Plastic is undoubtedly one of the most versatile inventions of the last century. Despite its wide range of applications, it is turning into a menace that refuses to go away long after we are done with it. This is because plastic takes very long to decompose.
Each person in New Zealand uses 31 kilograms of plastic per year. Surprisingly, we only recycle 5.58 kilograms of this figure. The rest ends in landfills regardless of whether it first goes through a waste plastic baling machine or not.
Here are some other things you can do to reduce your plastic footprint.
Get Recyclable Containers for the Water Dispenser
Many workplaces or business water dispensers use those flimsy disposable plastic cups. While they are convenient and cheap, they pile up very fast with each use. Opting for recyclable paper cups or encouraging employees to carry their mugs will have a huge impact on how much plastic your workplace generates.
Do not Take the Lid on Takeaway Coffee
Most takeaway coffee cups are nowadays made of cardboard paper. This is a step in the right direction. The only problem is the lids are still plastic. A good way to chop down on plastic consumption is by refusing the lid.
Sometimes, you might be forced to take the lid as it prevents the coffee from spilling and burning you. If this is the case, consider carrying your sealable flask and avoid the coffee cup altogether.
Eat at the Restaurant and Avoid Takeaway
Eating at the hotel gives you a chance to use reusable utensils and cutlery. If you are near a restaurant, eat up instead of ordering take away. You will not have to worry about the plastic packaging if you don’t get it in the first place.
Be Frugal When Packing
Sometimes, manufacturers and processing plants are to blame. They over pack their products using plastic tape or wrapping where it was otherwise not needed. If you are in this line of business, come up with strategies that leverage organic packaging material and use as less plastic wraps as possible.
As a consumer, you can also shop around for products in recyclable packaging. This simple decision could push manufacturers into using recyclable packaging instead of plastic.
Buy Stuff in Bulk
Another good trick that will reduce your plastic footprint while helping your budget better is shopping in bulk. Most bulk packages are frugal since they contain more of the product than smaller retail products. Other than just using less packaging, bulk packaging tends to be economical.
You will save a reasonable amount in the long run.
Plastic harms the ecosystem. The more we reduce how often we use it, the better. While trying as an individual might seem insignificant, your little efforts could impact others. This is especially true if you are in a policymaking position in your business or place of work.
Implementing one or more of the above solutions will be a good deed to the environment.
