Single-Use Plastics: Everything You Need To Know
We’re all guilty of using disposable plastic in one way or another, but right now our planet is literally covered in the stuff.
Now more than ever before!
Scientists declare that by the year 2050, there could easily be more plastic (calculated by weight) than fish in our oceans!
I don’t know about you but that doesn’t sit well with me at all. I mean, what’s an ocean without fish??
Fortunately, with the many resources we have available these days, there’s really no excuse but to educate ourselves, better ourselves, do our part and help!
Let’s Talk About The Stats
Humankind produces over 300 million tonnes of plastic each year worldwide but only 10-13% of it is recycled. Instead, most plastics end up in landfills, buried at the bottom where it slowly seeps into the environment over time with 10% of it ending up in the ocean.
The economic damage caused by plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region alone, costs tourism, fishing and shopping industries $1.3 billion a year and the total economic damage to the world’s marine ecosystem amounts to approximately $13 billion a year.
Despite these concerning stats, disposable plastics are still everywhere you look.
Whether it be the plastic bags supplied at the local shop, the takeaway cup for your morning coffee or even the little plastic stirrer available next to the sugar!
Or how about the endless supply of plastic straws, plastic bottles, plastic bottle caps, plastic toothbrushes, plastic cutlery, food packaging, takeaway containers and even cigarette butts. Yes, there is plastic in cigarette butts! They’re made of non-biodegradable cellulose acetate and are hands down one of the biggest offenders. Cigarette butts are littered literally everywhere, the beaches, the streets - everywhere!
The Dangers of Single-Use Plastics
Disposable plastics can cause significant harm, not only to our planet but to living creatures too - including ourselves.
Most single-use plastic is made from petroleum with extra additives used in order to shape and harden the plastic. Petroleum itself is not biodegradable but over time, breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics. These microplastics then release toxic chemicals into the environment, which eventually make their way into our food and water supply. Once consumed, these chemicals can then enter our bloodstream and cause serious health problems within the human body.
Polystyrene foam (or Styrofoam) can take thousands of years to decompose. It provides a very popular breeding ground for various insects including mosquitoes, which also increases the risk of disease e.g. malaria. If ingested, the highly toxic chemicals contained can severely damage our organs and nervous system.
In some countries, plastic waste is often burned to provide warmth or cooking heat. This releases toxic emissions and in turn, exposes harmful gasses to both the people and the immediate environment. Of course, it isn’t just humans that can be affected, animals also suffer the consequences of our actions. There are various worldwide cases of wildlife being found with numerous plastic bags in their stomachs, becoming entangled in the litter or even strangled to death.
Marine animals often mistake plastic for food. e.g. Turtles can confuse floating plastic bags with jellyfish. Over time (that’s if they haven’t choked to death straight away) the plastic clogs up their stomachs and blocks their airways. Then, if eaten by a larger animal, that animal would also consume the plastic.
Much like how if I went to a restaurant and ordered seafood, that freshly caught fish could quite possibly have consumed hundreds of extremely harmful, tiny microplastics which would then end up in my stomach!
How Can We Help?
There are several ways in which we can help to make a difference to this beautiful planet of ours, starting by avoiding single-use plastics as much as possible.
A lot of people buy fresh Springwater to drink but the problem is, the bottles holding the Springwater are often made of plastic. So instead of buying multiple plastic bottles of water, why not provide yourself with a reusable water bottle? There are so many varieties available, in all different colours and designs. Or rather than grabbing the plastic multipack, consider the glass bottled water instead and either reuse or recycle properly.
There has been a huge increase in reusable cups lately, especially for hot drinks. You can find very fashionable ones including glass coffee cups that you can ask the vendor to fill up for you. In fact, some shops will even give you a discount for bringing your own!
Much in the same way as the reusable coffee cup, why not also grab your own takeaway container whilst you’re at it? Avoid the polystyrene container at all costs! If lugging kitchen cutlery around is too bulky for you, go one step further and treat yourself to some reusable travel cutlery. There are many portable shapes and sizes available that can be folded up neatly and discreetly.
In cafes, politely decline the plastic straw and invest in your own sustainable one. Stainless steel or bamboo reusable straws are very inexpensive, come in many sizes, look smart and last much, much longer. Most stainless steel ones will also come with their own cleaning device too. It doesn’t matter what you drink, smoothies, milkshakes, sodas, alcoholic drinks - there’s a straw for it!
If you’re a smoker, I shouldn’t really have to say this but please don’t add to the ever-growing number of butts on the ground. Just dispose of the butts properly in a rubbish bin where they can be dealt with properly.
Ok, let’s discuss implementing some simple changes into your daily hygiene routine. Firstly, plastic combs and disposable razors can easily be upgraded for more sustainable ones. You can swap all your shampoo, conditioner and shower gel bottles for bars.
Oh, and ladies? Try trading in your disposable sanitary products for reusable ones. You can find washable sanitary cloths without much trouble and I'd definitely recommend getting yourself a silicone menstrual cup! These cups work wonders and can stay in for up to 12 hours at a time. So if you’ve ever turned down a scuba opportunity or maybe felt a bit unsure, paranoid and uncomfortable about spending all day out on the boat, then this might be the solution for you.
Lastly, participate in some beach cleans! Beach clean up days are very family-friendly and can be a lot of fun! It’s a great chance to meet like-minded people whilst also doing your bit for the environment.
Wow, super long one today but you know, it’s an important subject!
There are definitely some things that need to happen in order to make a force for good worldwide, I can think of a few (improving waste management practices, using alternative materials and raising awareness) but I truly believe the number one thing is education! Education is the key and the more people that switch on will help more attitudes change.
