How can you help reduce plastic waste?
(Source Credits: Bram Wouters)
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Every year, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter our oceans, threatening marine life and ecosystems. This is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. By 2050, it's projected that there will be more plastic in the ocean by weight than fish if current trends continue. Microplastics have been found in the deepest parts of the ocean and even in human blood, highlighting the pervasive nature of this problem.
The production of plastic contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. If plastic production and use grow as currently planned, by 2050, plastic-related emissions could reach 56 gigatons of carbon dioxide - 10-13% of the entire remaining carbon budget. Most plastics are derived from fossil fuels, with the petrochemical industry planning to invest $400 billion in additional plastic production capacity over the next five years, further exacerbating climate change.
Perhaps most alarmingly, plastic doesn't biodegrade; it merely breaks down into smaller pieces. A plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to decompose, leaving a lasting legacy of pollution for generations to come.
Embrace Reusables:
Invest in high-quality reusable shopping bags, produce bags, water bottles, and food containers.
Keep reusable items in convenient locations: bags in your car, a water bottle at your desk, etc.
Consider reusable alternatives for common disposables, like beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
Eliminate Single-Use Plastics:
Refuse plastic straws, opting for reusable metal or glass straws if needed.
Bring your own cutlery for takeout meals.
Choose products without excessive packaging when shopping.
Shop Smartly:
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Many stores now offer bulk bins for everything from grains to cleaning products.
Support local farmers' markets where produce is often sold without packaging.
Look for products packaged in glass, paper, or easily recyclable plastics (like PET or HDPE).
Recycle Properly:
Familiarise yourself with your local recycling guidelines. Not all plastics are recyclable in all areas.
Clean your recyclables before disposing of them to ensure they don't contaminate other materials.
Consider starting a compost bin for organic waste to further reduce your overall waste output.
Make Your Own Products:
Try making your own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
Experiment with DIY personal care items like deodorant or toothpaste to avoid plastic packaging.
Support Sustainable Businesses:
Patronise stores and restaurants that prioritise sustainability.
Look for products made from recycled materials or designed for long-term use.
Advocate for Change:
Write to companies and local representatives advocating for reduced plastic use.
Participate in or organise community clean-up events.
Share your journey to reduce plastic on social media to inspire others.
Educate Yourself and Others:
Stay informed about plastic pollution and its impacts.
Share what you learn with friends, family, and your community.
Consider giving presentations at local schools or community centres.
Support Innovative Recycling Initiatives:
Seek out and support businesses that specialise in recycling hard-to-recycle plastics. For example, TerraCycle partners with brands to recycle items like chip bags and toothpaste tubes that aren't accepted in regular recycling streams.
Look for products made from ocean-bound plastic. Companies like 4ocean and Patagonia use recycled ocean plastic in their products, helping to clean up marine environments while creating useful items.
Support deposit return schemes where they exist. These programs incentivize the return of plastic bottles and containers for recycling.
Empower Waste Pickers and Support the Informal Recycling Sector:
In many developing countries, waste pickers play a crucial role in recycling but often work in hazardous conditions for little pay. Support organisations that work to improve conditions for waste pickers.
Look for fair trade products that incorporate recycled materials collected by waste pickers. This helps create a market for recycled materials while providing fair wages.
Support social enterprises that train and employ waste pickers to create products from recycled plastic.
The Road Ahead:
Reducing plastic waste is a journey that requires collective effort. While the challenge is significant, individual actions can make a real difference. A study shows that, if just 1 in 5 people switched to reusable shopping bags, we could eliminate 100 billion plastic bags from entering the environment. Choosing a reusable water bottle can save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually per person. As more individuals, businesses, and governments recognize the urgency of this issue, positive changes are happening.
As of 2023, 127 countries have implemented some form of legislation to regulate plastic bags, and the number of companies committing to reduce plastic use has quadrupled since 2018. By taking steps to reduce our plastic consumption and supporting sustainable initiatives, we can all contribute to a future where plastic pollution is significantly reduced.