Plastic waste. Here are some useful tips to reduce plastic waste in our daily life thanks to small gestures to be put into practice every day.
Single-use plastic products and plastic packaging are a true symbol of the prevailing throw-away culture. In our daily life, however, we can put into practice some really simple gestures to reduce plastic waste.
Our purchasing choices are fundamental from this point of view. If companies don't do enough to reduce the volume of plastic packaging and non-recyclable packaging more generally, we can opt for different products and change the way we shop. Here are some useful and easy tips to put into practice every day.
Index
Avoid bottled water
Many households' supermarket trolleys are still loaded with bottled water. Plastic bottles are a major waste issue as they are not fully recyclable. The companies themselves they admit and plastic bottles are not fully recyclable and also the elusive 100% recyclable plastic bottle recently announced by a well-known multinational in reality does not yet exist on the market. Better then to choose tap water. If there are problems with drinking water at home, opt instead for glass bottles. When we are traveling or away from home, instead of the classic plastic bottle we should bring a water bottle with us.
2) Use cloth bags for shopping
It seems like one of the simplest tips to put into practice but not everyone remembers it. To reduce any type of rejection based on the use of disposable bags It is essential to bring with us reusable and easily washable shopping bags such as cloth bags, which last for a long time and can be reused for years. If we have old fabric at home and we know how to sew, we can easily make them ourselves with an extra saving.
Read also: 6 ways to make your shopping bags even greener
Do not buy disposable plates and glasses
It is a very important choice for reduce plastic waste. We are not talking about their occasional use, which perhaps by necessity can happen a couple of times a year, but of those who systematically buy disposable plastic plates and cups when they could use normal washable dishes without problems. Let's reflect on our choices: we can really do without disposable plates, glasses and cutlery.
Choose reusable containers
Another smart way to reduce plastic waste is by choosing washable and reusable containers for transporting and storing food. In this way we will have really durable objects available that will allow us, for example, to easily take lunch with us to work or to store food in the refrigerator without producing waste.
Say no to straws
There is one type of plastic waste that we may not pay enough attention to: it is straws. They are among the tools that have the shortest life. Anyone who walks into a bar and orders a soft drink or fruit juice will likely find themselves using a straw that will end up in the trash within minutes. We can definitely do without it. And if we prepare juices and smoothies at home and prefer to drink them through a straw, there is the possibility to buy reusable straws. For example, you could choose glass straws.
Choose washable nappies
One of the main steps a parent can take to reduce plastic waste is the choice of washable nappies. These diapers are reusable, they allow you to save money and above all to weigh less on the planet. At first the investment may seem expensive but there are alternatives such as nappies, which allow you to borrow washable nappies for the time you need.
Also read: 10 excuses not to use washable nappies
Limit foods with plastic packaging
This is probably one of the most difficult challenges to face: avoid or at least limit products with plastic packaging. We are talking above all about snacks, packaged cheeses, biscuits, frozen and similar products. Some packaging, with particular reference to biscuits and dried fruit, contain mixed plastic materials and are not recyclable. Check the packaging carefully and choose as much food products as possible that have recyclable packaging, such as paper, cardboard or glass.
Make juices and smoothies at home
Plastic bottles not only contain still or sparkling water but also juices and smoothies. If you usually buy juices in plastic bottles, you can try replacing them with juices and smoothies to be prepared at home from fresh fruit. They will be tastier, healthier and will allow you to reduce waste.
Shopping in bulk stores
If you have the opportunity to shop in a bulk product store present in your city, do not lose this good habit. You can really buy many products without packaging, starting with pasta and rice. In bulk and draft stores you will also find breakfast cereals, dried legumes for soups, dried and dried fruit, cosmetics and detergents without plastic packaging.
Prefer self-production
In your own small way, even if you don't have a lot of time, try to prefer i when you can homemade products starting from simple raw materials to be purchased in bulk at the market or that come directly from your garden. L'self it also extends to detergents, cosmetics, the making of toys and other items that do not include plastic. From this point of view too, everyone can really make a difference.
Marta Albè
Read also:
Goodbye plastic: the 7 ways to reduce packaging in the fruit and vegetable department
Plastic bags: Europe will have to reduce them by 50% by 2019
Bottled water banned in colleges uses to reduce plastic
