Reducing Water Pollution: Strategies To Cut Plastic Use

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with plastic debris in oceans posing a serious danger to marine life. Animals can get tangled in plastic waste or ingest it, mistaking it for food. Plastic pollution also affects beaches, coastlines, and estuaries, reducing tourism and causing long-lasting harm to wildlife and the environment. While it may seem like a daunting task to tackle this global issue, there are several effective ways to reduce plastic pollution in water.

Reduce single-use plastic

Reducing single-use plastic is a critical step in combating water pollution and its devastating impacts on marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Here are some detailed suggestions to reduce single-use plastic:

Refuse, Reduce, and Reuse:

The 3 Rs—Refuse, Reduce, and Reuse—are essential. Refuse single-use plastic whenever possible. For example, decline plastic straws, bags, and disposable cutlery when you don't need them. Reduce your consumption of products packaged in single-use plastic, and opt for reusable alternatives instead. Reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and garment bags are all great options.

Support Policy Changes:

Encourage and support legislation that curbs plastic production and improves waste management. Advocate for laws that ban, tax, or limit unnecessary single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. Support policies that promote reusable alternatives and hold plastic producers accountable for their waste.

Choose Reusable Shopping Bags:

Instead of accepting plastic bags at stores, bring your own reusable shopping bags. Cotton and non-woven polypropylene bags are durable and environmentally friendly options. This simple switch can significantly reduce the number of single-use plastic bags that end up in waterways and oceans.

Avoid Plastic Water Bottles:

Close to 20 billion plastic bottles are discarded every year. Opt for a reusable water bottle instead and fill it with tap water. This will not only reduce plastic waste but also save you money.

Boycott Microbeads:

Microbeads, found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes, are tiny plastic particles that slip through water-treatment plants and harm marine life. Choose natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt instead, and be cautious when purchasing cosmetics to avoid those containing microplastics.

Support Beach and River Cleanups:

Participate in or organize cleanups of local beaches, rivers, or waterways. This is a direct and rewarding way to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean and protect marine habitats.

Choose Plastic-Free Alternatives:

Whenever possible, opt for plastic-free alternatives. For example, choose plastic-free chewing gum, shop at farmers' markets with less packaging, and avoid buying clothes made with plastic-based synthetic fibers.

Support Sustainable Businesses:

Give your business to companies that prioritize sustainability and offer reusable or compostable alternatives. Support restaurants that use non-plastic alternatives and speak with owners to encourage sustainable practices.

Educate and Advocate:

Educate yourself and others about the impacts of single-use plastic on water pollution. Advocate for change by contacting companies and urging them to switch to more sustainable packaging. Support non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution.

Increase Water Bottle Filling Stations:

Support and promote the installation of water bottle filling stations, which facilitate the use of reusable bottles. This helps reduce the reliance on single-use plastic water bottles, especially in public spaces and offices.

Message and Raise Awareness:

Use messaging and educational outreach to raise awareness about the benefits of reducing single-use plastics. Develop campaigns and initiatives to encourage people to refuse, reuse, reduce, and recycle single-use plastics, protecting our waterways and the environment.

Avoid microplastics

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm wide, which are pervasive throughout the environment, including in drinking water, food, and the air we breathe. While the effects of microplastics on human health are still being studied, they have been linked to various health issues, including heart disease and lung disorders.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, takeout containers, and plastic wrap, are used once and then discarded. Reduce your use of these products and opt for reusable alternatives instead. For example, bring your own tote bags when shopping, carry a reusable water bottle, and use metal, glass, or bamboo straws.

Boycott Products with Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in some beauty and household products, such as facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes. These microbeads can slip through water treatment plants and end up in the ocean, where they are ingested by marine animals. Avoid products containing microbeads by reading ingredient labels and looking for terms like "polyethylene" and "polypropylene." Opt for natural alternatives, such as oatmeal or salt, for exfoliation instead.

Avoid Bottled Water

Some research indicates that bottled water may be a significant source of microplastics. Switch to tap water and use a reusable steel or glass bottle instead. If you're concerned about water quality, consider investing in an NSF-certified water filter to reduce microplastics in your tap water.

Don't Use Plastic for Food Storage

Avoid storing food or liquids in plastic containers, especially when exposed to high heat. Plastic food storage and packaging are hard to avoid entirely, but you can minimize their use and opt for glass, ceramic, or metal containers instead.

Don't Microwave Food in Plastic

Avoid microwaving or heating food or drinks in plastic containers, even if they are labeled "microwave-safe." Plastic containers can leach chemicals into your food when heated. Choose glass or ceramic containers for microwaving or heating food.

Wash Plastic by Hand

Dishwasher temperatures can be very high and can degrade plastic, leading to microplastic shedding. Wash your plastic food containers by hand to reduce microplastic release.

Use Wood or Bamboo Cutting Boards

Using a plastic cutting board can be a significant source of microplastics in your diet, as cutting and slicing can dislodge plastic particles that adhere to food. Opt for a wooden or bamboo cutting board instead, which is safer and more durable.

