Continuing with the previous post, here are four more plastic pollutants and some of their alternatives:
5) Bottle and container caps Back in the 80s and 90s people were told that the caps of plastic bottles could not be recycled because they were usually made of different types of plastic, and recycling technology was not advanced enough to recycle them together. Today, this is no longer the case, but many people are still misinformed. Incredibly enough bottle caps are more of a pollution culprit than the bottles themselves! Because bottle caps float, they’re a huge issue for sea birds, which mistake them for food. Many companies are employing “leash-the-lid” technologies, which ensure caps stay attached to the bottles, but people must become aware and know that bottle caps should remain on the bottles, and they can now both be recycled together.
6) Beverage bottles Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour! And most of them aren’t recycled. It may seem convenient to have some water bottles handy in your fridge, but there’s really no reason for it. Plastic bottles are among the top five plastic pollutants out there causing damage to our oceans and wildlife. The good news is there are so many great alternatives we can use.
The Alternatives Of course, if you ever do buy a plastic bottle always recycle it along with the cap, but the best thing to do is to buy a reusable container you can take to school or work that you can refill throughout the day (there are literally millions of options!). Leave one at your job. When you order out, buy a glass bottle if possible or simply don’t order any drinks. Drink something at home. At home, install a water filter on your faucet or buy a pitcher with a water filter instead of using plastic water bottles. Buy a pitcher that you can reuse to make drinks. Avoid prepackaged drinks, which are usually filled with tons of sugar. If you’re able to splurge a little and you like soda or carbonated drinks, buy yourself a sparkling water maker. You can add flavors to it and avoid all the chemicals, added sugars, and plastic packaging.
The Good News It’s amazing to see the technological advances emerging today that will hopefully replace any sign of plastic bottles. The World Economic Forum wrote an article about a biodegradable bottle designed by a student named Ari Jonsson. The bottle is made of powdered agar, which begins to decompose as soon as it's empty. It really makes no sense to make a product out of a material that will take hundreds of years to break down. Right now the design is just a concept, so it’s not being mass produced for sale, but it will definitely get people to think about new products that can help solve our plastic pollution crisis.
Also, check out this cool video about seaweed bubbles that can be filled with water and which can biodegrade in 4 to 6 weeks. There really are no limits to what the human mind can create!
7) Utensils Plastic utensils also cause a lot of damage to marine mammals, sea turtles, and birds. They are available mostly for our convenience, but restaurants must be more responsible with their use.
The Alternatives Use reusable, washable utensils. If you’re ordering out, use your own utensils at home or leave some reusable utensils at work. Carry them with you in your purse, man purse, fanny pack, etc. just in case you stop somewhere to eat.
The Good News As mentioned in my previous post, Biotrem is a Polish company that produces products made of edible and natural wheat bran. There's also a great Indian company called Trishula that creates edible spoons made of multigrain flour, natural spices, and natural flavors. They are 100 percent natural, vegetarian, and biodegradable. They have a shelf life of one year from the manufacturing date, and they come in eight flavors including marsala, chocolate, mint, black pepper, spinach, ajwain (carom seeds) beetroot, and plain (just salted).
Green Paper Products also has some great cutlery that is fully compostable and biodegradable. Even their packaging is compostable! This company mostly deals with bulk sale, which would be perfect for restaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, trade shows, or fairs and festivals to purchase their products. Of course you could also purchase your own products in bulk and keep them stored for the year.
8) Personal care products Most personal care products come in plastic packaging that causes a lot of pollution. Many people are not aware of the many options out there. We tend to gravitate toward certain brands, which are usually completely wrapped in plastic and contain many harmful chemicals.
The Alternatives Look for waste-free products like shampoo and conditioner bars. Use tooth brushes made of bamboo or biodegradable materials. Buy a good solid razor you can reuse. It might cost more, but you will end up saving money rather than buying plastic razors every month. Learn to make your own products like shaving cream or makeup. There are many good tutorials that teach you how to make safe and healthy products using inexpensive materials.
The Good News
There are many companies that make waste-free personal care products. Ethique has some amazing shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars that are cruelty free, organic, vegan, palm oil free, ethically sourced, and thoughtfully packaged. Some other brands include Lush, Plaine Products, Friendly Soap, Living Naturally, Sea and Clean, Beauty and the Bees, and Emerson Soaps. Venture out of your comfort zone and try new products and brands. Do your research and find what best works for you. There are also many natural remedies that can be used instead of store-bought products.
Check out this video to learn how to make your own shaving cream!
I think the first step to switching over to a waste-free lifestyle is putting in the time to research your alternatives. It can be a bit of a hassle, and it might cost you a few extra cents, but in the long run it’s worth your time and money. The funny thing is that many of these alternate products are healthier and safer for us to use, so you’re benefiting in every way possible. Research, research, research! Take it one step at a time. It would be crazy to switch all of these out from one day to the next. Start with plastic bags and work your way down the list. Before you know it, you will be living a waste-free life. ●
Sources: Tree Hugger | World Economic Forum | BYU Idaho