6 Ways to reduce plastic waste on a day-to-day basis

By MiNDFOOD

6 Ways to reduce plastic waste on a day-to-day basis
Start today with these simple everyday easy-to-follow tips.

Data from the British government shows that approximately 358 items per square kilometer were found in the ocean in 2016, of which over 75% were plastic. The results, published in The Guardian, are a reminder that we must constantly work to reduce our plastic wastage in order to clean up our countryside and waters.

Here are 5 simple ways you can minimise your plastic usage – and waste – on a day-to-day basis.

  • Say no to plastic shopping bags: one of the easiest ways to cut back on plastic is to take a reusable shopping bag with you to the supermarket. Once you get into the habit of keeping a reusable bag in your car, you’ll find this is an easy transition to make
  • Buy a real bottle: purchasing a long lasting eco drink bottle prevents an enormous amount of unnecessary plastic waste from entering the bin. There are plenty of brands making sustainable bottles that have added benefits such as keeping your water cold for longer.
  • Box it: choose items that come in cardboard boxes rather than plastic bottles. Often household items such as laundry powder are available in both types of packaging. As cardboard is more easy to recycle than plastic, choosing cardboard packaging is a greener option.
  • Buy bulk: when possible, visit stores that enable you to fill a large reusable bag with items that you would otherwise purchase multiple packages of. This includes pasta, rice, flours, sugars and more.
  • Reuse glass: glass jars have many different uses aside from storing sauces and condiments. When you’re finished with your jam jar, why not use it as a vase filled with colourful wildflowers? If you’re a creative type, using jars as a vessel for wax candles is a sustainable way to make gifts.
  • Avoid straws: straws are single-use plastic items that, in most cases, are not necessary. Say no to straws when buying drinks at restaurants and bars, and stick to stainless steel options if you need to use one.

 

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