What’s the problem with plastic? It’s cheap. It’s convenient. It’s versatile. While it may be all of those things and more, plastic is one of the largest environmental threats facing humans and animals globally. If we stay on our current path, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050.
So why do we continue to use it every day? Well, if you look around right now, you’ll soon realize that most things you see have plastic in them. Plastic has become so ingrained in the way we live, simply deciding to stop using it is no easy task.
The major problem with plastic is that it’s not biodegradable. It doesn’t rot like paper or food, so it can survive in the environment for hundreds of years. This is a major issue for animals as they can be trapped or choked by plastic causing 100,000 of their deaths each year.
Can’t we just recycle it? Yes and no. There’s some plastic that cannot be recycled, either due to price or the way that it was made. Even the plastic that can be recycled is only being properly disposed of 9% of the time.
It’s not all hopeless though. Thankfully, there is some great work being done by incredible organizations that are tackling the plastic crisis head-on.
The Ocean Cleanup Project is a non-profit developing technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. It aims to clean up 90% of ocean plastic pollution, and is doing some amazing work.
The Plastic Pollution Coalition is a global alliance of more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, and leaders throughout 75 countries working toward a world free of plastic pollution. The alliance recently worked with President Joe Biden, urging him to take eight key executive actions to solve the plastic crisis. You can join the coalition as a business or individual here.
While this work is great, we cannot rely on businesses and non-profits to solve the problem alone. Individuals are a huge contributor to the issue. We can all play our part to better the world we live in.
For that reason, I’ve compiled a short, easy to follow list of immediate actions you can take to contribute to the plastic-free movement.
Okay, let’s dive into the list.
1. Stop chewing plastic
The gum you are chewing is most likely made from plastic. Yep, you read that right folks. If you are totally grossed out reading that, know you are not alone. When I first found out that almost all of the popular gum brands use plastic in their chewing gum, I was so disgusted, both with the companies for making it and myself for chewing it. Doesn’t it feel so unnecessary to use plastic in gum? And aren’t you offended that brands can mislead consumers that easily and get away with it? Well, you should be because there are a whole lot out there that do it.
Don’t stress out too much because there are some wholesome brands out there that refuse to use plastic in their chewing gums like Simply Gum, Chicza Chewing Gum, and Glee Gum. They are not as cheap as their plastic nemeses but don’t worry, they won’t break the bank.
2. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone
Oh yes, we get to have ice cream in this blog. Obviously, if you want to go above and beyond, you’ll grab some vegan ice cream (wink, wink). Think about it, ice cream cones require no utensils and no containers. Those are two single use (and probably plastic) items that you can cut out of your life just by choosing a cone over a dish. Most ice cream containers are 100% plastic or at the very least lined with plastic. Either way, it is a wasteful way to consume some of your favorite frozen treats.
I’m not saying you can’t opt for the occasional ice cream dish for convenience or any other reason, but at least it will be an informed decision from now on. Hopefully you will choose the cone more often going forward! And hey, go for the waffle cone you deserve it.
3. Pick natural clothing
Some products, like cheap sunglasses, most kitchenware, and shampoo bottles are very clearly made from plastic. But there are some items out there that you would never suspect that contain plastic that will shock the system a bit. Like your clothes. The majority of clothing is made from synthetics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon. It turns out that these synthetics are actually plastics. Sucks right? Seeing that such a huge part of the fashion industry relies on synthetic fibers, that is not good for the plastic reduction movement.
The solution here is to try to pick clothing made with natural fibers. Think cotton, wool, linen, and silk. There are some major limitations with these fibers, however. They don’t deliver on stretch, being waterproof, lightweight, or wrinkle-free. Obviously, it’s not realistic to only have natural fibers in your closet, so try to refrain from synthetics in your everyday clothing. Save these for your workout clothes and those couple killer outfits you love. The goal here is to try to reduce the amount of clothing you purchase that is made from synthetics. You can do it!
Here’s a cool brand to get you started.
4. Keep a stainless steel travel mug in your car
Who doesn’t love going to your favorite coffee shop and picking up a cup of joe and a homemade muffin. Yeah, I’ll be right back actually…Coffee shops are amazing, especially the local ones. There are so many different flavors, people, and atmospheres to experience, you can’t go wrong! Except those pesky to-go cups. These single-use cups are so convenient, yet so bad for the environment. But there is a super easy alternative that some of you may already do. Bring a reusable coffee cup with you to the coffee shop! I recommend stainless steel. Most are insulated and great for keeping your coffee piping hot (or nice and cold) for hours on end. Plus, they are virtually spill-proof unlike the plastic alternative.
Most coffee shops will let you bring in your own mug for them to fill up your favorite drink with. You’re saving them money and helping the environment at the same time. I highly recommend looking into Simple Modern’s collection.
P.S. another easy and free option here is to drink the coffee at the coffee shop and ask for a ceramic or glass mug. You are never too busy to take time for yourself!
5. Buy silicone straws
You go to bar and order a tall mixed drink. The bartender hands you the drink and you notice two small straws immersed in your vodka soda. Bummer right? But you do love straws…Especially when going to the bars, these plastic straws can really add up. A super easy way to avoid this situation is to bring your own straws. You’re probably thinking how much of a hassle this would be. Bamboo straws are great but lugging them around would be a pain and quite honestly, pretty gross.
Silicone straws are the answer. They are a reusable, dishwasher safe, and sustainable option. And best of all, they are foldable. This means they are super compact and easily transportable. I have one that comes in an aluminum case which is perfect for keeping it clean. You can check it out here.
Hopefully, this list offers you a little hope and inspiration. Sustainability should not feel overwhelming. Even making small changes to your daily routines can have a huge impact. So, choose whichever tips work for you and start there!
See you next time.
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