We all know that plastic is bad for our health and environment. Have you ever thought about how much damage it causes underwater?
For example, every year we abandon 8 million plastic garbage in water (as the UNEP leaders tell us). Not only are we responsible for the destruction of underwater habitats but also we’re putting in danger the survival of entire species of water pollution.
This ‘’garbage vortex’’ has a name, Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This is literally a huge plastic island in the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, there are many more, smaller than this one, scattered across the waters of our planet.
The problem is serious, just think about the island’s extent. It’s larger than Spain! It was formed in the ‘80s and since then, it has caused lots of victims. Fish, turtles, and birds, just to name some examples. If we keep on acting like that, by 2050 there will be more waste than fish in the sea. At least, this is what experts claim.
1. Drink tap water or buy glass bottles
The World Health Organization has warned that plastic pollution is a serious global health threat, and the United Nations has said that more than 60% of all litter in the oceans comes from plastic.
If the tap water tastes good and it’s drinkable, you shouldn’t buy liters and liters of water in disposable bottles. Not only could you save up money, but also you’ll produce less plastic waste.
2. Avoid plastic bags
On holiday, don’t carry your things in plastic bags. Instead, take with you cloth and cotton bags, or rigid bags that you can reuse (they are more difficult to split). Alternatively, you can use biodegradable bags.
If you are going on a trip with your children, try to avoid buying toys made from plastic. For example, instead of buying a plastic toy car for your child, buy a wooden one.
Don’t use plastic plates and cups when eating outdoors or at home. Take with you some reusable tableware made of wood or other material that is easy to clean.
3. Get rid of single doses
Plastic is a problem for our planet. It’s everywhere, from the plastic bags we take with us to the grocery store, to the straws we use at restaurants, and even the toothbrushes we use at home.
Plastic waste is one of the biggest problems that humanity faces today, but it’s also one of the easiest to solve. We can all make small changes in our lives that will help reduce our use of plastic and make a big impact on our planet. Here are some ways you can avoid single-use plastics.
4. Travel with your water bottle
Save the earth from plastic! Get yourself a bottle and fill it when you need water. Save money by avoiding the excessive use of water bottles and make your own decisions about saving the environment.
5. Get yourself a travel kit
Avoid using plastic dishes and cutlery when you’re outside. Your kids might not understand the full impact of their waste, but they can make a difference by showing the caring adults in their lives that they care about the world around them.
6. Avoid snacks
When you spend the whole day out of home, make sure that you have sack food with you, for example, a sandwich. In this way, you won’t have to buy packed snacks! You can also use it in your workplace: keep it away from plastic bags or use reusable ones.
7. Pick up alternative straws
If you drink using straws, think of choosing one of the many more ecological options that exist. Reusable straws made of glass, paper or bamboo are pieces of art and extremely useful to help the environment.
8. Use fabric napkins and handkerchiefs
Saving the environment from plastic waste is important for us. Please recycle and use paper handkerchiefs to save our planet from pollution.
9. Buy cardboard or in-glass products
Addiction to disposable plastic is destroying the environment and you can help by avoiding products with plastic packaging or drinks in disposable bottles. Choose those in glass or cupboard, easier to dispose of.
10. Try creative recycling!
Do you have a plastic bottle to throw away? Don’t do it! Use it to create toys or useful stuff for your home. Save the earth from plastic pollution and reuse what you already have.
