Reducing Plastic Pollution: Practical Steps For A Greener Tomorrow

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that is wreaking havoc on our planet, from local beaches to the remote Arctic. It is causing harm to marine life and ecosystems and posing risks to human health. With plastic production skyrocketing and low recycling rates, it is imperative to take action to reduce plastic pollution.

The good news is that everyone can play a part in mitigating this global crisis. From small individual habits to collective efforts and policy changes, there are numerous ways to tackle plastic pollution.

Reduce single-use plastics

Reducing single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways to tackle plastic pollution. Single-use plastics are goods made from fossil fuel-based chemicals and are designed to be thrown away after one use. They are most commonly used for packaging and serviceware, such as bags, bottles, wrappers, and straws.

Refuse and Reduce

• Refuse single-use plastics that you do not need, such as straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, and containers.
• Purchase and carry reusable alternatives, including grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags.
• Make it a habit to fill a reusable water bottle before leaving home to avoid buying bottled water.
• Carry an on-the-go dining kit with a coffee mug, to-go cup, utensils, and food storage containers.
• Refuse plastic straws and plastic bags, and opt for paper or foil to wrap leftovers instead of plastic.
• Say no to plastic utensils with takeout orders, and if received, reuse or repurpose them for crafts or gardening.
• Refuse all single-use bags and carry washable, reusable bags or bins when shopping or picking up food.
• Bring your own clean containers for deli foods, special cuts of meat, and seafood from the counter.
• Select loose produce and carry them in washable, reusable mesh bags or certified backyard compostable food scrap and produce bags.
• Opt for paper boxes over plastic bags and wide-mouth glass jars over plastic bottles for packaging.

Reusable Alternatives

• Always pack a reusable bag when shopping.
• Cook more often and store leftovers in the freezer to reduce the use of plastic takeout containers.
• Buy in bulk and avoid individually packaged goods like snack packs.
• Buy a metal or glass reusable straw, and pack it with reusable cutlery for eating on the go.

Support Businesses and Policies

• Support local restaurants that have ditched single-use plastics.
• Advocate for policies and legislation that curb plastic production and waste, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
• Support local, national, and international legislation that introduces extended producer responsibility, making plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products' end-of-life management.
• Urge elected officials to introduce or support laws that make plastic bag use less desirable, such as taxes or bans.
• Speak to the owners of frequented restaurants about non-plastic alternatives to straws, stirrers, or bags.
• Contact companies directly and express your preference for more sustainable, durable, or recyclable packaging.

Boycott microbeads

Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic measuring less than 5mm in diameter. They are added to personal care products such as face scrubs, toothpastes, body washes, and cosmetics to assist with exfoliation and abrasion, to bulk out the product, prolong shelf life, make a product stand out, or better control the release of active ingredients. However, they are incredibly detrimental to our oceans and marine life. Due to their small size, they often slip through wastewater treatment plants and end up in the seas, where they do not degrade over time and can be ingested by marine animals, causing indigestion issues and sometimes even death.

• Opt for natural alternatives: Choose products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal, salt, coffee, or whole oats. Natural alternatives such as jojoba beads or rosehip seeds are just as effective and do not damage the marine environment in the same way as microbeads.
• Be cautious when purchasing cosmetics: A study by the Plastic Soup Foundation, a Dutch nonprofit, found that only 13% of the 10 most popular brands from Europe's four largest cosmetics manufacturers were free of microplastics. Look for "polythelene" and "polypropylene" on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products to avoid microbeads.
• Support legislation and policies: Advocate for and support legislation that bans or restricts the use of microbeads in products. For example, the UK has implemented a ban on the use of plastic microbeads in the manufacture of cosmetic and personal care products, and New Zealand has also banned microbeads.
• Put pressure on manufacturers: Choose to buy from companies that do not use microbeads in their products. Your purchasing decisions can influence manufacturers to change their practices and remove microbeads from their products.
• Reduce your use of single-use plastics: Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to plastic pollution. Try to avoid products with microbeads and other single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

While individual actions are important, they are not enough to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Supporting legislation to curb plastic production is crucial to address this global issue. Here are some ways to do that:

Support Local, National, and International Legislation

Legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate is essential. Get behind laws like the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States, which aims to address the plastic pollution crisis. Also, support initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, making plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products' entire life cycle, including proper disposal and recycling.

Advocate for Bans and Taxes on Single-Use Plastics

Push for legislation that bans or taxes unnecessary single-use plastic items such as plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. A successful example is the legislation passed in San Francisco, resulting in a 70% reduction in plastic bag pollution. Fees and taxes on plastic bags have also proven effective in other places like Washington, D.C., and Suffolk County, New York.