Reduce Shellfish Consumption

Microplastics in the ocean are ingested by bottom-feeding shellfish, and these microplastics can end up in your system when you consume shellfish. Reducing or avoiding shellfish can lower your intake of microplastics.

Regularly Clean Your Home

Microplastics are present in household dust, so regularly cleaning your home can reduce your exposure. Vacuum and dust at least once a week, and consider using air filters or purifiers that are designed to capture microplastics.

Buy Organic or Natural Fiber Clothing

Synthetic clothing, such as polyester, is a significant contributor to microplastics. Choose clothing made from organic or natural materials, such as cotton, silk, wool, or hemp. These natural fibers tend to produce larger microfibers that are not as easily released into the air.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

While individual actions to reduce plastic waste are important, they are not enough to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Supporting legislation to curb plastic production is crucial to address this issue effectively.

One notable example of such legislation is the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, introduced in the United States Senate in 2021. This bill aims to reduce the production and use of certain single-use plastic products, packaging, and other materials. It also seeks to improve the responsibility of producers in the design, collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal of their consumer products. The bill proposes fiscal measures to hold producers accountable for the proper management and disposal of their products. Additionally, it establishes minimum percentages for reusing, recycling, or composting products, and sets targets for increasing recycled content in beverage containers.

Another piece of legislation is the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Representative Jared Huffman, along with other supporters. This act addresses the harm caused by plastic production to communities near petrochemical, plastic production, and waste incineration facilities. It aims to curb America's overreliance on single-use plastics by implementing stricter rules for petrochemical plants and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production.

At the international level, a global plastics treaty has been signed by 175 United Nations member states. This treaty sets global rules and regulations to collectively reduce plastic pollution.

To support legislation curbing plastic production, individuals can write letters, use social media to tag and pressure companies and legislators, and support more sustainable competitors in the market. Supporting and voting for political parties that prioritize environmental protection and legislation to reduce plastic pollution is also crucial.

Improve wastewater management

Improving wastewater management is a key strategy to reduce plastic pollution in water. Here are some ways to improve wastewater management:

• Develop and build sustainable wastewater infrastructure for the billions of people who lack access to controlled waste disposal facilities. This will help to prevent untreated wastewater, which often contains plastics and microplastics, from entering the environment.
• Implement stormwater and storm drain filtration and river mouth trash collection to prevent wastes such as macroplastics, microplastics, and chemicals on roadways from flowing into rivers and, eventually, the ocean.
• Regulate the use of nutrients and pesticides to ensure they do not enter the ocean through stormwater.
• Ban hard-to-manage substances like expanded polystyrene and limit the use of chemicals of concern like phthalates.
• Impose fees on single-use plastics and encourage voluntary industry standards to reduce fossil-fuel-based plastics.
• Shift cultural norms around waste generation, consumption, and reuse. For example, the introduction of carrier bag charges in the UK reduced plastic bag use by 80%.
• Implement extended producer responsibility laws, provide incentives for waste segregation and recycling, strengthen markets for recycled plastics, and implement "Fishing for Litter" programs.

Adopt green chemistry practices

Green chemistry is a scientifically based set of solutions for protecting water quality. It involves the utilization of a set of principles that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture, and application of chemical products.

Ban hard-to-manage substances

Banning hard-to-manage substances like expanded polystyrene, commonly used in packaging material, can help reduce plastic waste. Polystyrene is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills or the natural environment, contributing to plastic pollution.

Limit the use of chemicals of concern

Reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals of concern, such as phthalates, can also help mitigate plastic pollution. Phthalates are known to have negative environmental and health impacts, so limiting their use can reduce the overall toxic load in water bodies.

Support materials research

Materials research can help develop new materials that maintain the desirable performance characteristics of plastics while minimizing their negative impacts. For example, creating true biodegradable plastics could prevent them from causing as much harm if they enter water bodies.

Encourage alternative oxidants

Endocrine disruption caused by chemicals in the environment is a significant issue. By encouraging the use of alternative oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide activated by tetraamino macrocyclic ligand (TAML®) catalysts, the environmental impact of these chemicals can be reduced.

Implement closed-loop approaches

Implementing closed-loop approaches, such as the DuCare™ photographic development system by DuPont, can help reduce water contamination. This system replaces hydroquinone developer with erythorbic acid and recycles 99% of the developer and fixer, significantly reducing water pollution.

Promote corrosion and scaling control

Corrosion and scaling control in industrial settings can help reduce the use of chemicals that contribute to water pollution. For example, Ondeo Nalco, a former chemical supplier, now provides systematic analysis, substitute chemistry, and precise control of chemical use to its customers, reducing the amount of chemicals discharged into water bodies.

Explore supercritical fluids for cleaning

Supercritical fluids, especially supercritical CO2, can be used for cleaning instead of water. In the supercritical state, CO2 has no surface tension and can penetrate small spaces, making it ideal for cleaning applications. This technology has been commercialized and is now used by several companies, reducing the amount of water used for cleaning.

Frequently asked questions