One Plastic at A Time - Here's why you should go plastic-free

Plastic in daily lives

Plastic can be a life-changing resource. It’s nearly unreplaceable due to its low cost, strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. On the other hand, poor waste management can be a problem. On every level, plastic is harmful to the environment. Plastic not only pollutes waterways and adds to garbage, but it also consumes an absurd amount of resources merely to be created. Here are some surprising facts that will make you more interested in this topic :

1. All produced plastic still exists.
2. Plastic entering the food chain, which one in four fish tested contain plastic.
3. Almost a garbage truck full of plastic is dumped into the ocean each minute.
4. The major ocean pollution comes from land.
5. Plastic exposure can influence fertility, pregnancy, and the fetus by interfering with testosterone and altering normal sexual development in the fetus.

Is it getting worse?

While plastic is long-lasting, it may also trap garbage in our environment for generations if not correctly managed. While plastics rapidly break down into pieces due to wear and tear, their polymer chains only break down into smaller components at extremely high temperatures, such as during chemical recycling. However, only 15% of plastic garbage is recycled nowadays. The annual cost of damage to marine ecosystems is estimated to be around 13 billion dollars. Clean-up and litter-removal charges are two examples of related economic costs. Other than that, fishing equipment is being damaged by plastic, resulting in a loss of revenue due to fewer fish being caught, and the ones seen nowadays are often of lower quality.

The main problem is that synthetic materials like plastics have chemical combinations that prevent decomposing. For example, 15-minute use of a plastic fork can take 450 years or more to disintegrate. The mixture of plastic with other materials and the many varieties of plastic make it even more difficult. Unbelievable, right?

So, what can we do?

Are you annoyed enough? Chill out! We can do something about it. To begin with, let’s accept the fact that we live in a plastic-dominated world; it's indeed unavoidable. So don't get too worked up. Instead, simply take what you've learned and start over. Here are some steps you can do :

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1.  Say “Goodbye, old friend” to bottled water.

Get a reusable stainless steel bottle or a stainless steel travel cup, which you can fill with tap water before leaving the house and refill wherever you are. Reusable plastic or metal bottles are a big no! Plastic may leach chemicals into the water, and aluminium bottles are lined with an epoxy resin, which, depending on the manufacturer, has been known to leach chemicals into the water. So, still wanna go with your “old friend”?

2. Consider reusable bags as your lovely partner.

Carry whatever is most convenient for you. Reusable canvas totes are popular among some people. Others like to carry their items in a messenger bag or backpack. Reusable bags aren't just for grocery shopping. Bring them with you for all of your purchases, including electronics and clothing. Bring them everywhere like your own partner!

3. Say “No!” to plastic straw.

One-time used plastic straw? Skip that! You have to look for something more fantastic. Steel straw, bamboo straw, and another reusable straw are there for you, and of course, you can have a long-lasting relationship with them!

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Those few steps aren’t that hard, right? We can start it from tomorrow, or even right now! So let’s save our environment from the most minor thing we can do.

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Source:

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Chui, Delphine. “How to go plastic free: ‘Ditching plastic for a week, these are the 6 most important lessons I learned’”. Marine Claire. August 9, 2021

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“The plastic waste problem explained”. Alliance To End Plastic Waste

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“Plastic: The Problem And Its Impact”. Impact Hub. June 6, 2019

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“Why Plastic Free?”. Well Earth

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“Here Are 5 Simple Ways You Can Ditch Plastic Now”. Plastic Tides

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“100 Steps to a Plastic-Free Life”. My Plastic Free Life

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“22 tips for going plastic free”. Australian Ethical. June 5, 2018

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