The Plastic Switch in 7 Easy Steps
Plastic is the most widely used synthetic material in the industry. If you need a container, a bag, or a straw, it is usually made of plastic.
When plastics are heated, worn, or pressurised, they emit toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A, styrene, vinyl chloride, and phthalates.
DEHA, a toxin in plastic, has been linked to liver problems, possible reproductive issues, and is suspected of causing cancer in humans.
Where to start??
With so many places to start it can get a little overwhelming. We’ve broken down a few easy steps you can take to reduce your plastic footprint.
Avoid using plastic packaging
If you can only commit to giving up one thing right now, you should avoid Polyvinyl Chloride, Polystyrene, and Polycarbonate.
Rather than using plastic bags and nylons every time you go grocery shopping, ask for paper bags and wrappings, or buy them and keep them at home for future shopping.
Glass containers, paper bags, raffia bags, cloth sacks, and bamboo-crafted storage boxes are some alternatives to plastic storage.
All of these items are relatively easy to find in any local store.
Switch your Milk supply
If you think Milk has nothing to do with plastic, think again!
The insides of the majority of milk containers are plastic-coated. You wouldn't know this unless you deliberately cut the cardboard and look inside.
The best option is to buy milk in glass containers. Some have plastic caps, while others have wooden corks. Whatever the case, the important thing is to reduce the amount of plastic interaction in your milk.
Give it a shot!
Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Detergents, preservatives, and foaming agents are incredibly hazardous to the environment. Worse, these detergents are sold in plastic containers and packs.
Switch to products that contain ingredients that are sustainably grown or raised and do not deplete or harm the ecosystem when expelled back out to maintain an eco-friendly home.
Organic soaps are an example of a product that contains few to no synthetic ingredients, and they get the work done as effectively as regular cleaning products.
Make use of environmentally friendly toilet paper
Did you know a tonne of toilet paper rolls necessitates the use of at least 17 trees and 90,000 litres of water??
Consider using eco-friendly toilet paper made from bamboo.
Bamboo toilet paper is a much more sustainable option than regular toilet paper because it grows 39 inches in 24 hours!
Try Bamboo Products!
Bamboo products are the perfect substitute for items around the house for anyone trying to go green.
Bamboo is being made into durable household items such as; toothbrush, cups, chopsticks, and even toys.
The varieties of bamboo products are endless.
What’s even more appealing is that bamboo products last for a long time, are aesthetically pleasing, and antimicrobial by their very nature!
Image source: https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics#gs.whjhu4
Stop drinking bottled water
Purchasing water bottles is a common occurrence, especially during hot weather.
However, because many people do not properly recycle their water bottles, many of them end up in the ocean. As a result, a plastic bottle will degrade into 10,000 microplastic pieces over time, causing a high rate of pollution in our oceans.
Not to mention the number of chemicals used in the manufacturing of the bottles that are seeping into the water.
A safe alternative is to replace these bottles with reusable or metallic water bottles.
Single-serving coffee pods have replaced plastic coffee makers
Coffee makers are the most frequently discarded appliance. Millions are discarded each year, piling up the landfills and the existence of non-degradable waste.
The prevalence of single-serving plastic-encased coffee pods has only made the problem worse.
In the alternative, you can use a stainless-steel automatic machine or a French press or drip press coffee maker that will last for years.
Final Words...
Because many of our daily activities are performed subconsciously, there is a good chance that some, if not the majority, of them, are not always the most environmentally-friendly option available.
It only takes a few small changes to shift your habits toward more environmentally friendly alternatives.
We know that many people want to make a significant change but don't know where to begin.
We hope this guide helps you make a significant change in your life.