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Mar 12th, 2020 by Admin

How to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint in 2020

From the toothbrush we brush with to the spoons we eat with, we can’t go a day without the involvement of plastics. Plastics are everywhere in our lives and these form a huge portion of the world’s waste. There is around 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste in the world, most of which ends up choking the animals, birds and our planet’s natural resources.

Unless we care about taking a step towards reducing the plastic waste, this number is going to multiply at an alarming rate. Many individuals, groups and organizations have come forward to remedy this situation by managing the massive volume of plastic waste. The change must come from within us instead of waiting for someone else to do it. There are simple ways by which you can start the change from little things and do your part in reducing the plastic footprint.

In this blog, we will see some ways through which you can start the change from yourself and reduce plastic pollution.

8 Tips to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

These are some simple ways that don’t require too much effort on your part and can still make an impact in reducing the plastic waste in the world. We will look at some of the basic things you can start with to reduce plastic pollution in the world.

1. Switch Plastic Straws with Reusable Metal Straws

metal-straws

Plastic straws are one of the most commonly used plastic items we come across. These are made of disposable plastic and we throw them out after a few sips. These straws end up in the ocean and get consumed by the ocean animals as it is small in size.

Instead of using such plastic waste, you can use the reusable metal straws. These straws are usually made of steel and are pretty sturdy too. You can easily wash them with soap water and save it for future usage.

So the next time you walk into a restaurant, say no to the plastic straws and whip out your metal straws and use them.

2. Stop Using Wet Wipes

wet-wipes

Did you know that the wet wipes we so casually use daily are made of plastic? The small microscopic fibres in the wet wipes that give the elastic feel and hold the tissue together without letting it tear are the harmful parts. These include facial wipes that many women use every day or the baby wipes. These particles aren’t bio-degradable but tend to clump together and block the sewage lines. In the UK, the baby wipes caused around 93% of blockages in the sewage system.

These huge clumps of wet wipe tissues when dumped in landfills have a massive impact on the land quality. Also, when it gets dumped in the ocean, it is a great danger to aquatic life.

Instead of using the wet wipes, start using the paper tissues that do not contain any plastic particles.

3. Switch to Buying Items in Cardboard Boxes and Metal Containers

The next time you visit the supermarket and move towards picking a detergent in a plastic box, stop yourself and pick out the one in the cardboard box.

Most products we buy are available in different variants and packaging. It’s entirely our choice to buy the item that comes in sustainable packaging instead of the single-use plastic packaging.

4. Carry a Refillable Bottle

metal-bottle

This is yet another habit most of us are accustomed to. We buy a water bottle, complete drinking it and throw it in the next dustbin we see. Just imagine how much plastic waste we are contributing due to our actions!

Instead of buying a single-use plastic bottle, you can at least carry a recyclable plastic bottle or a metal water bottle and fill the water. You can have a small handy water bottle in your handbag or car and keep it filled with water.

5. Use Cloth Sanitary Napkins

beach-pollution

The menstrual plastic waste is the fifth most common single-use plastic item found in the seashores. The plastic menstrual products include sanitary napkins and tampons. Every woman in the world contributes to a significant portion of the plastic waste when they use the plastic-made menstrual products. These are also harmful to the reproductive health of women.

Instead of this, you can make the switch to the cloth sanitary napkins that are made entirely of cloth and are reusable too. Else, there are other options like menstrual cups which are made of recyclable plastic. Start gradually reducing the use of plastic sanitary napkins and switch to eco-friendly alternatives that can at the least be recycled.

6. Buy Items in Plastic Packaging in Bulk

First of all, we encourage you not to buy any items in plastic packaging. But sometimes, there are a few items that are available only in plastic packaging and you cannot avoid buying them. In those times, there is again a way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Instead of buying small plastic packets or groceries in mid-size packages for a few weeks, buy the items in bulk. This way, you can save money and also reduce the amount of plastic waste you will be generating.

7. Pick a Bamboo Brush

bamboo-brush

The very first thing we see in the morning is our toothbrush and it’s again made of plastic. There is a better option for the plastic toothbrushes and it’s the bamboo brush. You won’t quite feel any difference in using the bamboo brush, and the bamboo ones have the same life as the plastic brushes. The bamboo brushes are, in fact, better for your health as it has anti-microbial property and the bamboo has its inherent properties in battling the microbes in your mouth.

So, you can start the change at your home and reduce the plastic waste by using the bamboo brush.

8. Do Your Part for Plastic Recycle

plastic-recycle

Even when you try to reduce the usage of plastic in your life, sometimes, you just can’t. When you are in a position where you can’t do without plastic, then it’s better to go for the recyclable ones.

If you have any plastic accumulated in your house, do your part for the plastic recycle by segregating them and giving it to the plastic waste collectors and recycling plants. You will at least know that the plastic you have used isn’t going to end up in the ocean choking the aquatic animals.

Plastic Collectors is an organization that works in reducing plastic waste in the world. By installing plastic collector stations all around the world and by offering rewards for the plastic collectors, we have created parallel solutions for reducing the plastic waste and minimizing poverty in the world through attractive plastic waste collection programs.

Want to know more about how we work? Read more about our innovative solutions here.

Let’s join hands and work together to reduce plastic waste and usage, and leave behind a green world as a legacy to the future generations.

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