Even though #recycling is very important it’s also not the only way to help the #environment. The truth is recycling, outreach and education initiatives, and collection and cleanup programs are quite expensive. There’s simply too much #plastic being generated for cities to keep up with, and some counties are even considering getting rid of their recycling programs because of budgeting and cost issues. In 2013, California, the state known as the greenest in the US, thanks to their advanced recycling systems, spent nearly $500 million addressing litter and plastic pollution. Much of this spending is stomached by communities and taxpayers.
It’s time to start shifting our mentalities from this “throw-away society” to a zero-waste world and start questioning the role of plastic. Recycling may not be something that every community can maintain in the future, so let’s be prepared if that were to happen. Why use a material that lasts forever for a product that is only meant to be used for a little while? Here are some of the top plastic pollutants and what can be used instead to #REDUCE plastic waste:
1) Food Wrappers and Containers
Single-use disposable packaging is everywhere and much of it can’t be recycled due to the makeup of the plastic. From potato chip bags to cookie trays, many of these end up in the ocean, where they accumulate toxic chemicals and are consumed by marine wildlife.
The Alternatives
Encourage the bulk purchase of snacks and other foods in biodegradable or reusable containers. Use reusable containers when possible. Eat less processed, prepackaged foods and choose healthier options. Instead of zip locks use reusable food wraps, glass or steel containers, or mason jars.
The Good News
Etee. These amazing wraps are “made with organic cotton muslin infused with Certified Organic beeswax, tree resin, organic jojoba and cinnamon & clove essential oils with a touch of non-GMO soy wax.” They are non-toxic and can be used to freeze food for up to a month!
2) Take-Out Containers Many of these are primarily made up of materials such as polystyrene foam or thermoformed PET, which basically don’t break down and can be toxic.
The Alternatives
Many restaurants are coming up with strategies to have their customers bring their own reusable containers in return for discounts or deals. Try bringing your own #reusable container. Try visiting restaurants that use #biodegradable containers, which are now becoming more popular. If you have the time, opt to eat in rather than take out.
The Good News
According to this National Geographic article, India, the second largest country in the world, is taking a stand against plastic pollution. At the 2018 United Nations’ World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the country’s goal to eliminate single-use plastic by 2022. Although there has been a backlash from manufacturers, many states have started bans across the country as well as instituting fines.
These measures have pushed the food service industry to produce sustainable packaging. Pepsi is even considering a pilot project to develop #compostable packaging in India. Street vendors are also getting creative and have switched to materials such as paper and plant fiber to pack and serve food. The demand for cotton, jute, cloth bags, banana leaves (lining plates), hollow papaya stalks (straws), and lotus and areca nut leaves (packaging material) has significantly risen.
Biotrem. This amazing company produces biodegradable tableware and cutlery made of edible and natural wheat bran. From one ton of pure wheat bran they can produce up to 10,000 units of plates or bowls!
3) Plastic Bags These are the biggest plastic pollution culprits. Plastic bags cannot be recycled along with other recyclable items. As mentioned in my previous post, they cause the most contamination in recycling streams, which leads to costly shutdowns at recycling facilities. Plastic bags contaminate all bodies of water and kill thousands of animals that consume or become entangled in them accidentally.
Many states and other countries are banning their use or taking measures such as charging for them to encourage people to find other alternatives. Sadly, many people fight these measures and continue their use. We discard over 1 trillion plastic bags each year, and they each take over 1,000 years or more to degrade. While this is happening, they are constantly releasing chemicals that have been linked to hormone problems and infertility.
The Alternatives
There are so many other options that can be used to replace plastic bags. You can use reusable cloth bags when going to the grocery store. There are literally hundreds of options to choose from. They can be washed and are much stronger and more resistant than plastic bags. Instead of using produce bags, use reusable mesh bags. Even using paper bags is a better alternative because it’s easier to recycle them, but the best option is using something reusable. You can also use compostable trash bags.
The Good News
4) Straws and Stirrers
Scientists estimate that there are 7.5 million plastic straws polluting American shorelines and between 437 million and 8.3 billion polluting shores around the world. Straws cause so much damage to wildlife because they can get easily lodged in their throats and noses. Many cities such as Seattle and companies like Starbucks have taken measures to ban them completely. The truth is plastic straws are completely unnecessary and cause more pollution and damage than good.
The Alternatives
It’s quite simple, you can use either paper, glass, or steel straws, preferably steel because it’s reusable and it won’t break like glass will. But do you really need that straw? If you do, then make it a practice to carry some with you just in case. It may sound silly, but the birds and turtles will thank you.
The Good News
Steel Straw.
There are way too many smart and #innovative people out there creating amazing products. We just have to take the initiative and look for them. While helping the environment we can also help small businesses who are taking these challenges and finding ways to provide us with high quality products that are also healthy for the world. ●
Sources: National Geographic | Tree Hugger | Money.com