6 Tips to Give up a Lot of Plastic
4 min read
Plastic waste has flooded our planet and doesn’t let it breathe. Plastic is a material that does not decompose and harms not only the ecosystem but also living beings. In the first two decades of the 21 century, more products were made than in the previous century. And only 5% of waste is sent for recycling. Contamination of soil and the world’s oceans with particles of microplastics provokes the deterioration of human health and kills animals.
Scientist Sherry Mason, a professor at New York University, examined twelve types of salt bought in stores around the world. He found microplastics in the samples and counted the amount. The results are staggering: if we assume that on average each of us consume 2.3 grams of salt daily, we get about 700 plastic particles annually, only with salt.
5 good reasons to give up plastic
- Chemical microparticles from plastic packaging can get into food.
- Migration of chemicals is increased when eating fatty foods, such as ham or cheese.
- Heating increases the risk of toxic emissions – do not use such utensils in the oven or microwave.
- Plastic is not biodegradable.
- Increases the landfill area.
What’s more, it can help us reduce our expenses, letting us spend money on more valuable things, like gambling with a WooCasino login or traveling with friends.
To begin to address the problem, many countries have banned the production of plastic packaging. We can fight the harmful effects of plastic ourselves and should strive to reduce the use of products made of it in everyday life. Let’s talk about what healthy habits can help us do this.
Cut Back on Individually Wrapped Products
We can say no to foods packaged in food-grade cellophane film. When it ends up in landfills or incinerators, it releases highly toxic chemicals into the environment. In fact, giving up plastic wrap is easy because there are reusable alternatives:
- Cotton beeswax wipes. When exposed to heat from your hands, they become pliable and allow you to wrap food tightly or cover a bowl. When they fail, they can be thrown in the compost.
- Silicone self-sealing sealing bags. They can be used in the freezer, refrigerator or closet and are great for storing both dry and wet foods. A major bonus is that they are dishwasher safe.
- Glass and steel containers. Probably the most popular way to store. Durable, safe and easy to wash in the dishwasher.
- Fabric pouches. They come in a variety of sizes, and you can pick the one you need. Care for them is very simple: you wash them in the washing machine like a normal kitchen towel.
Buying Loose Products
This, too, helps reduce plastic consumption. Take any reusable container with you to the store and ask the salesperson to put the foods you want in it.
Giving up Bottled Water
Each of us can decide in what form to buy drinking water. The ideal solution is to have a water filter at home and use a reusable bottle that you will take with you. And if you do buy water, it should be in glass.
Using Tumblers
Many of us have mastered the culture of drinking coffee on the way to work or on a walk. Instead of taking a plastic cup to the coffee shop, bring along a tumbler. This is a thermal mug that keeps your drink hot for a long time. The eco-friendly thermos mug is made of stainless steel. By the way, they are also called non-pourers, because a special lid prevents the drink from spilling.
Reuse Glass Containers
If you remove the label from the jar, it can be reused to store not only loose products but also, for example, buttons, little things in the bathroom, laundry detergent. You can turn it into a vase or candle holder.
There’s a tip on how to get rid of glue marks completely under a paper label – they often remain even after soaking the jar in hot water. Olive or rapeseed oil will come to the rescue. Soak a paper towel in oil and rub the sticky areas well.
Toys Made of Natural and Eco Materials
It’s no secret that small children pull everything in their mouths. And plastic toys are not the best choice for their health. In addition, if they are produced with a violation of technology, they can release toxic substances that the child breathes. Eco-friendly materials for children’s games are wood, paper, cloth. And they also allow you to teach children from childhood to treat nature with care: after all, it is much easier to learn right away than to retrain as an adult, as we do.
