffee mug and ask the barista to fill your mug instead of a paper cup. I recommend buying a double vacuum insulated steel bottle for your drinks, it will keep your water cold and your coffee hot – just the way you like it.

4. Say No to Single-Use Cutlery

In this day and age, try to cook at home. Cooking at home not only ensures healthy eating but also involves zero use of plastic. But if you’re ordering food, make sure to ask the restaurant not to deliver extra cutlery with it. You have all the fork and spoons you could possibly need at home; you don’t really need the single-use plastic cutlery.
Also, it’s time you bid farewell to plastic straws and use the good old sip to drink your sodas. Or if you really need to use straws, buy a reusable glass straw.

5. Invest in Composter

Investing in a composter will not help you reduce your food and plastic waste but is also really amazing for gardening. If you’ve got a backyard in your house, you can easily decompose your food waste and have a really fertile soil and at the same time you’re saving the use of plastic garbage bags but if you don’t have a backyard, just give away your food waste to a local farmer’s market instead of a garbage can.
It’s not easy to just stop the use of plastic altogether but with these easy steps, it’s a start at the very least. An initiative that will help you play your part in making your environment a better one. Who knows how many people you might inspire to reduce their plastic footprint? Together we can make a huge difference in stopping the plastic from reaching our oceans.

Love and Health

Uma