• Reduce plastic and disposables
• Can plastic be reused many times?
• Reduce plastic and food
• Reduce plastic and clothing
• Reduce plastic and make conscious choices
• Sources

Plastic has recently become mankind's companion. Invented in the second half of the 19th century, it quickly gained popularity as a universal and, above all, cheap to produce material. Was it foreseeable at the time that these properties would make plastic one of the greatest threats to nature and thus also to humans? Rather doubtful. But we, who live in the 21st century, have this knowledge and it is up to us what we do with it. We can't just stop the production of plastics like that, but we can reduce them. So how can we reduce plastic in everyday life? Here are some tips.

Reduce plastic and disposables

The number of people and companies who are aware of the ecological situation and take action to eliminate plastic waste is constantly increasing. There are more and more interesting solutions on the market in the form of reusable replacements for the products we know. Conventional cling film can get through wax foils are replaced or invest in decent food boxes, but the most ecological solution to safely leaving food in the fridge for a few hours is to cover one plate with another. Smart and free! If you use straws, get metal ones and bring your own cutlery instead of asking for disposables. The same goes for coffee to go. A good thermal mug is a one-time expense, and thanks to that, far fewer plastic lids end up in the trash. With the set you will now receive a drinking bottle with or without a filter. The market also offers a wide range of reusable hygiene products. Diapers, for example, are becoming increasingly popular and the best for the environment are those made from natural materials such as bamboo, wool or hemp fibres. Polish companies also offer pads and pads made from organic cotton, menstrual cups and metal razors. Toothbrushes, while not disposable, are replaced several times a year, so it's worth considering ones made from recycled plastic Bamboo , the same applies to cotton swab . Also remember to always have your own shopping bag with you and possibly bags for vegetables and fruit that you can make yourself or buy for a small price.

Can plastic be reused many times?

Completely eliminating plastic from everyday life seems extremely difficult, often even impossible, so if we buy something in plastic packaging anyway, maybe… Reuse? It all depends on what kind of material we have. Each plastic item should have a triangular mark consisting of clockwise arrows and a number from 1 to 7 in the middle. This number indicates the type of plastic and whether it qualifies as safe for reuse, which is particularly important for food storage. Plastic number 1, the common PET used for water bottles for example, should not be reused, nor should other types of plastic except number 2 (HDPE), 5 (PP) and possibly 4 (LDPE), although there are already fewer and safer than the previous two.

Reduce plastic and food

Not all of us enjoy cooking and not all can afford to spend long hours in the kitchen. Still, it's worth considering the benefits that preparing meals and snacks at home can bring. Every meal ordered from the restaurant or diet needs to be packaged in something, and while there are companies that offer biodegradable containers, they are usually covered with a layer of plastic or secured with foil. Cooking is a great way to take care of the planet and your own health. When cooking, you determine what ends up on your plate. Making your own snacks is also a great option to avoid creating waste in the form of chips, candy bars or candy wrappers. Particularly sweet candies are wrapped twice or even triple in plastic.

Reduce plastic and clothing

Plastic isn't just packaging for disposable items and candy bars. It is also used to make synthetic fabrics that release microplastics into the water with every wash, which then ends up in the ocean. Therefore, when buying clothes, pay attention to the material they are made of and avoid polyester, polyamide (nylon), acrylic and artificial leather (also known as eco-leather, which has little to do with ecology). However, most likely, such clothes are already in your wardrobe, and these are not only T-shirts and trousers, but also underwear (especially lace), tights and shoes. To reduce the climate impact, try to throw them in the washing machine as little as possible and instead wash individual stains with your hands more often, for example. When shopping, choose linen, hemp fibers and other natural materials, preferably from local producers or second hand. Second hand clothes are often of much better quality than those from fast fashion brands.

Reduce plastic and make conscious choices

The best thing you can do for the environment is to educate yourself and others about the climate crisis. With every purchase, ask yourself if the company whose product you're adding to your cart knows it. Does it try to use as little plastic as possible in the packaging of its products? Can a certain product release microplastics into the water? Is it made from recycled materials or can it at least be recycled? What solutions does the brand I want to support offer? Some companies are making bags out of old seat belts or clothes made out of fishing nets, showing that pollution can be creatively tackled. Hence…

Shop consciously. Think about every single piece of plastic before you queue at the checkout. Manufacturers often shift the responsibility onto consumers, but we, the buyers, are the ones who shape the market. By changing our daily habits, we can influence much more than just the situation in our own yard.

Sources:

verpackung.com.pl/

swiatoze.pl/7-twarzy-plastiku-know-what-with-what-you-to-do/

verpackung.com.pl/

www.green-projects.pl/skad-sie-biera-mikroplastik-problemem-dla-srodowiska/