As global citizens, safeguarding our planet should be our top priority. The ubiquitous use of single-use plastic has been a longstanding problem for our world. And it’s only getting worse.
However, together with Bottleless Nation, we can protect the environment from the detrimental effects of plastic and transition to a more sustainable future that’s plastic- and bottle-free. To help you on this journey, we have compiled eight practical tips for reducing plastic usage – and you can start today!
Why Should We Reduce Our Plastic Use?
Plastic has significantly contributed to our environmental issues, with over 8.3 billion tonnes produced since the 1950s — 60% of that in landfills or nature. Additionally, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the oceans yearly. Experts also predict that plastic could ultimately account for 20% of the world’s total oil consumption by 2050.
Reducing plastic use is vital for preventing pollution, conserving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, it decreases reliance on fossil fuels and saves energy. So, what’s not to love about reducing your plastic use?
8 Ways to Reduce Plastic Use
The damaging impact of single-use plastics is hard to miss. And while brands and supermarkets have a bigger power to initiate change, we, too, can play our part in protecting our environment. Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or new to the cause, we’ve compiled eight easy and accessible tips to reduce plastic waste.
1. Say No to Plastic Straws
Five hundred million plastic straws are used in the United States each day, contributing to alarming levels of waste. Instead of single-use plastic straws, consider using eco-friendly options like glass, stainless steel, bamboo, or paper straws. Not only can you wash and reuse them, but you’ll also do your part in reducing plastic waste. Sip your favorite drink guilt-free with a straw that won’t harm the environment.
2. Bring your Shopping Bag
It’s common to see overflowing carts of plastic bags leaving the grocery store every minute. But we can all make a difference by choosing a more eco-friendly option. If you’re still using single-use plastic bags, it’s time to switch things up and go green. Reusable bags are tougher, more durable, can hold more weight, and are better for the environment.
3. Carry a Reusable Bottle
Did you know American send more than 38 billion plastic bottles to the landfills every year? The 2019 International Coastal Cleanup also found that plastic bottles are the most common everyday items that pollute the oceans. So, don’t contribute to that number! Instead, you can help by carrying a reusable bottle or reusable coffee cup.
4. Avoid Excessive Plastic Packaging
Packaging waste is a global issue, with the United States alone generating almost a quarter of landfill waste from food-related plastic packaging. To do your part in this, try avoiding products that have excessive plastic packaging. Look for brands or shops that offer the same products that you’re looking for with less packaging.
5. Shop in Bulk
Try shopping the bulk aisle at your local market and getting reusable containers instead of relying on pre-packaged options to reduce your packaging waste. An added benefit is that buying loose produce is often less expensive than pre-packaged options! These small actions can lead to significant results – and a cleaner, healthier planet.
6. Put your Plastic Waste in the Correct Recycling Bin
Recycling your plastics is an effective way to contribute! This way, your trash goes to the right places and doesn’t just end up randomly in landfills or in any other places it shouldn’t be in.
7. Switch to Bar Soap
Reduce plastic consumption effortlessly by switching from liquid pump to bar soap. Bar soap is available in paper or cardboard instead of plastic wrap, which is easily recyclable and eliminates the need for plastic. Buying powdered laundry detergent packaged in cardboard boxes is also an excellent way to reduce plastic usage.
8. Invest in a Bottleless Water Cooler
Plastic bottles may seem small, but their environmental impact is colossal. Americans purchase nearly 30 billion single-use plastic water bottles every year, and a staggering 27 billion of these bottles end up in landfills. Eliminate plastic waste and access an endless water supply with bottleless water coolers from Bottleless Nation dealers!
Not only will this be helpful in preventing waste, especially from your business, but also help you save money on plastic jugs and pallets of water.
Ways to Get Your Local Community Involved in Reducing Plastic Waste
Joining or founding a community group in your area dedicated to reducing plastic waste is an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals. It makes the journey toward sustainability more manageable for everyone involved and fosters relationships with local purveyors, marketplaces, businesses, schools, councils, and other organizations! Here are a few ways to get your local community involved in reducing plastic waste:
Get Your Local Council Involved
Communities nationwide are banding together to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Many local councils have pledged to decrease their single-use plastic footprint. Contact your local councilors to inform them about their progress and encourage further action. You can also email or attend a public meeting to ask questions.
Organize a Litter Pick
Unite your loved ones, neighborhood, and community by planning a collaborative clean-up event in your area! You can join forces to keep the environment spotless and safe for families and communities.
Use Social Media to Raise Awareness
Join the fight against plastic pollution and excessive packaging by sharing articles, personal stories, and petitions. Research has proven that posting about the steps you take on social media inspires those close to you to do the same.
Create A Plastic-Free World With Bottleless Nation
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with the staggering amount of plastic waste choking our landfills and oceans. However, even minor shifts in behavior can add up over time to create a significant impact. Join the movement towards sustainability and eco-friendliness with Bottleless Nation!
Our mission is to reduce the distribution of plastic bottles and support businesses in their growth toward a greener future. When you consider that countless others are making similar changes to curb plastic waste, it becomes clear that we can all contribute meaningfully to creating a better, cleaner world. Join us and be a part of an environmentally-conscious movement!
Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Photo by Nadia Pimenova on Unsplash
Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
