Cut Your Use of Plastic, Plastic, Plastic
- By Carey Okrand
- From LowImpactLiving.com, April 14, 2008, Subscribe
You are not new to recycling. You’ve been doing it for years and it’s a big part of your daily routine. You’ve become at an expert at identifying what plastics you can and cannot recycle. Now focus on another important part of eco-friendly living: reduce your use of plastic.
Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year or in landfills. If that’s not enough, almost 3 million tons of plastic are used to bottle water each year worldwide. Nearly 80 percent of all water bottles are not recycled and wind up in landfills. We are drowning in plastic, people!
That plastic can be bad for us and bad for the environment. Recent studies have shown that there’s more plastic than plankton in some of the remote parts of our oceans. And there are increasing reports on the human health effects of chemicals used in plastic products. Let’s also not forget that plastic is made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource and a major contributor to global warming.
So let’s get to it– how to reduce your use of plastics:
1. Don’t use garbage bags—just empty your trash into the garbage bin.
2. If you don’t like that approach, get yourself some recycled or biodegradable, compostable garbage bags.
3. Request that your daily newspaper not be wrapped in plastic when delivered. (Or cancel your newspaper subscription and go totally online for your news fix– you’ll save hundreds of trees as well.)
4. Take your own plastic or metal container to the restaurant to take home your leftovers when you’re eating out. Sure they’ll look at you funny, but remember you’re an eco-trend-setter!
5. Remind your favorite take-out place to leave out the plastic utensils when they pack your food to go. Your drawers are full of them already! And politely decline the bag if you only have one or two items to carry home.
6. Ask you favorite dry-cleaners to eliminate the plastic wrap on your clothes. Don’t forget to choose an eco-friendly, non-toxic dry cleaner too.
7. Take your reusable coffee tumbler with you when get coffee to-go. And skip the lid for your soft drink. Those plastic lids add up! And now you don’t need a plastic straw.
8. You’ve heard it before but it’s critical: The simple most profound solution to reduce plastic consumption is to bring your own bags when you shop at the grocery store, drugstore or mall. There are so many great cotton, canvas, even hemp bags available now in endless sizes and styles. Have you seen the ultra-light compact Chicobags? Throw two in your car or purse so you’re never without a reusable bag and you’ll always have one handy!
9. Another major source of plastic bag waste are the pesky flimsy plastic produce bags that accumulate in your closet. Reusable cotton mesh produce sacks are a simple solution to that problem. Check them out at Ecobags.com. Toss them in your reusable shopping bag and head to the market. Each reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate thousands of plastic bags over its lifetime.
10. And let’s all remember the problem that is the disposable plastic water bottle. Many alternatives to plastic water bottles are available. Kleen Kanteen and SIIG water bottles are stainless steel safe alternatives to plastic water bottle and are available in many sizes.
11. For water use in the office…Remember the novel concept of a pitcher or a glass of water? You don’t have to drink from a bottle.
12. There are loads of ways to reduce your consumption of plastic when you store leftovers, pack lunches or food to go. Ditch those plastic baggies or foil for containers that come in endless shapes and sizes and you can use them over and over again! Pack them in your reusable lunch sack too.
13. Become an eco-wise consumer whenever you shop. Choose products that contain less packaging. Check every plastic container before you chuck it– it may be recyclable! Purchase products in larger containers—get a huge jug of laundry detergent rather than three smaller ones. Choose glass bottles over plastic whenever possible.
Just as recycling has become second nature, these simple ways to reduce our consumption of plastic make a world of difference! And don’t be afraid to speak up about these ideas. The more that retailers and restaurants hear about alternatives, the better the chance that they’ll make changes in the way they do business. That way we’ll multiply our individual actions.
What ideas do YOU have? We’d love to hear them!
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Comments (27)
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YOUR GRAMMAR IS NOT CORRECT.
Posted by luke haley on January 10,2013 | 05:35 AM
there should be some institutions made available on local level where common people can go and exchange plastic bags they have collected and in return they would get some money (for example when in countries like India and Pakistan when people exchange newspapers to similar institutions they get 9 or 10rupees for 1kg of newspapers) similar institutions should be set at local level for plastic bags exchange whereby we can save raw materials consumed to make plastic bags and also dangerous effects caused due to waste caused by plastic bags..
Posted by Khushboo bhanushali on December 28,2012 | 01:26 AM
agreed tnx for the help you'er getting me an A
Posted by alix on December 14,2012 | 10:48 AM
When storing leftovers in bowls in the fridge, just use a plate to cover instead of the plastic wrap.This way you can stack the bowls too!
Posted by Gaby on November 26,2012 | 07:18 PM
I was just having a conversation with my roommate who does a great job of recycling the dozens of plaice water bottles she and her husband go thru each week. When I mentioned that reduce and reuse were more important, she said that in her research as a scientist, that if we reduce the use of plastic bottles, that more and more plastic will be made from raw materials. By the way they keep a frig in their bedroom with bottled water. The frig in the kitchen has a filtered water system, but they don't use that.
Posted by Chris hawkinson on August 26,2012 | 10:48 AM
Hi, Good article on recycling but not far enough for me. When I have refused bags then used the ones I get endlessly what do I physically do with the useless punctured damaged bags I have left. I dont what to put them in landfill. Can I shred then and use them to clean the bath. I have done that it works well but what after that. What do I do with the plastic. Cant burn it can I? Suggestions please. I am working hard at being zero refuse. I thought about burying the shreded plastic, but it doesn't feel a good idea. Look forward to hearing from you. Maru
Posted by Mary Silmon on August 18,2012 | 04:08 AM
When I was a child, my parents owned a store. People would buy drinks (in glass bottles). When they returned the bottles to the store, they would get paid for the bottle. Then the drink company would pick them up to recycle and we would get re-enbursed. Why did this practice stop? It seems to me that the government could stop some of the plastic container production. Now I'm going to be sarcastic. Wouldn't it be a shame if we had to start drinking water out of glasses again or even a thermos!
