10 Easy And Affordable Way To Reduce Plastic

Want to reduce your plastic consumption but don't know where to start? You're not alone.

Plastic pollution is becoming a global environmental problem, and we all feel overwhelmed by the amount of plastic our society uses every day.

The good news is that there are many easy and affordable ways to make a difference. In this blog post, we'll share 10 simple tips that anyone can follow to reduce plastic consumption. Whether you're a busy parent or a student on a budget, there are ways to make a difference.

Why Is Reducing Plastic Important?

There are many reasons why reducing plastic is important, both for the environment and for our human health. Here are just a few reasons:

• Plastic Leach Harmful Chemicals Into Our Food: Some plastics contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health, including endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. Reducing our exposure to these chemicals can improve our health and well-being.
• Plastic Pollution Harm Wildlife: Animals often become entangled in plastic waste or mistake it for food, leading to blockages in their digestive system, injury, or death.
• Plastic Production Waste Resources: It takes a lot of energy and resources to produce plastic, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing process. Reducing plastic waste can help to conserve these resources and reduce our impact on the environment.
• Plastic Production Contributes To Climate Change: The production of plastic also requires fossil fuels, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing plastic production can help to mitigate climate change and its harmful effects.
• Plastic Pollution Is A Growing Problem: Millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, waterways, and landfills every year. If we don't reduce our plastic use, the problem will only get worse.

Summary: Plastic pollution is a growing concern worldwide that poses a significant threat to our environment, wildlife, and human health. By reducing plastic consumption, we can make a positive impact on the planet and create a sustainable future.

1. Carry A Reusable Water Bottle

By refilling it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, you can significantly reduce plastic waste. Also, invest in a durable, BPA-free water bottle and carry it with you wherever you go can save you money in the long run.

Fun Fact: A study done by the City of Newburgh found that drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day costs about $0.49 per year from tap water, but $1,400 with bottled water.

Tip: Carrying a reusable water bottle saves you money on bottled water and allows you to drink fresh, clean water whenever you need it. But be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria on your bottle.

Summary: One of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce your plastic consumption is to carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. This simple act can help reduce plastic pollution, save money, and improve your health. It's a simple way to make a big difference.

2. Say No To Plastic Straws

Fun Fact: According to the Florida Department Of Environmental Protection, 500 million straws are used in the United States every day. That's enough to fill 125 school buses.

Plastic straws are usually used for a few minutes and then discarded, but can take up to 200 years to decompose. They are not recyclable in most curbside recycling programs, so they often end up in landfills and oceans.

Surprisingly, plastic straws are one of the most common items found in ocean cleanups. So opt for reusable metal or bamboo straws, or simply enjoy your drink without a straw to reduce plastic waste.

Summary: Refusing plastic straws is another simple way to reduce plastic pollution and protect our environment. Just say no to plastic straws or use a more eco-friendly alternative like reusable metal or bamboo straws instead.

3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags

Plastic grocery bag is another small plastic item that is not recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. So remember to bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping to reduce the demand for another single-use plastic waste.

Fun Fact: According to The World Counts, 160,000 plastic bags are being used every second around the world! And about 5 trillion plastic bags are produced yearly. Side by side, they can encircle the world 7 times.

Also, some stores charge extra money for their shopping bags, so keeping reusable shopping bags handy is another excellent way to save money in the long run.

Summary: By bringing your own shopping bags when you go shopping, you can help reduce plastic pollution, save money, and live a more sustainable lifestyle. This simple act can help to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags that end up in landfills and oceans.

4. Switch To Reusable Food Storage Containers

Fun Fact: According to The Guardian, only 9% of all the plastic waste ever created has been recycled. Leaving 12% incinerated and 79% accumulated in landfills and the environment.

Single-use plastic take out food containers is another major source of plastic pollution. They are often used for a short period of time and then discarded, only to end up in landfills or oceans.

When storing food or leftovers, opt for reusable glass or metal food storage containers instead of plastic ones. These containers are more durable and can be reused for a long time.

Here are 3 tips for using reusable food storage containers:

• Wash them thoroughly with soap and water before using them for the first time.
• Clean them regularly after each use.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your food storage containers.

Summary: Stop using plastic take out food containers and switching to reusable glass or metal food storage containers is another simple way to reduce plastic waste end up in landfills or oceans.

5. Avoid Disposable Plastic Cutlery

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, disposable forks, spoons, and bowls can take up to 1,000 years to decompose naturally.

There are many alternatives to disposable cutlery that are more environmentally friendly and can be used for many times. Here are 2 examples:

• Metal Cutlery: Metal cutlery is durable and reusable. It can be washed and reused many times.
• Wooden & Bamboo Cutlery: Wooden cutlery is a sustainable alternative to disposable cutlery. They are biodegradable and compostable.

Tip: Carry a set of reusable cutlery with you, such as a metal or bamboo utensil set. This will help you avoid using disposable plastic cutlery when eating out or ordering takeout.

