Plastic is something that is widely used in our households. We don’t realize the threat it poses to the environment.
According to research, more than 40% of plastic is used only once and thrown away. We have the option of switching to metal straws, cloth bags, etc. to save the environment. Most plastic that we use cannot be recycled and ends up in the oceans; more than five trillion tons of plastic waste is dumped in the oceans right now! As it stands, plastic waste is really harmful to the oceans.
Sebastien/Pexels | Large amounts of plastic end up in landfills.
Plastic bags, which are commonly used, should be charged so that people are discouraged from using them. In England, the government has introduced a 5p charge on plastic things that are used once. This has discouraged the use of plastic bags in supermarkets by 95%.
Less than half of the plastic used is recycled in the U.K! A developed country such as the UK throws about 7.7 billion plastic waste, which ends up in oceans and/or dumps. Owing to all the waste we produce, a floating ‘plastic island’ has subsequently developed in the oceans that is three times the size of France. This is a great rubbish patch in the Pacific Ocean which is 1.6 million square kilometers in size. The bad news is that the patch is getting bigger as more rubbish floats and joins it.
Mali Maeder/Pexels | Everything reusable should be recycled.
If we continue to pollute the environment at this rate, by 2025 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish. It is said that the amount of plastic bags being dumped in the ocean can triple in the next 20 years. This is causing a serious threat to marine life as well as underwater habitats, including coral reefs and plants.
How Can We Save The Environment?
Start by taking small steps towards ditching plastic, and you’ll realize you are not just saving the environment but also reducing your costs! We can save the environment by switching to steel-based containers that are long-lasting as well as durable. If we have to use plastic and if there’s no other option, then it’s important that it’s recycled properly so that it doesn’t end up in the oceans. There is a need to stop using disposable plastic bottles and switch to reusable bottles. Did you know that 100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic bags? Switch to recyclable bags. Not only will they be a chic addition to your daily look, but you’ll get to play your part in saving the world actively.
Ghasiq/Pexels | Plastic waste should be disposed of properly.
Recycle everything you use, whether it’s plastic, paper, or glass. You will be amazed to know that you can save 9000 pounds of plastic waste from reaching the oceans or landfills by recycling. Packaged food is packed in plastics mostly. It is better to eat fresh food; this way, you’ll be consuming fresh food while saving the environment. Always remember that every effort counts!
