Millions of tonnes of plastics are dumped into landfills and oceans every year. These plastics release toxic chemicals which contaminates the ecosystem, kills wildlife and marine animals eat the plastic which spreads these toxic chemicals through the food chain.
The chemicals in plastics have been linked to serious health conditions in humans, including cancer, infertility, birth defects, immune system impairment. Plastic has toxic chemicals that damage the environment and cause land, water, and air pollution.
Plastic pollution
Plastic is cheap, frequently disposed and widely available. It does not decompose, takes hundreds to thousands of years to degrade and release an incredible amount of toxins into the air if burned.
Our reliance on plastic comes with a heavy price. Richer nations like Australia, Canada, Germany, USA and UK have been dumping their plastic waste for decades in poorer countries that lack environmental regulations. This method does not solve plastic pollution, and makes it harder for poorer nations to escape the ill health that plastic pollution brings.
Plastic pollution is caused by inadequate waste disposal and we are now at a critical stage where we have to adopt a different attitude.
Simple steps to reduce plastic use right now;
Reusable shopping bags. You can reduce your footprint, reduce plastic waste and save money by bringing a reusable shopping bag to carry you’re shopping.
Support farmers markets. It’s healthier for the environment because the food is typically grown nearby, requires less transportation, and generally isn't wrapped in plastic like much of the produce found in grocery stores.
Ditch the cling film. Cling film is a major contributor of plastic waste as it is only single use and difficult to recycle.
Avoid plastic straws. Metal and paper straws make good alternatives to plastic straws for those who need to use straws. But if you're able to skip the straw altogether, even better.
Avoid bottled water. Switch to a BPA free reusable water bottle and you will benefit the earth, you’re health and save money. Stop Using Disposable Coffee Cups. They are lined with plastic which makes them difficult to recycle. Switch to a reusable coffee mug.
Avoid products with microbeads. Microbeads are found in some face and body wash products, toothpastes and some cleaning detergents. These tiny pieces of plastic end up in our oceans and food supply chains.
Recycle. Plastics that can be recycled, always be sure to recycle them. Recycling reduces the amount of new plastic in circulation and helps keep plastics out of the ocean.
Do not litter. Get involved and be a part of the solution. Always dispose of you’re litter properly and respect nature.
The fight against plastic waste starts with individual action, commitment to support and use better alternatives.
PLA - Polylactic acid
PLA is a biodegradable polyester made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch, sugarcane and tapioca roots. The material is easier to break down and have less chemicals. One of the best creations from PLA are the Cork travel coffee mugs.
These mugs are BPA-free with no toxic chemicals, are compostable and reusable. PLA is designed to break down easier and reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. While PLA has promise as an alternative to conventional plastic, it’s important to remember it cannot degrade in a landfill and requires commercial composting facilities. Improperly disposed PLA plastics can contaminate the recycling processes.
Cork is a vegan material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree.
No trees are destroyed during harvesting. It’s an eco-friendly, biodegradable, water repellent, fire resistant, rot resistant and durable material. One of cork’s most common use is as a stopper for bottles because of its compressive abilities.
The PLA and the Cork make excellent reusable travel mugs.
Reusable items are one of the many ways that we can combat plastic pollution. By reusing an item, it doesn’t end up in a landfill and you’re doing something good for the environment. Reusable items do have a personal, monetary gain and offer immediate results.
Biodegradable fashion is becoming popular with consumers. As we educate ourselves and become aware of the dangers of plastic, an increasing number of people are more than ready to support healthy alternatives.
Consumers can help fix the problem by making an effort to reduce plastic waste. A great way to reduce waste is awareness and making choices that benefit our wellbeing and nature.
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