3 Ways to Cut Down on Plastic Consumption in 2022
As we near the end of Plastic Free July, it’s important to acknowledge the current plastic crisis and evaluate ways to be more mindful of our individual footprint. To accomplish this, we need to look at ways to reduce our single-use plastic consumption at home or on the go, and understand other ways to be a part of a positive change.
Photo by Tim Mossholder
The Plastic Crisis
You may or may not realize it, but the earth is drowning in plastic. In fact, we produce 400 million tons of plastic waste each year. Are you curious where it all comes from? Of all plastic produced, 36% is used in product packaging, a lot of which just gets thrown away. That’s right, 85% of single-use plastic packaging ends up in landfills. On top of that, more than 14 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, polluting our waterways and severely affecting our marine ecosystems.
The problem is, that 85% of packaging in landfills can be drastically reduced if people were more conscious about recycling. Of the six universally recognized plastic types (seven if you include the plastics that don’t fall into one of the other six), four are able to be recycled in some capacity. If everyone was aware of the differences in plastic types and how to dispose of them, we would be able to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste heading into our landfills.
Do what you can to be a part of the change and help turn this plastic crisis around. For ideas on where to start, take a look at three main ways you can help.
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski
1. Recycle Correctly
Do you ever turn a plastic container over and look at the little number on the bottom? If so, do you know what they actually mean? Educating yourself on the different plastic types, and what can and can’t be recycled will help you better contribute to a cleaner, more efficient recycling process. Here is a look into the types of plastic:
Plastic #1: PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), 100% recyclable, is made to be remade.
Examples include water bottles, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter containers.
Plastic #2: HDPE (High-density polyethylene), curbside recyclable and should be rinsed and dried beforehand.
Examples include shampoo bottles, milk containers, and juice containers.
Plastic #3: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), is not typically recyclable.
Examples include plastic tubing, furniture, and some kids' toys.
Plastic #4: LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), can sometimes be recycled. Double check with your local recycling centers to know for sure.
Examples include plastic bags, thin transparent films, squeeze bottles, and lids.
Plastic #5: PP (Polypropylene), can sometimes be recycled curbside. Double check with your local recycling centers to know for sure.
Examples include yogurt containers, sour cream containers, butter containers, and take-out containers.
Plastic #6: PS (Polystyrene), not typically recyclable curbside.
Examples include disposable utensils, disposable plates, styrofoam cups, and packing peanuts.
Plastic #7: Other, not typically recyclable curbside.
Examples include fiberglass, nylon, acrylic, and other miscellaneous plastics that don’t fit in #1-6. This also includes biodegradable plastics such as PLA (polylactic acid), which can be composted in the proper environments
Photo by Ello
2. Reduce Single-Use Plastic Usage
Now that you’re able to distinguish what can and cannot be recycled, it’s time to reevaluate how much plastic you’re using each day. Plastic usage is on the rise and it’s vital to understand where you can cut it out of your daily routine. Remaining conscious of your consumption both in the household and on the go can make a significant difference in your environmental footprint.
Around the House
At home, we use plastic in two main areas: the kitchen and the bathroom. While we rely on many of these items, there are substitutions that can be made to benefit both you and the environment.
In the kitchen, try substituting single-use Ziplock baggies with reusable and washable Tupperware. This is a simple alternative, as it can keep food just as fresh and more protected while also acting as a more eco-friendly option.
Saran wrap is another source of single-use plastic waste in our kitchens. Cut back on cling wrap and opt for reusable silicone covers. These take up less space, are dishwasher safe, and can be used repeatedly, making them environmentally friendly.
Looking to reduce plastic and still get in your morning cup of coffee? Single-use K-cups may be convenient, but they’re also incredibly wasteful. Start your morning off on a more sustainable note by choosing a reusable K-cup pod. By filling the pod with ground coffee, you’re eliminating the plastic waste from everyday K-cups. Not to mention, it can be easier on the wallet too.
Those were pretty simple, right? Reducing waste in the bathroom can be just as easy and important. Start by taking note of the products you use with plastic packaging—like toothpaste or mouthwash—and consider the alternatives. Instead of purchasing bottles of mouthwash, opt for mouthwash tablets in refillable glass bottles. Not only does the refillable feature make this a more eco-friendly option, but glass is infinitely recyclable and is a great alternative to plastic.
Next up in the bathroom: contact lenses. Between daily, biweekly, and monthly contacts, there is a lot of plastic waste that comes from this form of eyewear. Whether or not you’re comfortable with your current contacts, look at the environmentally conscious and cost-effective contact lens options that are available. Even popular name brands like Biotrue have joined forces with Terracycle—a recycling business here in the U.S. collecting non-recyclable consumer waste—to offer recycling programs for both contact lenses and packaging. This is not only useful information for people looking for more eco-friendly contact lenses, but also for Biotrue users who may not have known how to recycle their contact waste. The more you know!
Another small way to make a sustainable change in the bathroom is by ditching toothpaste tubes. Every year, there are roughly 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes thrown away, landing in landfills and our oceans. Cut out the plastic, and look into toothpaste tabs in plastic-free packaging. Aluminum is another infinitely recyclable material, making it a more sustainable form of packaging in our hygiene routine.
Photo by Boxed Water
On the Go
Leaving your house and hitting the road? Whether it’s a trip to the store, a day at the office, or an extended road trip, make sure to continue to make sustainable choices on the go.
First and foremost, do not bring plastic water bottles. Single-use plastic water bottles are one of the largest contributors to the plastic crisis, and it’s easily avoidable. For one, you can bring a refillable mug or water bottle for your hot or cold beverages. It will both insulate better than plastic and be more earth-friendly. It’s a win-win.
If you somehow forgot your reusable bottle and need to stop for water, stop at a location that sells boxed water. With many options on the market, these plastic-free cartons give you the hydration you need without creating unnecessary waste.
Speaking of unnecessary waste, it’s no secret that plastic straws have been detrimental to our environment and marine life for years. It’s time to say no to plastic straws and utilize biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives. Between paper, stainless steel, bamboo, and glass, there are plenty of options on the market. To go a greener step further, a U.S.-based company has started making straws out of seaweed, which has numerous benefits to the environment. Seaweed is more regenerative than trees, it’s virtually zero-waste, creates healthy soil, and promotes healthy oceans. Now that is a solid alternative to harmful plastic!
Eliminate Products With Microbeads
Do you know those face washes with the little beads? While it may seem like a great exfoliant, those little beads wash down the drain and end up in our waterways, polluting the oceans with microplastics. If you’re looking for a simple place to start reducing plastic waste, do not buy these products.
These pinhead-sized plastics don’t dissolve or break down in the water, and also don’t get filtered out in water treatment plants. Because of this, we have trillions—yes trillion with a t—of microbeads getting rinsed down the drain each day. These plastics are inadvertently consumed by marine life, filling their stomachs and clogging their digestive tracts. Save our ocean wildlife and our water quality by saying no to products with microbeads.
Photo by GLP
A Parting Note
The next time you go to throw out a water bottle or forgo rinsing out the salad dressing container, don’t reassure yourself by thinking you’re only one person. With over 7 billion people in the world, everyone thinking they are just one person is what got us here in the first place. Let’s turn the tables on this plastic crisis, inspire others to support sustainability, and be the one person taking a step toward a positive change.