How To Prevent Plastics From Polluting The Planet

The plastics industry is booming. 322 million metric tons of plastic products were produced in 2012, and it is estimated that 8 million metric tons end up in our oceans. These plastic products decompose at a snail’s pace. Plastic bottles, for example, have an estimated lifespan of 450 years. So, how can we help reduce plastic use?

Bottles

We can help alleviate the flow of bottles into the ocean by purchasing refillable water bottles. However, we all have those off days when we might have forgotten our bottle at home. In cases like these, why not buy a plastic bottle and refill it throughout the day? Plastic water bottles don’t have to be single use – just make sure you recycle them when you’re finished.

Trips to the coffee shop can also have a negative environmental impact. Consider bringing a ceramic mug or refillable coffee mug on your next trip to Starbucks or Panera.

Bags

The concept of taxing plastic bags has been a talking point for many news outlets. The real solution may not be taxes, however, but reusable shopping bags. Leave a few in your trunk for your next shopping trip. If more people refuse plastic bags at grocery stores, less will be produced – which means less would wind up in our oceans.

Straws

Eating out gives us another opportunity to take a step in the right direction. Heartbreaking videos have shown the effect that straws, a product we overlook so easily, can have on turtles living in our oceans. Refusing a plastic straw is a simple step one can take to protect our wildlife.

These are just a few ways we can make an impact in our day to day lives. Keep your eyes open for other simple ways to avoid single-use plastics. Bring lunch from home rather than eating fast food. Choose a cone for your ice cream rather than a cup. Small decisions like these all have an impact on our oceans and planet.