Plastic is found in virtually everything these days. Your food and hygiene products are packaged in it. Your car, phone and computer are made from it. And you might even chew on it daily in the form of gum. While most plastics are touted as recyclable, the reality is that they're “downcycled.” A plastic milk carton can never be recycled into another carton — it can be made into a lower-quality item like plastic lumber, which can’t be recycled.
The plastic waste ends up in landfills, beaches, rivers and oceans and contributes to such devastating problems as the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, a swirling vortex of garbage the size of a continent where plastic outnumbers plankton. Plus, most plastic is made from oil. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take that will dramatically decrease the amount of plastic waste you generate.
One of the easiest ways to keep plastic out of the landfill is to REFUSE PLASTIC STRAWS. Simply inform your waiter or waitress that you don't need one, and make sure to specify this when ordering at a drive-thru. Can't fathom giving up the convenience of straws? Purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass drinking straw. Restaurants are less likely to bring you a plastic one if they see that you've brought your own.
Reusable produce bags
About 1 MILLION plastic bags are used EVERY MINUTE, and a single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade (http://www.reuseit.com/learn-more/top-facts/plastic-bag-facts). If you're already bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, you're on the right track, but if you're still using plastic produce bags, it's time to make a change. Purchase some reusable produce bags and help keep even more plastic out of the landfill. However, avoid those bags made from nylon or polyester because they're also made from plastic. Opt for cotton ones instead.
Gum was originally made from tree sap called chicle, a natural rubber, but when scientists created synthetic rubber, polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate began to replace the natural rubber in most gum. Not only are you chewing on plastic, but you may also be CHEWING ON TOXIC PLASTIC — polyvinyl acetate is manufactured usingvinyl acetate, a chemical shown to cause tumors in lab rats (http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/behind_the_label/396637/behind_the_label_chewing_gum.html). While it is possible to recycle your gum, it may be best to skip it — and its plastic packaging — altogether.
BUY laundry DETERGENT and dish SOAP IN BOXES instead of plastic bottles. Cardboard can be more easily recycled and made into more products than plastic.
Buy from bulk bins
Many stores sell bulk food like rice, pasta, beans, nuts, cereal and granola, and opting to fill a reusable bag or CONTAINER with these items will save both money and unnecessary packaging. Stores have various methods for deducting the container weight so simply check with customer service before filling your container. Also, many cotton bags have their weights printed on their tags so they can simply be deducted at the checkout.
You can buy a variety of prepared foods in GLASS JARS instead of plastic ones, including spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, salsa and applesauce, just to name a few. Instead of throwing these away or recycling them, reuse the jars to store food or take them with you when you’re buying bulk foods. If you have plastic containers leftover from yogurt, butter or other food, don’t throw them out. Simply wash them and use them to store food.
There's no need for multiple plastic bottles of tile cleaner, toilet cleaner and window cleaner if you have a few basics on hand like BAKING SODA or VINEGAR. So free up some space, save some cash, and avoid those toxic chemicals by making your own cleaning products.
If your LUNCHBOX is full of disposable plastic containers and sandwich bags, it's time to make a change for the greener. Instead of packing snacks and sandwiches in bags, put them in reusable containers you have at home, or try lunch accessories. You can also opt for fresh fruit instead of single-serving fruit cups, and buy items like yogurt and pudding in bulk and simply put a portion in a reusable dish for lunch.
posted by Igor
