Over usage of plastic is one of the major reasons for the environmental pollution all over the world. Although it is becoming a trend to reject plastic usage, non-biodegradable plastic is still popular among the people due to the convenience of usage. Since this problem has a huge impact on both land and aquatic environment, this is the time that we should think before buying another plastic item that leads to a polluted earth. Here are some simple ways to swap plastic in your day today life.
Just think for a moment, how many grocery bags do you bring home returning from the market? At least 4-5 polythene bags will be there with you which make a huge accumulation at the end of the month. Surely, most of those grocery bags cannot be reused as they are already wasted or damaged and also you will not. Next time when you go to the market, just grab some durable, reusable grocery bags made of cloth, which are now available in the market. You can wash and reuse them for a long time. And also do not forget to bring a box for your meat products, a bottle for oil and liquid items. This small step will stop monthly or weekly accumulation of polythene bags in your kitchen, making a big difference.
Water! What we cannot live without. Single use water bottles or PET water bottles are the major reason for the plastic pollution at global level. Are you also still contributing towards that major crisis? Take your own water bottle wherever you go, and refill it once finished off.
How many of you are carrying your own lunch box instead of lunch sheets? A great initiative to cut down polythene waste is carrying a lunch box. Even if you are buying bakery products from the supermarket, try to bring them in your own box or a container instead of polythene bags.
Single-use plastic! The major problem as we all know and plastic spoons and straws are two major characters of the family. When you are buying yogurts next time, do not ask for plastic spoons as you are having spoons enough at home. Be smart enough to carry a set of your own reusable cutlery kit including spoon, fork, knife and straw which are made of wood or stainless steel to reduce single-use plastic tools. Washing and reusing them is good for your personal hygiene also.
Have you ever thought about the contribution of your plastic toothbrush towards the plastic problem? As it is recommended every individual has to replace a new toothbrush once in every three months. How much will it be for your whole life time? Yes! Time to use a better alternative. Bamboo toothbrush is a good alternative as it is biodegradable except the fiber part. There are also some brushes in the market with replaceable heads which are more sustainable than single use plastic brushes.
Eco-friendly rugs and brooms are another swap. When there are plenty of eco-friendly products available in the Sri Lankan market why do we buy plastic items yet?
Are there any plastic pots in your garden? Let’s buy some no-plastic pots and vases next time for gardening. In the current market there are different kinds of pots made of cement, clay, coir, wood etc. which is a better option. And these are usable for both inside and outside decorations also.
When you are shopping try to buy recycled products to encourage recycling processes done for a better earth.
Last but not least, ask yourself for alternative packaging instead of plastic and polythene before you buy. Always look for cardboard packages and glass containers over plastic which are more sustainable. Encourage yourself to swap plastic to eco-friendly, more sustainable products. Try to buy multi-packs instead of few single packs and buy only what you need and when you need to reduce wastage. Buy loose food items instead of packed items if possible.
These are some easy ways to cut down plastic waste in our daily life. We should not be late furthermore to make this small change. All we have to do is THINK BEFORE BUY!
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