How to Help Reduce the Consumption of Plastic
Hello fellow friends. As I was reading the news this morning, I came across a story that truly broke my heart: the carcass of a pregnant sperm was found washed up on the Italian island of Sardinia. And hold up, because that’s not the worst part. The whale had 22 kilograms, equivalent to 49 pounds, of plastic in its stomach and was carrying a dead fetus. You may be thinking this is just another story out of the hundreds you’ve already seen in the media and while scientists are still investigating the whales cause of death, this is a huge problem.
According to EDN, each year over 100,000 marine animals and one million birds die from ingesting and choking on plastic. The influence of anthropogenic factors is now intruding every aspects of the environment, particularly in animals. Humans fail to realize that by not protecting the environment, they are posing a threat to the their own existence. Harming the environment doesn’t just affect the animals, it affects you too! We need plants, clean water and air to survive. Without those fundamental necessities, we are nothing. Just like we rely on the Earth for existence, animals are also responsible for keeping the balance of nature as well as making the ecosystem work. So, conserving and protecting wildlife is crucial.
After hearing about all these terrifying stories, it does make me happy that more individuals from our generation are coming together to increase environmental awareness, in hopes for a greener future. The European Parliament has also recently approved a law banning a wide-range of single-use plastic items, such as straws, cotton buds and cutlery, by 2021. MEPs also agreed a target to collect and recycle 90% of beverage bottles by 2029. I believe with the help of the general public, a similar legislation will soon be passed in the U.S. Wondering how you can help the environment and steps you can take to reduce the consumption of plastic? Read the tips listed below:
STOP using plastic straws – Who needs them anyways? None of us enjoy seeing those disturbing images and videos of turtles with straws up their noses. If you find straws so useful, even though they’re not (we’re just lazy), use reusable straws instead.
Use disposable shopping bags – This one’s huge. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a national law that banned the use of plastic bags in all grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience shops? Most reusable bags are extremely cheap – a small investment to help your planet.
Use reusable water bottles – I personally love my swell. Not only is great for the environment but it keeps your water so fresh and cold.
Recycle – Even though not all plastics are reusable, a lot of things are. Begin by learning what is and isn’t, and start recycling.
Don’t use plastic – So funny! When possible, choose items that are not made from plastic. For example, choose metal razors over plastic ones. Select that metal hanger over the plastic one. Also, quit using plastic-ware. Don’t be afraid to wash the dishes.
Buy from bulk bins – Not only is it better for the environment, but it saves you money. We all took an economics class or two in high school. The cost per unit is what matters, right? Lol but really, start putting this into practice.
Plastic containers are a No – Okay, I get it. You bring your food to work. Meal prepping is an important part of your life. Replace those plastic containers with glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers.
Buy fewer packaged foods – Replace this with fresh foods. It’s better for both the environment and your health.
With these simple practices, you can help the environment in millions of ways. Become an advocate for this and encourage your friends and peers to do so as well. Together, we can make mother nature a better place and more beautiful than what she already is. Picture those beautiful sights you see when traveling.
