4 Ways To Cut Down On Plastics In Your Daily Life

Since the introduction of fully synthetic plastic (this happened in 1907), its use has become incredibly widespread. However, its main advantage - durability - turned out to be one of its main drawbacks. The more plastic we use, the more we harm the environment. Science magazine cites statistics: since 1950, more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic materials have been produced, 9% of them are sent for recycling, 12% are incinerated, and the remaining 79% end up in landfills or, even worse, end up in forests, fields and bodies of water (if in doubt, look into any forest near Moscow).

Yes, we understand that it is unrealistic to completely eliminate plastic, but there are several simple ways to reduce its consumption. They are in front of you. With the help of articles you get the best details regarding cut down plastics in your daily life.

Use bags instead of plastic bags

Problem: The main disadvantage of plastic bags is that they are used once or twice and then thrown away. Europe has already begun to fight this problem. For example, the EU adopted a directive "On reducing the consumption of light plastic bags" - now the annual consumption of bags per person by 2019 should be reduced from 200 to 90 bags. And in 2025, each person should use no more than 40 packages per year.

What you can do: Skip the endless shopping bag at the store and get a reusable tote bag. It can be found in both the grocery store and the clothing store. Plus, you can buy fabric bags from your favorite museums, bring them back from your trip, or even sew them yourself. Such a bag will serve you for a very long time.

Do not pack food in additional bags. For example, when buying bananas, pineapples or grapefruits, you can safely do without a plastic bag and stick the price tag directly on the fruit.

Buy a coffee mug

Problem: Sustainability of paper cups is a myth, as a glass made only of paper or cardboard will quickly get wet and leak. It is covered with a thin plastic film. That is why coffee cups are not recycled, but sent to landfill. Starbucks alone produces four billion coffee cups each year. True, the owners of the chain promise that by 2022 they will create a more environmentally friendly alternative.

What you can do: You can drink coffee in a cafe using reusable ceramic cups, or buy yourself a special mug to drink coffee on the go or in the car. Now you can find thermoses, tumblers and thermo mugs for every taste. Choose sustainable materials and make sure the mugs are made of non-toxic plastic - they must be free of harmful BPA-free. Many coffee shops will even give you a discount if you come with your own dishes. In general, everyone wins - you and the planet.

Install the water filter

Problem: Typically, water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET is the most common type of plastic). And despite many myths, it is safe, phthalate-free, BPA- free, and can be left in the car, frozen and reused. However, even here you need to be careful - with frequent use, scratches can form on the surface of the bottle, in which dirt, microbes and bacteria will accumulate. Washing them out is not an easy task.

What you can do: Install a filter at home - a flow-through, operating on the principle of reverse osmosis, or a pitcher. Among the variety of filters, you can find the right one for you.

Get reusable bottles. To be sure that your bottle will not emit hazardous substances, choose steel or glass products. Many filter bottles can be found nowadays - this is suitable for those who do not have constant access to filtered water.

Use containers or reusable bags at home

Problem and solution: It is difficult to completely eliminate plastic, but you can stop following the principle of “used and thrown away”. For example, at home, use reusable bags or containers instead of disposable bags or cling film for storing food. They can store and freeze food, and then wash and use again