Plastic pollution is a global environmental crisis.
Here’s what you need to know – and why there’s no other option but going plastic-free right now.
What’s the problem with plastic?
We have produced such incredible amounts of plastic over the years that the planet is now drowning in it.
Did you know that more than 40 percent of plastic is used just once? On top of that, a staggering 91 percent of plastic isn’t recycled – and is littering natural environments.
About 8 million metric tons of plastic are thrown into the ocean annually – destroying habitats and suffocating, trapping, and killing ocean wildlife.
We may not directly see the catastrophic effect it has on the planet and animals because many of us live in areas that are kept clean – but many underprivileged communities all over the world are forced to endure the adverse effects of plastic pollution every day.
Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental problem anymore. We’re on the edge of a global plastic calamity.
What’s the solution?
If we don’t take action, it is predicted that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans.
Luckily, businesses, non-profits, and individuals globally are realizing the severity of the situation, and taking various measures to protect the planet.
But for those measures to really make an impact, everyone needs to get involved.
Tips for going plastic-free in 2019
Take action – and help save the planet from drowning in plastic!
Here are a few tips for going plastic-free this year:
- Bring your own bag to the grocery store. Cotton tote bags are cool and planet-friendly!
- Say goodbye to plastic water bottles. Glass water bottles are where it’s at!
- Pass on plastic straws. Replace them with these reusable bamboo straws, instead!
- Bring your own to-go cup. These ecoffee cups are so much better than single-use cups!
- Quit smoking. Did you know that cigarette filters are made from plastic? Another reason to quit!
- Say “no” to plastic wraps. Refuse plastic wraps whenever you can – and choose items that are not wrapped in plastic.
If you’d like more tips on how to live plastic-free, check out these 100 steps to a plastic-free life.
Other things you can do
- Donate money. Non-profits like Plastic Pollution Coalition and Plastic Oceans International could use your funds to help reduce pollution caused by disposable plastics.
- Raise awareness. Sharing an eye-opening stat or an inspiring story on social media could help make more people aware – and inspire them to take action!
- Take part in clean-ups. There are many organized ocean clean-ups taking place in 2019. And if there’s none in your area, why not start a clean-up?
And now – want to learn about other ways to help and protect the planet? Check out these posts:
- Easy ways to conserve energy and be eco-friendly this winter
- Palm oil is destroying the planet – what you need to know to help
- 5 amazing ways being vegan will save the planet
