Plastic was first invented in 1907, and since then, it has invaded almost every aspect of our lives. Plastic is cheap and durable, but it’s also harmful to the environment and sometimes deadly to wildlife when disposed of improperly.
A massive amount of single-use plastic is used and thrown away each year. Fortunately, we each have the ability to stop the problem at its source. These are some excellent resources for better understanding the problem of plastic pollution and how we can be the solution.
Knowing The Problem
Why is it important to reduce our plastic use, and where can we even begin? When working toward reducing your reliance on plastic, it can help to understand what the problem is and what the first steps are. Here are a few excellent resources to get you going.
10 Facts That Will Make You Ditch Single-Use Plastic
Did you know that single use plastic accounts for half of all plastic thrown away? Or that half a million single-use plastic straws are thrown out every day? These are just two of ten astonishing facts about single-use plastic.
10 Horrible Facts About The Bottled Water Industry (And What You Can Do About It)
The bottled water industry is one of the most wasteful around. These plastic bottles once thrown away can harm nature, wildlife, and even you. Get to know the bottled water industry and you’ll think twice about grabbing that bottled water off the shelf.
6 Most Common Types Of Litter Found In The Ocean
What happens to all that plastic once we’re done using it? Sadly, much of it winds up in the ocean, ruining pristine beaches and harming wildlife. Learn more about what litter is most commonly found in the ocean and how to stop it.
8 Ways To Reduce Your Reliance On Plastic
Ready to start taking your first steps to a plastic free life? This resource is a good place to start. These are 8 truly simple things that everyone can do to begin reducing their plastic footprint.
In The Kitchen
Your kitchen is the one place in your home where it’s easiest to go overboard on plastic. Because of this, the kitchen is the best place to start when reducing your plastic use. These are some good resources for creating a plastic waste free kitchen.
10 Essentials For A Plastic Free Kitchen
The first steps toward a plastic free kitchen don’t have to be leaps. Simple, small steps can make a huge difference. These are 10 essentials for a plastic free kitchen.
5 Ways To Get Closer To being Zero Waste
Once you’ve got your essentials for a plastic free kitchen, you can start to look at reducing waste elsewhere in your kitchen. This includes making sure you’re recycling things correctly, composting, and reducing how much single-use plastic you’re picking up at the store. Check out 5 ways you can get closer to being zero waste!
In The Office
Reducing your plastic use at home is a great personal choice to make, but rallying your office to start reducing plastic and overall waste takes it to the next level! These are some ways you can begin reducing plastic use in the office.
6 Ways To Create A Zero Waste Office
One of the greatest things we can accomplish as lovers of the environment is creating zero-waste spaces at home and work. It’s not as easy as you think. Many of the products we use are geared toward eventually creating waste. Here are six ways to break out of that cycle.
In The News
Around the world, countless individuals are taking personal action to reduce their reliance on plastic. But they’re not the only ones. Major brands and governments have also been taking steps to reduce the use of plastics. Here are some news stories highlighting those efforts.
New Zealand Announces Nationwide Plastic Bag Ban
On August 10th, New Zealand added its voice to those saying “no” to single-use plastics. In a press conference, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a ban on single-use plastic bags that will take effect in 2019. Read more.
South Korea Bans Single-Use Plastic Grocery Shopping Bags
South Korea has added their voice to the growing list of cities, states, provinces, and countries that are banning the wasteful plastic bags. South Korea’s ban applies to major supermarkets. The goal is to reduce waste, plastic pollution, and the use of natural resources to make these single-use bags. Read more.
Nestlé Set To Eliminate Plastic Straws From Products
Nestlé, the world’s second-largest food and drink company, is joining the fray of the war on single-use plastics, issuing a statement of intent to phase out and eliminate plastic straws and other hard plastics from their products and replace them with eco-friendlier, recyclable alternatives. Read more.
New York City Bans Plastic Foam Containers
Beginning on June 30th 2020, Restaurants in New York City are required to get rid of remaining stocks of single-use plastic foam containers. These include takeout containers, packing peanuts, and coffee cups. Read more.
EU Set To Ban Single-Use Plastics By 2021
The European parliament overwhelmingly voted to approve a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics by 2021. The proposal passed with 571 in favour and 53 in opposition. Read more.
Canada Plans To Ban Single Use Plastic By 2021
Canada is looking to ban single-use plastics entirely by 2021. Canada’s move mirrors a similar plan to ban single-use plastic by 2021 in the European Union, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is leading the charge. Read more.
