Why reduce the use of plastic?

The global awareness of the crisis caused by the large-scale production of plastics is constantly increasing. The global plastic production increased from 2.3 million tons per year in 1950 to a staggering 448 million tons in 2015. Many plastics are not recyclable, or can only be recycled once or twice, and then end up in landfills – or even worse, in rivers, oceans, soil, and ultimately into our bodies.

If you consider the following factors, the damage caused by plastic to the Earth will become even more alarming:

It is expected that plastic production will more than double by 2030 and nearly triple by 2050.

If we continue to follow the current trajectory, by 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean will be more than fish.

Although some plastics are recyclable, only 9% of the plastics produced so far have been recycled, with the majority remaining in our natural environment.

The plastic that ultimately enters the environment will decompose into tiny fragments called microplastics, which exist in the stomachs of animals and become pollutants in our soil, water, and even food!

More than 40% of plastic waste is packaging.

Disposable plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, cups, plates, and utensils, are used only once and for a few minutes, but they will remain on Earth forever because plastics cannot biodegrade.

Plastic will have an impact on climate change throughout its entire lifecycle – from hydraulic fracturing and extraction of native resources, to the production of chemical processing plants that emit air pollution, to their disposal.

How to reduce plastic usage in households and other settings?

We need to change our route. That’s why organizations around the world are working together to help consumers reduce their use of disposable plastics.

Replace plastic Tupperware containers with glass or steel containers

If you have indeed used plastic, please put the plastic waste into the correct recycling container and follow the local recycling service

Avoid using cosmetics containing microplastics

Buy less clothes and only clean them when necessary – a single cleaning can result in 700000 microplastic particles being released into the environment. Buy “natural” fabrics such as cotton, linen, and linen. The amount of water required to process these materials is much lower than that of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, and their service life is longer

Use refillable water bottles

Make your own cleaning products – use a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water as a universal spray cleaner (store it in a reusable spray bottle) and clean it.

Carrying a disposable water bottle

This is the simplest and easiest method! Instead of continuing to purchase bottled water and increasing plastic usage, it’s better to invest in a high-quality water bottle that can be carried around. Carrying your own water bottle with you not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint, but also helps you maintain a daily water intake.

Use a tote bag when shopping

Don’t go to the store anymore, bring more plastic bags when you go home. On the contrary, it is important to consider in advance and bring a recyclable bag, such as a cloth tote bag – not necessarily the New Yorker’s type! Plastic bags will be sent to landfills where the sun heats them up and releases chemicals into the atmosphere. By using non plastic bags, this situation can be restricted from occurring.

Use reusable coffee cups

Many coffee shops still use plastic to make cups and lids for you to order coffee. You can purchase reusable cups, which not only keep your chosen beverage warm and safe, but also reduce the amount of plastic you use. In addition, some great coffee shops sometimes offer discounts when you use the cups!

Forget the cling film

When it comes to kitchen supplies, using aluminum foil instead of cling film is the best choice. Plastic wrap cannot be recycled, while aluminum foil can. You can also choose beeswax strips as another more sustainable alternative to cling film.

Call for environmental action

The ‘Plastic Treatment Action‘ calls on you and me to participate together

Plastic pollution, also known as white pollution, is a visual term for the phenomenon of environmental pollution caused by waste plastics. It refers to the disposal of plastic products such as packaging bags, agricultural films, disposable tableware, plastic bottles, etc. made of high molecular weight compounds such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride into solid waste after use. Due to random littering, it is difficult to degrade and dispose of, causing pollution to the ecological environment and landscape.

1. Enhance awareness of plastic reduction and environmental protection

Starting from oneself, actively support and promote plastic reduction and ban policies, and strive to become promoters and practitioners of plastic pollution control.

2. Establish a good consumption concept

When dining out, avoid using disposable plastic knives, forks, spoons, and other utensils. Try to bring your own reusable utensils, actively say “no” to plastic products that do not comply with relevant national regulations, and be more tolerant and understanding of various substitute products.

3. Develop green shopping habits

Heavy lifting of cloth bags, heavy lifting of vegetable baskets, reuse of durable shopping bags, and refusal to use disposable plastic bags.