My answer is "yes", and here's why:
Plastics are EVERYWHERE! It's impossible for the average American to completely avoid the use of plastics, but limiting your consumption of plastic products is a good idea.
I recently read this article about a yogurt cup from 1976 that washed up on a beach in Canada this past year. It is remarkable how new it looks, hardly like a piece of trash that has been in the ocean for 40 years.
The article states that plastics take hundreds of years to break down, and in the meantime can cause serious harm to the environment. It also says that the average piece of plastic takes 450 years to break down. THAT IS NUTS! With the amount of plastics we are using on a day-to-day basis, it's a wonder that we aren't already knee deep in plastic waste already.
I am not only bothered by the pollution created by the use of plastic, but also the effects of plastics on the human body. Much of our food is packaged in plastic, and in some cases chemicals can leach from the packaging into the food.
You can read more about plastic pollution HERE and about the effects of using plastics on the human body HERE.
Yes, it is impossible for most to completely avoid the use of plastic, but why not cut it out when you can? Here are some things to try to do just that.
Ways to limit your consumption of plastic products
1. Switch from plastic to glass containers for food. I bought these instead of continuing to use plastic containers for storing and heating leftovers. They're easy to clean and are still stackable when not being used.
2. Avoid using plastic bags at the grocery store. This is not anything new, but it does help. We create so much waste by not using reusable bags at the store. Plus, there are few things more frustrating than having one of those cheap bags fall apart on you from the car to the house. Just ask my husband! Every grocery store now offers reusable bags. Why not get one? I also LOVE these for produce.
3. Try to buy items packaged in paper, cardboard, or glass. I know it's easier said than done, but any little bit helps. I've been experimenting with different bar shampoos. I really like this one. It is just like a bar of soap. It makes a great lather and smells lovely. I would recommend rinsing with apple cider vinegar to condition. (I want to try this too!) I was surprised how nice it made my hair feel.
4. Using laundry detergent packaged in cardboard and wool dryer balls can make your laundry routine plastic-free. Adding a little essential oil to the dryer balls can give your clothes a nice scent.
5. Limit plastic wrap when storing food. I've been trying these and have been pretty pleased with them. They don't cling as well as plastic, but they do work.
6. Buy clothing made with natural fabrics. Also, buy non-plastic baby chew toys/baby toys.
I'm not saying to go crazy here, but every little bit helps. If we can make even a tiny impact on keeping this planet healthy for our children, then I'd say that's a step in the right direction.
This is a big issue
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that cloth diapering is a great way for parents to cut out plastics.
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