Encourage Comprehensive Federal Legislation

Urge lawmakers to craft federal laws banning a wide range of single-use plastic products, including bags, straws, and polystyrene foam food containers. Comprehensive federal legislation can address the issue on a larger scale and prevent local efforts from being obstructed or preempted by state laws.

Promote Extended Producer Responsibility

Support regulations that hold plastic manufacturers responsible for the waste they create. Extended producer responsibility schemes ensure manufacturers take back their products for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal, increasing recycling rates and preventing plastic waste from ending up in landfills and the environment.

Contact Elected Officials and Politicians

Email, call, or write to your local, state, and national representatives. Urge them to prioritize legislation that addresses plastic pollution and overreliance on single-use plastics. Let them know you support laws that curb plastic production and encourage sustainable alternatives.

By supporting and advocating for legislation to curb plastic production, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution and protecting our environment for future generations.

Improve wastewater management

Improving wastewater management is a crucial step in reducing plastic pollution. Here are some detailed actions and strategies that can be implemented to achieve this goal:

Develop Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure

This involves constructing and maintaining sustainable wastewater treatment facilities, especially in regions lacking proper waste disposal systems. By ensuring that wastewater is effectively treated and controlled, we can prevent the discharge of plastics and other pollutants into water bodies.

Reduce Plastic Waste Entering Waterways

Implement measures to minimize the amount of plastic waste that ends up in rivers and oceans. This can be achieved through public education and awareness campaigns, as well as enforcing proper waste disposal practices. Additionally, improving waste collection systems and promoting recycling can significantly reduce plastic pollution.

Implement Stormwater Management Strategies

Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to plastic pollution in water bodies. By implementing filtration systems and trash collection at storm drains and river mouths, we can prevent plastic litter, microplastics, and chemicals from flowing into rivers and oceans.

Regulate the Use of Nutrients and Pesticides

The excessive use of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as pesticides, can fuel harmful algal blooms and contribute to water pollution. By regulating and reducing the use of these substances, we can minimize their impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Promote Cultural Norms That Reduce Pesticide Use

Certain cultural norms, such as the preference for manicured lawns, can increase the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Educating communities about the environmental impact of these chemicals and promoting alternative landscaping practices can help reduce their use and minimize water pollution.

Improve Wastewater Treatment Technologies

Invest in research and development to enhance wastewater treatment technologies that specifically target the removal of microplastics and other plastic pollutants. This includes exploring advanced filtration and separation techniques to ensure that treated wastewater is free from plastic contaminants.

Collaborate with Industries and Manufacturers

Engage with industries, especially those that use and produce plastics, to reduce plastic pollution. Encourage them to adopt sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly packaging, and support their efforts in research and development for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Advocate for Policy Changes and Legislation

Support and advocate for policies and regulations that address plastic pollution, particularly those that improve wastewater management and hold industries accountable for their plastic waste. This includes pushing for extended producer responsibility laws, which make manufacturers responsible for the entire life cycle of their plastic products.

Adopt green chemistry practices

Green chemistry is an important concept in the fight against plastic pollution. It involves adopting practices that minimise the use and generation of hazardous substances throughout a product's life cycle. Here are some ways to adopt green chemistry practices to reduce plastic pollution:

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: One of the most effective ways to adopt green chemistry practices is to follow the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reducing plastic consumption is the first step. This means refusing single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and disposable water bottles. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles. Reuse any plastic items you already have, such as plastic containers, and choose products with minimal packaging. Finally, recycle as much plastic as possible and separate different types of plastics for effective recycling.

Support Green Businesses: Consumers can play a significant role in encouraging green chemistry practices by supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability. Choose to shop from companies that use eco-friendly packaging, offer refillable or bulk options, and reduce their plastic waste. By giving your money to these businesses, you incentivise others to adopt similar practices.

Avoid Microplastics: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are extremely harmful to the environment. They are commonly found in cosmetic and cleaning products, such as face scrubs and toothpastes, as well as synthetic clothing fibres. Opt for natural alternatives, such as natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt, and choose clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and wool.

Educate and Advocate: Educating yourself and those around you about the importance of green chemistry practices is essential. Learn about the different types of plastics, their recycling codes, and proper disposal methods. Advocate for greener practices in your community, workplace, and schools. Spread awareness through social media, community events, or by simply having conversations with friends and family.

Support Legislation: Individual actions are important, but systemic change is also necessary. Support legislation that aims to curb plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable for their waste. Get involved in local, national, and international initiatives that advocate for policies to reduce plastic pollution. Contact your local representatives and voice your support for laws that promote green chemistry practices.

Frequently asked questions