As an integral part of our daily lives due to its affordability and durability, it has become a major concern associated with climate change. The accumulation of plastic objects in the environment adversely affects wildlife, habitats and humans. This chapter discusses the pressing issue of plastic pollution and its consequences on our climate and marine ecosystems, highlighting global efforts such as the Green Deal in Europe and the United Nations' initiative for a global treaty on plastic waste.
Here are some new tips we can adapt and transform our daily life into a more sustainable one, far from the use of much plastic:
Swap plastic bags for reusable ones, made of cloth or fibre. It also costs less. Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade, so purchase or make your own reusable produce bag.
Reduce the use of disposable plastic cups, plates, cutlery and bottles. For example, bring your own reusable bottle to work or choose metal or glass food containers in which you can pack your lunch. Stop using plastic straws and even if it is a must for you, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw. Remember that also these types of straws require a certain amount of energy to be produced, so when possible opt for paper ones or, even better, consider not using them at all.
Plan ahead by buying food and cleaning products in bulk to avoid useless plastic wrappings. Today, many supermarkets and local stores let you fill your own jars/bags.Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins, which usually is also better quality. Not only can you save money by choosing to shop this way, but you also use a lot less packaging and single-use plastics. Bring your own containers with you and no waste is created!
Avoid buying and using cosmetics that contain plastic microspheres or microbeads. Find products that are pure and environmentally friendly or make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. Consider avoiding buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you'll be eating fewer processed foods. instead, buy fresh by using a reusable bag.
Reuse containers for alternative purposes. Use and reuse plastic as long as you can, then get creative and reuse it for something else.
Ask your local grocer to take your plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) back. If you shop at a farmers market they can refill it for you.
Buy second-hand clothes or choose those made from natural, sustainable or recycled materials. Fast fashion is one of the biggest polluters in the world. Part of the reason for this is because so many clothes from fast fashion brands are made from plastics: polyester, nylon, acrylic. So when masses of clothes go to landfills after being worn once or twice, they don’t biodegrade for hundreds of years. Instead, if you want to buy new clothes, continue buying garments made from sustainable or recycled materials.
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