Posted by Teresa Willis on June 22,2012 | 05:04 PM
I've recently began limiting my usage of plastic and found this article very helpful. After watching a few documentaries on Netflix (instant-stream), I immediately began with throwing away our plastic shower liner (we can wash the cloth one weekly instead of having a mildewy piece of plastic). These products (mostly made in China) contain inferior grades of plastic that even have been proven to contain mercury (can you believe it!). Reusable bags are wonderful and becoming more chic every day. My sister began using reusable diapers and apparently they're great and easy. Props to everyone for helping change the world! In regards to washing ziplock bags, I won't recommend it. The problem is that plastic is "semi-safe" when new, but if the surface integrity is compromised (scratched or warped from heat in a microwave) then the dangerous checmicals are realeased, and if you're using it for food then guess where they're realeased! I'd recommend tossing them after 1 use, unless a quick rinse of cold water can clean them out nicely. For the environmentalists out there, the biggest impact that I was able to have for the lowest effort was switching to wind energy for our home power company (Green Mountain). You greatly reduce consumption of natural resources but don't feel like you're missing out on the convenience modern life. They're in Texas, but I'd definitely recommend checking around to see what options are available where you live. It's not as expensive as most people assume either. Good luck everyone and keep up the good work!
Posted by Grant on May 17,2012 | 12:53 PM
Don't forget about plastic straws as well.People often overlook them because we only use them for about 20 min and then throw them away. There are a lot of alternative options for those, like me, who love using straws but don't want toxins from plastic, petroleum based straws. Such an easy way to eliminate use of plastics. So say "no straw please" or bring your own!
Posted by Emily on November 29,2011 | 11:55 AM
Thanks you, for what I can only describe as a great article that will helap many people in their daily life.
Have you ask yourself how come plastic still a problem when we know how it affects the environment and our healt?
See my article about he matter:
Plastic bags - a continue menace for environment.
http://environmentinfocus.com/archives/723
Posted by Daniel Esteban on August 7,2011 | 12:52 PM
Excellant suggestions. When I'm out, especially traveling and have to stop at a restroom, I stash one of my oversized cotton crocheted hotpads in my purse to wipe my hands on because I hate the hand dryers. I use kitchen towels instead of paper towels, I've even resorted to using handkerchiefs to using kleenex. I also bought a Brita water filter or buy filtered water (bring my own jug) at the store. I buy my laundry detergent in a box, not a jug. Same with any product I can find. Oh, and don't forget bulk at the local co-op. Thanks
Posted by Plantwhisperer on March 4,2011 | 08:12 PM
I have tried to make it a habit to carry compostable/reusable utensils since they are not the plastics are not recyclable.
Now that I have a child I am that much more aware of the waste that can be created. I purchased reusable snack pockets that are dish washer safe and has cut down my use of plastic ziplock bags significantly.
I also make it a point to inform people that Number 5 plastics are collected at all Whole Foods and natural food stores. The "Preserve 5" campaign makes toothbrushes and razors out of the collected number 5 plastics (yogurt, hummus, fruit cups, brita, and take out containers)
Posted by ecomomwarrior on October 9,2010 | 12:53 AM
I am new at the recycling lifestyle. I am an ocean lover and when I saw the truth about our waterways and coasts littered with millions of tons of plastic, that was all it took to look into ways I can immediately cut out my families usage of plastics. I am just devastated at the incline of marine life deaths due to our own ignorance and environmental neglect. If anyone else is not familiar with conservation, I would suggest picking your favorite place weather it is the beach, mountains, lakes, or city and research how plastic trash is negatively affecting and changing that area....it will hit home for you too. No one place on earth is exempt from our gluttony.
Posted by Kelly S on June 9,2010 | 02:48 PM
I WAS JUST READING SOME OF THE POST ON HERE ABOUT PLASTIC BAGS, I FOR ONE , DON'T LIKE TO USE THEM. IF YOU HAVE ARTRHITIS IN YOUR HANDS , WHICH I DO, THE STRAPS HURT ME, ALSO THERE ARE SOME STORES NOW WHERE YOU HAVE TO BRING A BAG ARE BOX TO PUT YOUR GROCIERS IN, THEY DON'T HAVE PLASTIC BAGS AT ALL. I BUY THE CLOTH BAGS TO SHOP WITH WHEN I GOT TO WALMARKS- ARE OTHER STORES, IF I FORGET TO TAKE MY OWN BAGS AND HAPPEN TO GET PLASTIC I TAKE THEM BACK TO THE STORE , THEY HAVE RECYCLE PLACES TO PUT THEM, I DON'T LIKE MY KETSUP AND OTHE THINGS LIKE PICKLES , MILK ARE MAYO IN PLASTIC, THEY LET AIR IN, AND IF YOU DON'T USE IT UP , IT WILL LOOSE ITS FLAVOR, I HAVE HAD TO THROW OUT SOME THINGS THAT HAD LOST ITS FLOVOR, AND YES I FOR ONE DO REUSE MY ZIP LOCK BAGS, I WASH THEM OUT AND PUT THEM IN MY FREEZER SO THEY DON'T SOUR, SO I CAN REUSE THEM WITH NO WORRY ABOUT THEM NOT BEING, CLEAN, THINK ABOUT OUR INVIOMENT, I HAVE TO LIVE IN IT, AND WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE HAVING FRESH AIR TO BREATHE, GOD BLESS
Posted by ann jackson on April 7,2010 | 12:56 PM
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