We don’t have to wait until 2021, when Canada plans to ban single-use plastics. We can all start improving the environment right now by doing some, or all, of these ten actions to reduce our dependency on plastic.
Avoid buying items packaged in plastic
Whenever possible, look for produce and other items that aren’t over-packaged. Buy food in glass jars rather than plastic ones, and detergents in boxes rather than bottles. Not only are you reducing the plastic you use, you’re sending a powerful message to the makers of those products that you don’t like plastic packaging.
Use cloth shopping bags
Plastic bags are an eyesore and are dangerous to wildlife. Keep reusable bags somewhere handy – in your car or your bike, or by the front door – so that you don’t forget them when you take off for the market, grocery store, or mall.
Skip bottled water and carry a reusable canteen
Plastic bottles are one of the top five most common types of litter found on beaches. Since bottled water is much more expensive than tap water, you’ll also save money doing this, and avoid the possible hazards of plastic toxins leaching into your beverage.
Upcycle
Be creative and think of new uses for old items rather than discarding them or buying new ones. For example, plastic bottles can be turned into creative lighting fixtures. Look here for more great ideas!
Bring a reusable mug when you order coffee
Stow it on your desk or in your school bag so that you have it on hand when you order or refill your drink.
Photo by Cristian Palmer on Unsplash
Say, “No straw, please!”
Straws are one of the top ten items found on beaches – and in most cases, drinking out of a straw is simply not necessary. If you do need a straw, you can get a reusable stainless steel or glass one.
Wear clothing made of natural, not synthetic, materials
Wearing and washing clothes causes fibers to flake off, and polyester clothing is made of plastic. Tiny particles of microplastic found in oceans around the world have been traced back to such synthetic fabrics.
If you must use disposable tableware, get the compostable kind
If there’s no way around it – you can’t get away with washable and reusable cups, plates, or utensils – look for those made of recycled paper, or biodegradable plastics, which can be composted. Be aware that they will not biodegrade in a landfill and must be disposed of in appropriate composting conditions.
Don’t just discard electronics
Aim to repair or upgrade your devices instead of buying new ones. Alternately sell gadgets and computer parts on sites like Kijiji.
You can also find a facility at which you can turn them in for recycling. Visit RecyleMyElectronics.ca to find where the drop off areas are in Ontario.
Simcoe County does electronics waste collection in September. Check here to see when they collect from your area.
Bring your own container for takeout and leftovers
When ordering takeout or bringing home leftovers, ask if you can get the food in your own reusable container.
Find more great info and inspiring stories here – OneWorldOneOcean.com
Ottawa announces plans to ban single-use plastics starting in 2021 at the earliest
