Yesterday was Earth Day. Since 1970 this date has been used to put focus on environmental protection around the world.
This year Earth Day’s focus was centred on ending plastic pollution. The continued growth and output of plastics in society is fast becoming one of the biggest threats to the survival of our planet.
Plastic pollution is having major effects on human hormones, marine wildlife, and is causing immense damage to our landscape. Earth Day hopes to help inform, and mobilise people across the globe to take personal action in preventing this growing problem.
Whilst living a plastic free life can be difficult in 2018, there are plenty of small changes you can make in your life to cut down your consumption of plastic goods.
Five easy changes you can make:
Stop using plastic straws
Whilst we can’t all afford $900 titanium straws like Beyoncé, we can make an effort to stop using plastic straws.
There are many venues around Australia now that have gone straw free, or are using recyclable straws in collaboration with The Last Straw. You can always find affordable reusable straws online, this particular brand has 22 different options!
Get a reusable coffee cup and water bottle
When you consider how many takeaway coffees you get on your way to work, or just during your life, the plastic adds up. It’s the same with water bottles. Getting a reusable coffee cup and a personal water bottle can seriously cut down your personal pollution.
You can also find cafes around that offer discount for anyone who brings their own reusable cup. By saving the earth, you can also save money.
Use non-plastic bags for shopping
It’s very easy to find alternative bagging options – most supermarkets sell their own branded ones. Otherwise you can just use that random tote bag you got given at that event that one time.
Reuse plastic products as much as possible
It’s pretty much impossible to live a plastic-free life these days. But you can make an effort to reuse the plastic in your life. Things like takeaway food containers are easy to wash and use for food storage again.
Make an effort to recycle
Landfills are currently clogged with plastics which take hundreds of years to break down. It’s easy to seperate your plastics, and even easier to remind your friends.
These are just a few of the things you can be doing to stop the growth of plastic pollution. If you want to learn more about plastic pollution and Earth Day’s plan to fight it, visit their site here.
