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While plastics unfortunately have a large role in the modern society, there is one place where plastic can no longer be welcome; as a container for the water we drink and the food we eat. Plastic bottles have extremely harmful effects, yet most people continue to drink from them not knowing how it affects us.
Plastics are made from toxic materials, and when these toxic materials are ingested into the body, serious health problems and damage to the body’s cellular level rises. This can increase the likelihood of getting arthritis, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, vision impairment, and more.
Our plastic consumption has become a widely known epidemic that has been creeping up on us over the years.
Here is a breakdown of our current consumption habits:
- 300 million tons of plastic is produced globally each year.
- Only 10% of this is recycled, and the remaining 7 million tons ends up in the sea.
- From here, it breaks down into tiny fragments over the years.
- Once small enough, they are swallowed by fish. One study found that fish in the North Pacific ingest as much as 24,000 tons of plastic debris a year.
If this scares you, you are not alone!
Plastics are unavoidable in our daily activities. But there are alternatives we can consider. Sustainable consumption doesn’t happen overnight – it takes baby steps and consistency to change your mindset and human behavior in your everyday actions.
Here are some eco-friendly tips you can implement in your day to reduce your consumption of plastic and the plastic bottle harmful effects. Remember, you can do helps build a more sustainable future on a larger scale.
Stainless Steel Straws
Stainless steel straws are a great, fun way to be friendly to our planet and our sea friends. Do you remember that video of the turtle with a plastic straw lodged deep in his nose? No-one wants to be contributing to that.
Stainless Steel Containers
Consider using stainless steel containers; they are safer than plastic tupperware. They also last way longer, and if you are a pantry and fridge obsessor like me, they also look super chic.
Break-Proof Glass Water Bottles
Purchase one with a rubber coating that helps to prevent breakage, like this one by Glasstic. These have been drop tested, and come in tons of different colors!
Alternative To Non-Stick Cookware
To be on the safe side, use enameled cast iron or ceramic cookware. The coating on non-stick cookware is also a form of plastic.
Daily awareness of the detrimental and harmful effect plastic bottles have on our oceans can help us to make some simple changes in our day. When shopping, think about all of those plastic bags that will be thrown in the garbage and end up in our oceans. Buy food in bulk and bring your own containers.
‘Comon, you can do it. Say no to plastic.
