(With the use of plastics expected to double over the next 20 years, it's terrifying to think that microplastics have already infiltrated our air, food and water sources. Some of us are probably even inhaling microplastics as we speak - Yikes!
Fighting the war on plastics calls for a systemic change, and if there’s one thing we strongly believe in, it’s that small changes can move mountains. Ahead, we’re sharing all the attainable ways in which you can remove the pollutant from your life, with plastic alternatives.
Plastic you can remove from your pantry:-
Not all single-use plastic bottles get recycled, most of them end up in a landfill where they can take upto 450 years to biodegrade. Opt for a refillable glass or steel bottle instead that’s also free from nasty chemicals.
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Keep a reusable cloth tote handy in your car every time you head out for a grocery run — using one cloth bag can save 170 plastic ones.
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While straws aren’t a necessity, when you do want one for a milkshake or smoothie it’s best to opt for a stainless steel alternative, which is also reusable, thus cheaper in the long run.
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If you tend to pack a lot of homemade lunches or snacks for the office, you could replace disposable plastics bags with reusable steel containers instead which are also better quality so less likely to leak - We’ve all had a tuna disaster at some point (not pleasant)
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We all have that half an avo over that we are quick to wrap in cling film before it goes brown - instead, opt for beeswax wraps that are reusable, washable and free from hazardous PVC that also takes thousands of years to degrade.
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What do shower gels, shampoos and conditioners have in common? Plastic packaging. Swap them for solid bars instead like the array of beautiful-smelling ones from LUSH.
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Toothpastes are packaged in plastic laminated tubes that end up in landfills. The eco-friendly kinds are available in the form of chewy tablets and powders that aren’t packaged in plastic.
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Our toothbrushes are polluting culprits too. Replace those nasty plastic versions with a bamboo option instead.
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It is estimated that we use between 10,000 and 12,000 tampons or pads in our lifetime, all of which contain a great amount of plastic and end up in a landfill or our oceans. Try reusable products like menstrual cups or tampons without applicators that are made from natural fibres and are chemical-free
Want to keep going? Visit MyPlasticFreeLife.com for 100 more Steps to a Plastic-Free Life
Published by: Vibhuti Vazirani/ 2020-08-03