Green Tips to Go Plastic-Free

We saw this trend on social media with the hashtag #PlasticfreeJuly. Many people and organizations came forward and supported the move away from plastics with alternatives. It was a wonderful initiative with support from millions worldwide. Problem is, it was limited to just a month. This is not enough time for such an important problem. We should continue to encourage more people to adopt a plastic-free lifestyle change and make this planet greener.

Why You Should Avoid Plastic Products

Take a walk in your area and see if you can find at least 10 different plastic products within 10 minutes. It shouldn’t be difficult. These items range from takeout containers to toothpaste tubes to kids’ toys to lawn chairs. Most are used once or a few times before their owners toss them. The products then end up in landfills for an indefinite period of time because they are difficult to degrade. Some believe it is fine to buy plastic products because they are recyclable. Not all plastics can be recycled.

We should strive to limit our use of plastic products or avoid them completely in favour of adopt sustainable options like reusable items made of wood, cloth, or bamboo.

10 Tips for a Plastic-Free Lifestyle

Going plastic-free carries a surprising feel-good factor with it. There are ways to start small and build up as we move further along. With more sustainable options on the market thanks to technology, it’s only getting easier to make a change. Try the following tips to avoid plastics and see how it brings about a positive change in your life.

1. Use reusable items over single-use plastic ones

Refuse takeaway coffee cups, plastic straws, plastic bags and water bottles. Carry your own reusable cups, bags, bottles and straws.

2. Avoid single-use party decorations and products

Instead use flowers and fabric ribbons for decorating and switch to bamboo utensils instead of plastic ones (or use the silverware that you may already have)

3. Avoid pre-packaged food

Instead, buy unpackaged food and put them in reusable cloth bags.

4. Before purchasing anything, consider the packaging it comes in

Ask yourself if there are any low or no waste products. Notice if the package is recyclable.

5. Carry your lunch and snacks in reusable containers

You can also use beeswax wraps or compostable paper packaging.

6. If you are hiring a caterer or event manager, make sure they provide plastic-free samples and packaging

Communicate with them before the event and check their credibility.

7. If you sell items or know someone who does, reduce/eliminate the use of plastic

It’s also a great way to spread the word about plastic-free living.

8. Have a plastic-free picnic

Post pictures of it on social media and challenge a friend or family member to do the same. This can get the ball rolling and encourage more people to adopt plastic-free practices.

9. Choose wooden or brass toys over plastic ones

They are also more durable than plastic options.

10. Support stores and brands with eco-friendly products

Many local businesses carry sustainable items. If you support them, it would help your community and increase awareness about eco-friendly living.

Ditching Plastics for a Sustainable Future

You could make all of these changes or pick a few you are most comfortable with. Just as children learn to walk by first turning over, crawling, and then finally walking, lifestyle changes are a step-by-step process. It doesn’t matter you don’t stick to it at first. But we should try to make the change and be consistent.

At Green Schools Green Future, we support people and organizations dedicated to green practices.