We’re all for protecting the environment, and one important way to do that is to stop using plastic. It may not be possible to remove absolutely all sources, but there are 5 ways you can nix most plastic from your life. You just have to know the biggest sources of plastic–and how to avoid them. It’s always a great idea to do your part to protect the earth!
Why You Should Stop Using Plastic
Besides studies that show plastic and its chemical ingredients are harmful to all humans, plastic is also responsible for harming marine animals and ecosystems. Why is that? Simply put, plastic never completely breaks down so it is always present in the environment. And the way the environment works, most of these residual plastics end up in our oceans. Pair that with the fact that most plastics we use {such as water bottles and sandwich bags} are designed for one use. That’s an incredible amount of plastic piling up!
One of those well-known chemical ingredients is BPA. It’s an additive that causes plastics to harden and is commonly found in things like reusable food storage containers and water bottles. Studies show that BPA is linked to things like autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Now if all that is enough to convince you, keep reading for ways to nix plastics from your life.
5 Ways To Nix Plastic From Your Life
Nixing most plastic from your life is easier than it sounds, and definitely worth it to protect your health and the health of the environment. Here’s how:
- The push toward using reusable water bottles instead of plastic isn’t new. If you are still buying and disposing of plastic water bottles, it’s time to make the switch to glass or stainless steel instead. Reusable stainless steel bottles are leaps and bounds above plastic, purely for the insulating power alone. Here’s an Amazon’s Choice insulated stainless water bottle worth trying.
- Stop using plastic baggies for lunches, sandwiches and snacks. Instead, invest in reusable food-grade bags that are biodegradable.
- The same goes for all your plastic food storage containers. Have you discovered the beauty of Snapware? Once you try them, you won’t go back to plastic.
- Take the plunge and stop using plastic grocery bags. Reusable bags are sturdier and easy to clean. Most stores offer them now, so it’s not hard to make the switch. One of the biggest sources of plastics clogging up our oceans is those plastic grocery bags. It just doesn’t have to be that way!
- Plastic straws are quickly becoming a thing of the past. It’s easy to do your part by not buying them anymore. Glass and stainless straws are a good investment, easy to use, and easy to clean. Paper straws are also available, but they aren’t as sturdy and don’t last as long. There’s no reason not to use glass or stainless straws instead of plastic.
Additional Ways to Stop Using Plastic
There are more easy ways to stop using plastic. They include taking your own refillable mug to soda and coffee shops, not using disposable razors, and buying non-disposable feminine products. Another way to help the environment is to have a paperless kitchen.
How will you nix plastic from your life?
