How to generate less plastic waste? 11 tips for busy people.

Plastic waste is an integral part of modern human life. Scientists suggest that their layer on Earth will serve as a geological marker of our era for future generations. We produce 300 million tons of plastic every year, which is equal to the weight of all the people on the planet. Only 9% of this plastic is recycled ¹ .

If caring for the environment is important to you, but you don't know what you can do today, it is worth following the "3U" principle: avoid buying unnecessary things, reuse what you can, and dispose of waste. Do you think it's too complicated in our busy world? We propose 11 small changes that you can implement today to help the planet.

1. Don't buy sandwiches to go.

Manufacturers usually wrap them in several layers of foil or place them in plastic packaging to make them last for several days. Try to set aside some time the evening before to prepare breakfast or lunch for work. You can put the food in a reusable container or wrap it in paper. Still sounds abstract? Buy a sandwich prepared on-site - in a tiny bakery or delicatessen. Instead of packing it in a plastic bag, ask the seller to put the sandwich in your container or wrap it yourself with reusable wax wrap.

2. Get a thermos or a thermal mug.

When you buy takeaway coffee in a disposable cup, you generate plastic waste. During the production of such cups, plastic additives are used. This is not paper. And the plastic lid speaks for itself. Ask the barista at the café to prepare your favorite drink in your thermal mug or thermos.

3. Don't buy bottled water.

It is more expensive than tap water. It may also contain microplastic particles if it has been stored in a too warm room or left in the sun. In some cities, e.g. Warsaw, you can safely drink tap water. If you are going on a trip or prefer to always have a supply of water with you, choose a metal water bottle that you can fill at home or work.

4. Don't use plastic cutlery in fast food restaurants.

Get your own reusable kit to carry in your purse. Yes, it may seem inconvenient at first, but you will quickly get used to it. Think about the fact that the plastic spoon, knife and fork you held in your hand for 15 minutes will take thousands of years to decompose in a landfill. Moreover, most cheap disposable cutlery is not intended for contact with hot food. Under the influence of temperature, it begins to disintegrate. By protecting the environment, you also take care of your own health - you eat less harmful substances emitted by heated plastic.

5. How about a metal straw?

The problem of plastic straws is as acute as that of cutlery. Some places already have paper substitutes, but when using anything only once, think about whether it is worth it for the planet and our future? If you often drink drinks through a straw, a metal or other more durable option is definitely a good choice. Just don't forget to wash it.

6. Ask for an ice cream cone .

When you buy your favorite frozen dessert in a cup, even a paper one, you generate 2 pieces of plastic waste. The first is the cup itself, because it has an impermeable foil layer on the inside. And the second one is the spoon you use to eat ice cream. By choosing a waffle cone, you leave no waste. Even if you don't like its taste, just throw it away - it will decompose quickly.

7. Don't hit the road without food.

If you are planning a longer trip, prepare snacks in advance. You will have a lot of temptations along the way in the form of nuts, bars or chips, which will result in a lot of plastic waste. If you bake, for example, brownies at home or quick chips from peels (the recipe can be found here) and take them on a trip in your own container, you will benefit twice: you will be healthier and you will help the planet.

8. Whenever you can, stop driving.

What does this have to do with plastic? Wearing car tires are a source of microplastics. Every year, 200,000 tons of these microparticles are carried by the wind to the seas and oceans ² . For this reason, public transport is a much better solution. Additionally, you will get to work or a meeting faster and you will save a lot of stress by avoiding traffic jams.

9. Give up miniatures of cosmetics when traveling.

At the airport, we must remember not to put larger liquid containers in our hand luggage, so many people simply buy smaller versions of the necessary cosmetic products. It is much more environmentally friendly to choose cosmetics in hard form - cubes or powder. If you still need, for example, facial tonic or other liquid cosmetics, choose empty, reusable mini containers. Instead of buying a new toner or cream, put a little of the one you use every day into a container. The same container can be washed and used during subsequent trips. Also remember not to use, if you don't have to, miniature versions of cosmetics that you can get for free at the hotel. Be a conscious consumer.

10. Choose responsible producers.

There are companies that offer products in 100% compostable packaging made from plant raw materials. Such packaging will decompose itself and will not leave a "trash footprint" for future generations, and you will also support a company that shares your values ​​and also cares about the environment.

11. Know the rules of waste segregation well .

You can find a cheat sheet from the Ministry of Climate and Environment here . Find out what you can put into what container and what cannot be recycled. Spend some time once and you will become not only a mine of knowledge, but also a source of motivation for others. The earth will thank you.

Bibliography:

1. “Our planet is drowning in plastic pollution—it's time for change!”, unep.org, accessed December 8, 2021.
2. “Evangeliou N., Grythe H., Klimont Z. et al., “Atmospheric transport is a major pathway of microplastics to remote regions.” Nature Communications, July 14, 2020
3. Dyer H., "Get Out of Plastic". Lingea, Kraków 2021