New Year's resolutions are usually all about us, learning a new skill, losing weight, and maybe even finally planning that trip to a surf spot you've been dreaming of... you know how it goes.
How about we try something different and help the planet too? Let's focus on reducing our single-use plastics!
Seriously, all that plastic we've been using since the 1960s has created a real mess. We've got this huge “plastic soup” in the oceans that's harming all sorts of ocean life. And get this—plastic is now showing up in our food, water, and even the air we breathe.
The good news is that we can all do something about it! Wondering how to get going? It’s okay, we've got 6 simple tips to get you started.
Why We Can't Ignore This Plastic Problem?
Well, it's a huge problem, and it's not getting any better. We're making a crazy amount of plastic every year – like, over 390 million tons! And a lot of that, almost 11 million tons, ends up in the ocean. This isn't just about sad-looking beaches, either. It's seriously messing with ocean life, and that's not all. Small plastic particles, called microplastics, are now getting into our water and food. Scientists are still figuring out exactly what this means for our health, but it can't be good.
Some big companies are responsible for a lot of this plastic waste, and it's time they stepped up and did something about it.
A shocking study shows that nearly 8 out of 10 deep-sea fish have microplastics in their bodies – that's from Nature Sustainability. This shows how far plastic pollution is spreading. Yep, those microplastics are also in a lot of the tap water we drink around the world. And if we don't change things fast, plastic production is predicted to triple by 2060! That's why we need to start taking action now.
#1 Start Tracking Your Plastic Use
A great place to begin is by figuring out just how much plastic you use daily. This is like taking a look at your own plastic footprint. When you do this, you'll start to see the areas where you can cut back or eliminate entirely single-use plastics. It’s actually pretty eye-opening! For instance, the World Wildlife Fund says that the average person eats about 5 grams of plastic every week. That's like eating a whole credit card each week – doesn't that make you stop and think?
Alright, how do you start doing this?
First, try making a list of all the plastic stuff you use in a week. Then, sort that list into three groups: stuff you can reuse, things you can recycle, and things you only use once and then discard. After that, decide on some goals for reducing the plastic in each of those categories. To help you track your progress and keep you motivated, there are also some tracking apps you can use available on both iOS and Android, it's a handy way to see how well you're doing.
#2 Give Your Plastics a New Life
Instead of just throwing away old plastic stuff, why not try giving it a new purpose? You can find tons of cool ideas online, like on Etsy, if you search for “upcycling”. It's a chance to get creative and see what you can make! Kids especially will love getting crafty, and maybe even a little green-fingered, by turning old plastic bottles into fun pot-plant characters. It’s a great way to use what you already have and have some fun at the same time.
#3 Make the Switch to Reusables
Another really helpful step we can all take is to start using reusable items instead of single-use plastics. It's a great way to cut down on waste, reduce the amount of plastic floating around, and save resources. You might be surprised how easy it is to find reusable options once you start looking! One easy habit we've adopted that helps, and we hope you’ll consider it too, is to say no to plastic straws and start using reusable ones instead!
You might remember a few years back when there was a big push to stop using plastic straws, and many places switched to paper ones. But even better than paper are Glass straws or bamboo straws. They're easy to carry around, simple to clean, come in all sorts of sizes, and they're durable and hygienic. On top of that, they last through your whole drink, especially compared to paper which can break down.
For other drinks, a refillable water bottle is super handy for cold drinks like lemonade, water, soda, tea, and pretty much anything else you can think of. These can save you money over time, and you can find them in stainless steel and glass. If you're a hot drink kind of person, think about getting a reusable coffee cup made of bamboo or stainless steel. And, a lot of coffee places will actually give you a discount if you bring your own cup, it's a win-win.
#4 Make a Habit of Refusing
Before you grab something that's made of plastic or wrapped in it, try asking yourself, “Do I really need this?”. It's a small question, but it can make a big difference. Maybe there's another option with less plastic packaging? Or, even better, someone you know has one you can use temporarily? Sometimes we reach for the easiest thing, but if we just stop for a second and think, we might find a better way.
#5 Try to Choose Packaging That's Plastic-Free
Another important step is to think about the packaging when you're buying things. Try to commit to choosing products that use as little packaging as possible, or better yet, eco-friendly packaging. One way to do this is by buying food in bulk, which cuts down on a lot of packaging waste.
Also, look out for online brands that are making an effort to go plastic-free, such as Shaka Love. All Shaka Love purchases come carefully packaged with eco-friendly, plastic-free shipping supplies, so you can feel good about what you're buying and how it arrives.
And if you can, try supporting your local farmers' markets. This is a great way to shop because you can bring your own containers and eco-friendly bags to avoid any unnecessary packaging.
#6 Keep the Momentum Going and Speak Up
There's a good chance you're already doing a lot of these, and that's fantastic! But let's not stop there. Less plastic and less waste are great for all of us and our planet, so let's keep spreading the word.
It's important to also use your voice to push for bigger changes that can confront the plastic problem. One way to help make a difference is by signing petitions that ask governments to ban single-use plastics. You can also take time to share our blogs or what you've learned with your community about how great it is to adopt eco-friendly practices. Last but not least, consider working with organizations to help promote more sustainable options in your community or workplace.
Get Inspired and Commit Now!
We hope this blog post has inspired you. If you're looking for a little extra motivation, we suggest checking out the film “A Plastic Ocean”. It’ll make you truly realize just how big of a problem we're facing with plastic. So now is the time to commit, decide to start living with as little plastic as you can, or even better, go all-in and try to live completely free of single-use plastics.
Here’s to a fantastic year with less plastic!
The Shaka Love Team.