How much plastic is there?
- Oct 24, 2019
- 2 min read
Plastic has been around for some time, and when you look at the numbers it can be alarming. To date we have created 8.3 billion pounds of plastic. That number is the equivalent to the weight of 1 billion elephants. Now that all this plastic exists, what are we to do with it? The world is struggling on how to solve this issue.
To understand how the world got to the place it is today, it's important to understand the history of plastic. Check out the video below, Plastics 101 by National Geographic.
So what can you do? We may not be able to help with the plastic that is already out in the world, but we can stop using it. Reducing the amount of plastic is key. The less we use, the less companies will make and then the less we are putting into our environment. Everyone has to step up and reduce there consumption of plastic. Can you take on that challenge?
Below is a list of things you can do to reduce your plastic use. These tips can be found at greeneducationfoundation.org
Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw
Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often!
Give up gum. Gum is made of a synthetic rubber, aka plastic.
Buy boxes instead of bottles. Often, products like laundry detergent come in cardboard which is more easily recycled than plastic.
Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging.
Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk.
Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop
Bring your own container for take-out or your restaurant doggy-bag since many restaurants use styrofoam.
Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter.
Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you'll be eating fewer processed foods!
Don't use plasticware at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box.
Ask your local grocer to take your plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) back. If you shop at a farmers market they can refill it for you.
The EPA estimates that 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the US each year. Use cloth diapers to reduce your baby's carbon footprint and save money.
Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It's healthier and better for the environment.
Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner.
Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups.
Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor
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