Global plastic pollution is an issue which we should all address in 2024. According to reports from the UN Environment Programme, plastic waste ranging from 19-23 million tonnes ends up in aquatic ecosystems every year.
Moreover, plastic waste also seeps into landfills, which enter our food chains through our crops, and even through livestock. What’s more alarming is that plastic is even present in the air we breathe.
And the majority of plastic pollution occurs through the use of single-use plastics. These types of plastics, when once thrown away, take thousands of years to decompose.
However, the problem lies in the fact that single-use plastics are everywhere. So, what’s the solution, and the alternative?
The answer lies in using recyclable plastic. Thus, in this blog, we shall discuss 7 simple, yet smart solutions to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
So, keep reading to find out more.
Understanding the problem with single-use plastic
Single-use plastics are plastic items that are meant to be used only once before they are thrown away. Some common examples of single-use plastics are – plastic bags, straws, plastic water and soft drink bottles, and even food wrappers.
These types of single-use plastics pose an immense environmental threat for a number of reasons listed below.
1. Longevity
Plastics take hundreds of years to break down. During this time, they accumulate in our environment, and thus, contribute to plastic waste.
2. Pollution
Single-use plastics often end up in oceans, rivers and other types of natural areas. Thus, they start to pollute our water and land. This can cause harm to wildlife, as animals can mistake plastic for food and consume it, or even get entangled in it.
3. Microplastics
When single-use plastics break down, they form tiny particles of plastic called microplastics, these microplastics can be found everywhere, from the food we eat to the water we drink.
The Need for Change
We need to address the concern with single-use plastic immediately. This is because plastic waste is increasing at a rapid rate. Studies show that at the current rate, plastic waste is expected to outnumber all the fish in our seas by the year 2050!
Moreover, every year, the plastic waste that enters the ocean impacts marine life severely and leads to deaths and disruptions in the ecosystems.
Microplastics also enter our food chains and are present in the water we drink and even in the air we breathe. The health effects of them include inflammation and toxicity, while the long-term effects are still being studied.
Thus, if we continue to use single-use plastics, then our future generations will face severe consequences like:
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1. Environmental degradation
Natural landscapes, waterways, and oceans will become increasingly polluted.
2. Health risks
The presence of microplastics in our food chains can have severe adverse health effects for our future generations.
3. Resource depletion
Continued use of single-use plastics will deplete valuable natural resources and make them scarcer for our future generations.
Solutions for Reducing Single-Use Plastic
As you can see, single-use plastics can severely harm both our environment, as well as our health. Thus, reducing the impact of single-use plastic through alternative products is crucial to reduce plastic waste.
This is why, below we have listed 7 solutions that you can try incorporating.
1. Switch to reusable water bottles
We need to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics which is crucial for a sustainable future. And adopting simple and practical solutions can make all the difference.
One change is switching to reusable plastic water bottles which aren’t made from non-recyclable plastics. For example, Varmora offers durable, and BPA-free plastic water bottles which are safe and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Another great way to reduce the use of single-use plastics is by using reusable tiffin boxes. These tiffin boxes can be used for packing lunches and even your meals when you are travelling.
Varmora offers ISO-certified, food-grade plastic tiffin boxes which are a much more sustainable option as compared to single-use plastic tiffin boxes. These tiffin boxes from Varmora are safe to use and also help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from food packaging that is not disposable in nature.
3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
Have you ever thought about bringing your own shopping bags? Well, this is another practical and effective way to cut down on the use of single-use plastics.
If you start bringing your own shopping bags when shopping or visiting the market, then you won’t need to use the single-use bags provided by the shopkeeper. If more people started this practice, then it would save us a lot of plastic waste from being generated.
4. Choose Reusable Straws and Utensils
Single-use plastic straws and utensils are another major contributor to plastic waste. Switching to reusable alternatives can have a huge environmental benefit.
There are plenty of reusable plastic straws that you can buy online. Another option is to use glass or paper straws. Straws made from these materials are recyclable in nature, and do not contribute to the global plastic pollution.
5. Refuse Single-Use Plastic Packaging
In addition to the points mentioned above, it is important to refuse single-use plastic packaging and opt for products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.
There are plenty of plastic products that are further wrapped or packaged in single-use plastics, which makes them non-recyclable in nature.
However, this is where Varmora has also innovated and is offering its products in sustainable packaging. This is helping to reduce plastic waste to a great extent.
6. Support Zero-Waste Initiatives
Supporting zero-waste initiatives is another great way to fight plastic pollution. Businesses that promote zero-waste practices and alternatives to single-use plastics deserve support from the public.
Varmora, for example, employs sustainable manufacturing practices to minimise plastic waste in their production processes. This demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.
7. Spread Awareness and Advocate for Change
The battle to reduce plastic waste doesn’t end with refusing single-use plastics. Both companies and customers need to advocate for positive change.
Some vital steps in this initiative are encouraging others to understand the impact of plastic waste and also supporting policies that promote sustainable alternatives.
Varmora is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and advocating for sustainable solutions. Their policies also include offering a range of long-lasting reusable plastic homeware products that customers can continue to use for years to come.
Final thoughts
Thus, as you can see, switching to BPA-free plastic containers offers several advantages over traditional BPA-containing plastics. So, the next time you are in the market looking for plastic storage containers, make sure you choose wisely and purchase the ones that are labelled as BPA-free.
This will not only provide you with a plethora of benefits but also persuade shopkeepers and retailers to refrain from stocking BPA plastics in their inventory.
Thus, embrace BPA-free products now and ensure a healthier and safer future for yourself and your family.