Simple Ways of Cutting Back on Plastic Usage

 

Frankly, using plastic has become inevitable in the world we live in today. It's packaging for the food and drinks we buy and even components of our cellular phones. However, it has become apparent over the last few years that it's actually an agent of destruction. It has killed marine life, burning it produces toxic substances harmful to us and the environment and it takes up a lot of much-needed space because it's not biodegradable.

 

If you decide to live a more sustainable life, you can actually lessen your usage of single-use plastics through these simple steps:

 

Stop the use of plastic straws

Remember that video of a straw being pulled out of a turtle's nose? Many of these small plastics end up in oceans being consumed by marine animals, even birds, and killing them. A number of major food corporations have already banned plastic straws and it's time for us to join in. We could always drink juices and water in restaurants without plastic straws and now, you can purchase bamboo or metal straws easily. 

 

Refuse plastic cutlery

Plastic cutlery is very common in fast food chains. If you’re ordering your food to go, you could always refuse plastic cutlery and use your spoon, forks, and chopsticks at home. You can also buy cutlery sets and pouch which you can bring to your school or workplace. 

 

Bring your own grocery bag

If you have an eco-bag or a tote bag, you can bring them when grocery shopping so you won’t need the big plastic bags especially if you bought dry products. Bringing a basket and tote bags have even become stylish nowadays. 

 

Always carry your tumbler

One of the most common plastics found in clean up drives and dumps are plastic bottles and cups. If you get thirsty a lot, make it a habit of bringing your tumbler. Even coffee and bubble tea shops like Starbucks and Macao Imperial nowadays sell tumblers and give you a discount every time you use it to cut back on plastic cups. 

 

Don't use plastic bags if you're able to carry things

When buying convenience stores like 7/11 and you know that you can just carry things with your hands, you can request not to put it in plastic anymore. With just the simple act of refusing, you get to cut back on plastic.

 

Getting rid of plastic cannot be done overnight but little by little, we can try and reduce our plastic usage for a more sustainable life.