Plastic wastage is increasing day by day due to our present lifestyle, which is a real challenge for environment protection. Everything that you buy from the market is carried in a plastic bag or package, which is in fact are supposed to be recycled. However, the reality is that you find plastic garbage in every waste bin. There are few simple ways that can be followed by all of us so that we can reduce the plastic wastage.
After discussing with Plastic Police people, we have come out with few simple ways to reduce plastic waste.
1. Prefer not to use straws
Whenever you order for a cold drink then tell the vendor or the waiter that you do not need any straw. Even if they offer you, you can politely refuse to take it. In case, you can’t manage without a straw then carry a stainless steel or glass made straw with you. When the waiter sees that you are carrying your own straw then he will not give the plastic one.
2. Use reusable bags for shopping
Most of the vendors and shopkeepers provide a plastic bag as soon as you purchase something from them. If you have your own reusable bag then you can avoid taking any plastic bag.
3. Give up chewing gum
You are chewing a plastic when you are chewing any gum. This can create serious hazard in the drain if it gets stuck. So, avoid taking chewing gum altogether.
4. Buy boxes instead of bottles
Prefer to take detergent and soaps in a cardboard box instead of plastic bottles. Cardboard boxes are not damaging to the environment like plastic.
5. Prefer to buy bulk bins
If you go for shopping in a super market and buy things like beans, rice, pasta, cereals and nuts etc. prefer to buy in bulk so that instead of plastic bag they are offered in reusable package. In this way, not only will you save some money by taking in bulk, but also help in the cause of reducing plastic wastage.
6. Reuse glass containers
Certain items like sauce, peanut butter, salsa and few others can be purchased in glass containers instead of plastic bags. Instead of throwing these glass containers you can reuse them.
7. Reuse plastic bottles
Bottled water is a very big source of plastic waste as many vendors can be seen selling bottled waters at every place. Instead of throwing away these bottles you may reuse them. Similarly, the cups in which tea or coffee is offered may be reused so that you can reduce plastic waste.
8. Carry your own container
If you are planning to a restaurant then carry your own container to get your leftovers packed. This way, you can avoid using another plastic bag/container.
9. Avoid buying frozen foods
Most of the frozen foods are packaged in plastic bags. Therefore, avoid buying them.
10. Avoid buying packaged juice
Instead of buying packaged juice buy fresh juice, which is also more healthy and fresh.