Our Earth is Choking on Plastic!

Living sustainably is my top priority at home and also when I travel. I try my best to be mindful of the products I use and how they may affect the planet. Plastic is a growing threat that we’re learning more and more about.

The billions upon billions of plastic waste items choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers and piling up on land is more than unsightly and harmful to plants and wildlife. Plastic pollution is a very real and growing threat to human health. 

It’s time to change the way we produce, consumer and dispose of the plastic we use.  

While plastic has many valuable uses, we have become addicted to single-use plastic products — with severe environmental, social, economic and health consequences.  

Around the world, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, while up to five trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes – used just once and then thrown away. Plastics including microplastics are now ubiquitous in our natural environment.  

The packaging sector is the largest generator of single-use plastic waste ­in the world. Approximately 36% of all plastics produced are used in packaging. This includes single-use plastic food and beverage containers, 85 per cent of which end up in landfills or as mismanaged waste. 

Reducing plastic use is crucial for environmental sustainability. Here are five effective ways to significantly reduce plastic waste: 

1.  Use Reusable Bags: Carry reusable cloth or canvas bags when shopping instead of opting for single-use plastic bags. Keep them handy in your car or by the door to make it easier to remember. These reusable Baggu bags are super cute and fold up into a small ball you can stash. They make great gifts too! 

2.  Just Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Avoid single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and plastic bottles. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like stainless steel or glass straws, bamboo cutlery, and refillable water bottles. 

3.  Choose Products with Minimal or Compostable Packaging: One of the worst plastic packaging offenders is laundry detergent.  I replaced my giant bottles with eco-friendly laundry sheets that come in a compostable envelope - Earth Breeze.  There are other options as well like pods and refillable.  

4.  BYOC (Bring Your Own Containers): When buying groceries, personal care products or takeout food, bring your own containers and ask the vendors to fill them. This reduces the need for disposable packaging and encourages businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. This is a great state-by-state guide for zero waster grocery stores Litterless Shopping

5.  Support Plastic-Free Initiatives: Support businesses and organizations that are committed to reducing plastic waste. Choose brands that prioritize sustainability and offer plastic-free alternatives, and advocate for policies that encourage the reduction of plastic usage in your community.  

For more information on how you can live more sustainably, visit earthday.org. 

NEW!!! I'll be posting sustainable travel tip videos on how I minimize the products I use while I'm on the road.

Stay tuned!!!

Dee Davis