Plastic has become one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. We produce nearly 300 million tons of plastic waste each year — and an estimated 8 million tons of that ends up in the oceans.
Imagine a world without plastic waste. That’s the mission – to build a global movement that dramatically reduces plastic use and improves recycling, worldwide.
Will you join us and give up single-use plastic this July?
Actually, we should give up on plastic, especially single-use plastic for good, but let’s start step by step. This movement is a great opportunity to leave behind your unnecessary plastics and find solutions to replace them.
We know challenges can be scary so we’re here to give you a helping hand. This guide will help you how to reduce plastic and start your plastic free journey!
We are not going to lie, this challenge won’t be easy due to our world based on plastic. Wherever you go, whatever you buy you will run into plastic. But who needs easy challenge? If you are reading this post, probably you are a strong, clever, conscious woman who is ready to MAKE A CHANGE.
Let’s see how you can replace single-use plastic that is choking our beautiful planet.
1. SHOPPING BAG
If you ever go shopping to a supermarket, at checkout NEVER EVER ask plastic bag. Instead, use your reusable bag. Some people like reusable canvas totes. Others prefer to put their purchases into a backpack. Carry whatever it works for you. Most plastic bags end up in the ocean or pollute our river systems but durable and versatile multi-use bags can serve you for a lifetime.
Tip: Keep some in your car so you don’t forget them!
2. STRAWS
You have no idea how much they can harm the animals in the ocean. Many turtles are injured because of these plastic straws as they stuck in their nose or get in their belly. Next time you order a drink at a restaurant or café, consider bringing your own stainless steel straw or just say you prefer your drink without straw.
3. WATER BOTTLES
Unfortunately, almost every soft drink and water comes packaged in plastic. Plastic bottles have been known to be toxic with bisphenol (BPA), which is a chemical commonly used to make clear, tough plastic bottles and food can liners. Ditch plastic bottles for stainless steel ones, which has better temperature control, lasts forever, and won’t add toxins into your drink. Fill it up at before leaving your house and refill it wherever you have a chance. Furthermore, they won’t end up in the bottom of the oceans and harming marine life.
4. CUTLERY
Instead of getting plastic forks and spoons every time you order takeout, keep reusable stainless steel or bamboo to-go cutleries in your bag and use those ones. Please remember to ask your favorite restaurants not to include a disposable set of cutleries!
5. GROCERY PACKAGES
Farmers markets are a great way to buy fresh, local produce without plastic, as long as you remember to bring your own bags. Normally, the fruits and vegetables at farmers markets don’t even have those little plastic stickers on them. And for small fruits like berries and cherry tomatoes, use your own container or bag and hand the vendor’s plastic container back to reuse.
6. COFFEE MUGS
Did you know the paper coffee cups are lined with plastic? Not to mention the plastic lid. No one wants nasty plastic chemicals leaching into their bloodstream, so get your own to-go thermos mug. Because they are insulated your drink will stay hot longer, another plus!
7. TAKE-AWAY
If you are often in hurry and prefer to ask your meal for take-away, bring your own container!
Make sure you share your journey with not only your friends and family but your whole network! The whole point is to raise awareness to shed light on the problem of plastic consumption.
