It’s time to break up with plastic.
Our relationship with plastic just isn’t working out. The planet is literally drowning in it. It’s infiltrated every corner of the earth including our food chain. This a global crisis that needs everyone’s immediate attention to reverse. We must all use far less. Companies also need to be held responsible for the packaging they put into the market but that’s a topic for another day. For now, it’s up to us as consumers to let companies know we’re not buying their overly packaged products anymore. You vote everyday with the money you spend, make your vote count!
Before we get started let’s tackle one of the biggest myths around plastics. When I talk about avoiding plastic in my life, inevitably the first thing I’m told is that “it’s recyclable.” Yes, some plastics are recyclable, but of those only a tiny percentage (9%-11% based on my research) are ever recycled. It’s not a matter of putting it in the right bin, we are simply introducing more than can ever be processed.
With that said – let’s make some changes!
Put convenience in the back seat, it’s been riding shotgun for far too long…
Let’s start by being real. As a society, we’ve put convenience first for far too long. Our convenience isn’t the most important thing, the health of the environment is. Significantly reducing/eliminating the use of plastic means going without something now and then. We’ve become a culture of instant gratification. We’re used to getting everything we want right when we want it so it’ll take a little reprogramming and the forming of new habits and routines to turn the tide but we can do it!
Evaluate the packaging of every purchase & available alternatives…
Before you buy anything evaluate the packaging of it and of the alternatives surrounding it. Is there an equivalent product available that’s better packaged? Here’s an easy example: those salad greens that come in plastic tubs, so convenient, already washed and ready to eat? Leave it on the shelf and choose loose lettuces instead. Yes, you’ll have to wash it and cut it up yourself but this choice has a sliver of the footprint the plastic tub has. Maybe there isn’t a better alternative around. If not, it’s time to ask yourself if you really need whatever it is. The more mindful we become the easier it will be to make better choices.
Small changes multiplied by billions of people = HUGE CHANGE!
Some things might feel small but on a global scale every change you make has a huge impact on the amount of overall plastic entering the environment. Just think of each change multiplied by billions of people each day. Become a warrior against plastic in your community by speaking out about plastic use in your daily life. Tell businesses you want friendly packaging! Let managers of restaurants using plastic know you’ll be bringing your business elsewhere. Go on Yelp and leave a review for places doing it well & those not doing it so well.
Celebrate your success & the successes you see in your community. Bring awareness to those around you in a respectful way, set an example for others, and together we can make an enormous difference!
Stay warm friends!