Summary: Disposable plastic cutlery is often used for just one meal and then discarded. By avoiding disposable plastic cutlery, you can help to reduce plastic waste sitting in landfill for up to 1,000 years.

6. Choose Products With Minimal Packaging

Another simple way to reduce your plastic footprint is to choose products with minimal packaging. This means avoiding products that are packaged in a lot of plastic or other materials that are not recyclable or compostable.

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, packaging is the largest end-use market segment of total plastic usage, with 40% of plastic produced used for packaging and then discarded after one use.

Tip: Buy in bulk whenever possible to reduce the amount of packaging for the purchase and the carbon emissions associated with multiple deliveries.

Summary: Many products are packaged in plastic, even when it's not necessary. When shopping, look for products with minimal packaging or packaging made from eco-friendly materials. This reduces the amount of plastic waste generated.

7. Use Ecopify Bamboo Toothbrush

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, about 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the United States, and almost none of them are recyclable. Plastic toothbrushes also make up a large portion of beach litter. In Hawaii, beach cleanup often turns up 20 to 100 toothbrushes.

Bamboo toothbrushes are designed to be a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes. They are made from fast-growing, renewable bamboo and are biodegradable and compostable, so they can be disposed of at the end of their life without harming the environment.

Ecopify bamboo toothbrushes are a great option for people who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly way to brush their teeth. They are made from high-quality bamboo with nylon bristles to give you the same cleaning effects as a traditional plastic toothbrush.

Summary: Instead of putting plastic in your mouth 2 times a day, switch to eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes designed to help you reduce plastic waste while providing the same cleaning quality.

8. Avoid Buying Single-Use Plastic Products

Fun Fact: Single-use plastics account for half of all plastic thrown away. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes, used just once and then thrown away.

Plastic is an extremely useful material due to its cheapness, versatility, durability, and availability. A simple plastic spoon or fork can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, so it does not make sense to use it once.

Making small changes in your shopping habits and avoiding buying single-use plastic products like bottled water, plastic straws, or disposable utensils can make a big difference in reducing plastic waste and conserving resources in the long run.

Summary: Avoid buying or using single-use plastic products. They are designed to be used once and then thrown away, and they often end up in landfills or incinerators, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose.

9. Support Businesses That Committed To Reducing Plastic

Fun Fact: Ecopify plants 5 new trees for every order. Every time you place an order, Ecopify will send a percentage of that money through the partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant 5 trees in deforested areas around the world. Here's how it works:

One of the best ways to reduce plastic waste is to support businesses that are committed to doing the same. (It is a win-win for you and for the environment)

These businesses are taking steps to reduce their use of plastic, and they are offering alternatives to plastic products. Here are a few examples of businesses that are committed to reducing plastic:

• Companies that use recycled materials, provide reusable packaging, and have recycling programs in place.
• Restaurants or food shops that provide reusable cutlery and other sustainable options like paper straws.
• Coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups.
• Zero-waste stores sell products without any harmful packaging.

Summary: When you buy from businesses that are committed to sustainability, you're not just supporting their products or services. You're also supporting their efforts to protect the environment. For example, for every purchase you make with Ecopify, they plant 5 new trees.

10. Spread Awareness

Fun Fact: Spreading awareness is a powerful tool for making the world a better place. By educating people about important issues, such as plastic pollution, they will be more likely to take action on that issue.

You don't have to go on this journey alone. Share your knowledge about the importance of reducing plastic with friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to adopt plastic-free habits and make a collective effort towards a greener future.

Also, get involved in your community, join a local environmental organization, or participate in cleanup drives. Support initiatives that promote sustainability and plant trees if possible.

Summary: The more people are aware of the problem, the more likely we are to find solutions. Also, you don't have to go on this journey alone, invite your family and friends or join your local community that seeking for the same goal as you.

Quick Takeaway

There are a number of things that we can do to reduce our reliance on plastic. Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to get started:

1. Carry A Reusable Water Bottle
2. Say No To Plastic Straws
3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
4. Switch To Reusable Food Storage Containers
5. Avoid Disposable Plastic Cutlery
6. Choose Products With Minimal Packaging
7. Use Ecopify Bamboo Toothbrush
8. Avoid Buying Single-Use Plastic Products
9. Support Businesses That Committed To Reducing Plastic
10. Spread Awareness

Reducing your plastic use doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. By following these simple recommendations from us, you can make a difference for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What are some alternatives to plastic bags?

Answer: Reusable cloth bags, paper bags, canvas bags, mesh bags and biodegradable bags made from plant-based renewable materials are all great alternatives to plastic bags. They all can be used for groceries, shopping, and other purposes.

Question #2: Are biodegradable plastics a good alternative?

Answer: Biodegradable plastics can be a better alternative to traditional plastics, however, they still require specific conditions to break down. It's important to dispose of them properly and prioritize reusable options whenever possible.

Question #3: Can recycling plastic solve the plastic problem?

Answer: While recycling can help to reduce plastic pollution, it is not a complete solution. Many types of plastic are not easily recyclable, and the process itself requires energy and resources. Reducing plastic consumption however is the most effective way to address this issue.