In 2020 our plastic pollution levels are at an all-time-high. It has been predicted by scientists that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, if we don’t reduce our plastic use now. The Earths casual plastic use is causing too much damage to our marine life then it’s worth.
Some people will say life without plastic now will be too difficult. But it is possible to live and shop the same way without plastic, though this might be difficult at first. Small things like getting our own containers for milk just like the past. If we eliminated plastics from our lives, we’d save hundreds of marine species from entanglement and plastic ingestion. Plastic can also negatively impact our health – some of the compounds and chemicals found in plastic, such as BPA, have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects.
So, unless you’re okay with waiting 450 years for a water bottle to decompose or have your hormones alter, we have a few trips and tricks to get you started on your plastic-free journey.
The first and biggest step is stopping single use plastic.
This includes
- Makeup Wipes
- Cotton Buds
- Tooth Brushes
- Coffee Cups from Cafes
- Plastic Straws
- Plastic Bags
- Meat Trays
- Plastic Bottles
The best way to boycott these items is to invest in reusable items like containers, bottles and biodegradable options like bamboo based products.
I’m sure these are things you have heard before, but never really got into because they were too difficult. But that’s the point. Switching over to a more eco friendly reality will not be easy as you are training yourself to change your habits. But you are doing your part to make a change!
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Each day you refuse a straw or a plastic bag you are helping to change the world just a little!
I have some tips that might help you reduce your waste everyday!
1.No More Straws!
Keep a reusable straw in your bag at all times. They’re really small and you never know when you might need one.
2.Shopping Zero Waste
Rather than using a plastic bag at the supermarket. Pick up a cardboard box on your way in or out. Cardboard decomposes, and the store is able to get more uses out of there cardboard. Or look into getting re-usable bags to keep in your car at all times.
3.Keep Cups!
These travel mugs are the perfect way to stop the waste used when you get your coffee every day. Some people say the cleaning of them is a hassle, but if you take them into the office when you arrive and give it a wash it will be ready for the next day. Or you can take it home and wash it up with the evening dishes. Just don’t forget to put it back in your work bag.
4.Recycle…
We aren’t joking here. Recycling is an important part of lowering out carbon footprint. Get a recycling bin and research what you can and can’t recycle. What you should rinse out, and what you should take to a specialist to recycle in your area. This step will drastically reduce the amount of landfill we create every year.
5.Bamboo Products
In the beauty world. Companies have come out with Eco-friendly options for basic items like cotton buds, hairbrushes and toothbrushes. These items not only decompose after you have used them. But they also can last longer than any plastic item will last.
6.No Makeup Wipes!
This movement has been circling around for a little bit on the internet. Makeup wipes are a single use item that gets used everyday. Creating a lot of waste. Whats the best way to remove your makeup zero waste style? A cleaning balm! These are typically tins of oils that cant wipe your makeup away by just lightly applying on the face and rinsing with water. Absolute zero waste there!
What is your favourite plastic free alternative?
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Written by Sophia Ivory
Curly hair and she don’t care, this stylish babe plays by her own rules. With a love for dance and all things body positive, you’ll usually find her searching out the latest fashion trends and digging through local thrift stores. Word of warning, don’t bring your dachshund around her, she’ll want to keep it.
Check out her Instagram for all things goals! @sophiaivory
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