Advocate For Change: Reduce Plastic Pollution Now

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects human health, marine life, and ecosystems. With millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans each year, it is essential that we take action to address this problem. The good news is that there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. From reducing single-use plastic consumption to supporting organizations dedicated to fighting plastic pollution, every small action counts in creating a cleaner and healthier planet. This includes saying no to plastic straws, bags, and water bottles, as well as advocating for improved waste management systems and supporting legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution. By joining this global movement, we can all be part of the solution to ocean litter and work towards a more sustainable future.

Refuse single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a huge threat to our planet, polluting our oceans, waterways, and cities. They are used for mere seconds, hours, or days, but their remains last forever. It is estimated that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean will outweigh all the fish.

Refuse plastic bags

Say no to plastic bags at stores and opt for reusable tote bags instead. You can keep a set of tote bags in your car so that you always have one handy for shopping. If you forget to bring a bag, consider carrying your purchases instead of accepting a plastic bag.

Refuse plastic water bottles

Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, invest in a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water. If you're concerned about water quality, you can install a water filtration system at home.

Refuse plastic straws

Say no to plastic straws at restaurants and opt for a reusable alternative, such as a bamboo or paper straw. You can also skip the straw altogether if it's not necessary.

Refuse plastic food packaging

Avoid buying food that is packaged in plastic, especially single-use plastic containers. Choose products packaged in natural materials such as glass, metal, or paper. Buy fresh bread that comes in paper bags or no bags at all. You can also buy in bulk and store food in reusable containers.

Refuse plastic utensils

Carry a set of reusable metal cutlery with you, so you don't have to use disposable plastic utensils when eating on the go.

Refuse plastic coffee cups

Instead of using disposable coffee cups, bring your own reusable coffee tumbler or mug. Many coffee shops even offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups.

Making these small changes can have a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution. By refusing single-use plastics, you are voting for a cleaner, healthier planet and helping to protect our oceans, wildlife, and communities.

Boycott bottled water

Bottled water is a major contributor to plastic pollution, with 38 billion plastic bottles ending up in US landfills each year. The majority of these bottles do not get recycled, instead ending up in landfills, parks, rivers, oceans and forests. Plastic bottles are often to blame for large amounts of plastic waste in our rivers and oceans, but they also cause other serious ethical, social and environmental issues.

The manufacturing, distribution and disposal of bottled water have a huge carbon footprint. Producing plastic bottles requires a lot of energy, fossil fuels and water. Shipping the bottles across countries and continents adds a significant amount of CO2 to the atmosphere. The consumption of bottled water continues to grow and has already surpassed soft drinks, milk and alcohol in the US.

Bottled water companies are also using up valuable resources and contributing to climate change. In addition, bottled water is not always safer than tap water. In Ontario, tap water regulations are overseen by Health Canada, whereas bottled water companies are not monitored by a federal agency and are not required to undertake regular testing.

The plastic bottles themselves are also harmful to human health. Toxins can leach into the water from the plastic, especially if the bottles are left in high temperatures. In addition, scientists have found Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical component in the plastic of some water bottles, in the cord blood of nine out of ten infants and in the urine of 95% of the adult Americans they tested.

To reduce plastic pollution, it is important to boycott bottled water and switch to tap water where possible. There are many reusable water bottle options available, such as glass, stainless steel or plastic bottles. By switching to tap water, we can limit the environmental impact of the bottled water industry and reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in our oceans and landfills.

Avoid microbeads

Microbeads are small plastic particles, typically measuring less than 5mm in diameter, that are added to various products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and cleaning agents. Due to their minuscule size, they often pass through wastewater treatment systems and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing harm to marine life, the environment, and human health. Here are some ways to avoid microbeads and reduce their impact:

Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Before purchasing cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning products, carefully read the ingredient lists. Look for terms indicating the presence of plastic or microbeads, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Opt for natural or organic alternatives that use biodegradable ingredients instead of microbeads. Websites like Beat the Microbead provide tools to help identify products containing microbeads.

Reduce Consumption of Seafood and Shellfish

Microplastics ingested by aquatic life can end up in our food system when we consume seafood and shellfish. To minimize your exposure to microplastics, consider reducing or avoiding the consumption of seafood and shellfish. This not only benefits your health but also helps reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and disposable containers, contribute to the microplastic problem. Opt for reusable alternatives like fabric bags, metal or glass straws, and refillable water bottles. By reducing your use of single-use plastics, you can lower the amount of plastic waste that can break down into microplastics over time.

Change Your Laundry Routine

Synthetic fibers in clothing, such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic, release microplastics during washing and drying. To minimize this, consider switching to natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or hemp. Additionally, air-drying your clothes, using microfiber filters in washing machines, and reducing water usage can help lower the number of microplastics released into the environment.

Don't Microwave Food in Plastic

Heating plastic containers or covering food with plastic wrap before microwaving can cause the plastic to leach chemicals into your food. Instead, transfer food to ceramic or glass containers before microwaving. This simple step can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and other harmful chemicals.

Dust and Vacuum Regularly

Microplastics are not only present in the environment but also in our homes. A significant portion of household dust comprises microplastics, which can be inhaled or ingested. Regular dusting and vacuuming, preferably with a HEPA filter, can help reduce the accumulation of microplastics in your living space.

Buy second-hand

Buying second-hand is a great way to reduce plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Here are some ways to incorporate this practice into your life:

Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces

Instead of buying new plastic items, which often come with additional plastic packaging, opt for second-hand items from thrift stores, neighbourhood garage sales, or online marketplaces. You can find everything from toys, trinkets, and electronic gadgets to furniture and appliances. Not only will you reduce plastic consumption, but you'll also save money.

Borrow or rent items you rarely need

For items that you only need occasionally, consider borrowing from a friend or family member, or renting from a rental service. This reduces the demand for new plastic products and keeps items in use for longer, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Examples include power tools, formal attire, and sports equipment.

Choose second-hand clothing and textiles

The fashion industry is a major contributor to plastic pollution, especially with the prevalence of synthetic fibres like nylon, acrylic, polyester, and fleece. These fibres shed microplastics that end up in our oceans and waterways. Opting for second-hand clothing made from natural fibres like cotton or wool reduces plastic pollution and gives pre-loved items a new lease of life.

Support businesses that use recycled plastic

Some companies are now using recycled plastic to create new products, such as clothing or home goods. By supporting these businesses, you encourage the reuse of plastic and reduce the demand for new plastic production.

Advocate for policies that support a circular economy

A circular economy aims to minimise waste and maximise the reuse and recycling of materials. Support and vote for policies that encourage a circular economy, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, which requires manufacturers to be responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, including recycling or reusing them to create new products.

Remember, buying second-hand is just one aspect of reducing plastic pollution. You can also reduce your plastic consumption by refusing single-use plastics, reusing and recycling items, and supporting policies and businesses that prioritise sustainability. Together, these actions can make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution.

Support a bag tax or ban

Supporting a bag tax or ban is a great way to become an advocate for reducing plastic pollution. Here are some reasons why:

Positive impact on the environment

Banning or taxing plastic bags can significantly reduce their use, leading to a cleaner environment. This is especially true for bans, as simply imposing a tax may lead consumers to opt for unregulated substitutes, such as thicker plastic bags or paper bags, which still contribute to pollution. A ban on plastic bags encourages the use of reusable bags and raises public awareness about plastic pollution.

Reduction in plastic bag consumption

Plastic bag bans have been proven to work in reducing plastic bag consumption by billions. For example, bans in three states and two cities in the US have led to around 6 billion fewer single-use plastic bags being used each year. That's enough bags to circle the planet 42 times! These bans can also cut single-use plastic bag use by around 300 bags per person annually.

Impact on businesses and consumers

While phasing out plastic bags can be challenging, effective bans combine legislation with public education and support for alternatives. This ensures that businesses and consumers are not unduly burdened and helps them transition to reusable options.

Global efforts

Many countries and cities around the world have already implemented plastic bag bans or taxes, and these efforts have had a positive impact. For example, Bangladesh was the first country to ban plastic bags in 2002, and as a result, the city of Dhaka became much cleaner, with 85-90% fewer plastic bags on the streets. Other countries like Rwanda, China, and several European nations have also successfully reduced plastic bag usage through bans or taxes.

Revenue generation

Taxing plastic bags can be an effective strategy, especially in developing countries, as it generates revenue for governments, which can be used to fund various projects. It also creates employment opportunities, especially in the recycling industry, and encourages the development of eco-friendly alternatives.

In conclusion, supporting a bag tax or ban is a powerful way to address plastic pollution. It encourages a shift towards reusable options, reduces environmental pollution, and has the potential to generate positive social and economic impacts. By advocating for these measures, you can play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions