• Home
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
  • Environment
    • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Pollution
      • Global Warming
      • Population Explosion
      • Renewable Energy
      • Species Extinction
      • Sustainable Management of Resources
    • Animals
    • Pollution
    • Environmental Policy
  • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
  • Environment
    • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Pollution
      • Global Warming
      • Population Explosion
      • Renewable Energy
      • Species Extinction
      • Sustainable Management of Resources
    • Animals
    • Pollution
    • Environmental Policy
  • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
  • Contact Us
6 Practical Ways We Can Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution
October 30, 2020

Plastic pollution is one of the most visible environmental issues of our generation. Australia produces around 2-3 million tons of plastic every single year, with a frightening 130,000 tons on average typically finding its way into our oceans. Being aware of this problem is a good start, but it’s even more important to understand what we can do about it. If we work together, we can all contribute to the ongoing global efforts and work towards turning the tide against oceans of plastic pollution.

plastic pollution

Below are 6 simple yet effective methods we can all do to reduce our personal plastic footprint.

Contents

  • 1 Reduce Single-Use Plastic
  • 2 Avoid Microbeads
  • 3 Recycle Correctly
  • 4 Reuse Over Replace
  • 5 Avoid Glitter
  • 6 No More Straws
  • 7 Final thoughts

Reduce Single-Use Plastic

One of the easiest ways you can reduce your use of plastics is to stop buying single-use disposable cutlery, takeaway containers, coffee cups, and water bottles. It’s our responsibility as consumers to reduce this kind of plastic consumption. Instead of buying water bottles, invest in a quality water filter so that you can drink tap water and full up a reusable aluminium water container. You can even get some that will keep your water cold for longer.

Avoid Microbeads

These are tiny little plastic particles that are often added to beauty and personal care products which act as an exfoliating agent in soaps, face scrubs, and even toothpaste. Because they’re so small, they’re able to easily pass through sewage treatment plants unfiltered before ending up in the local waterway, and eventually the ocean. Because the potential risk these microbeads pose to marine environments are becoming increasingly apparent, several countries have recently introduced bans on products that contain them. Unfortunately, many of these restrictions are limited in scope and are yet to be fully enforced.

Recycle Correctly

Recycling has been an important part of conserving our natural resources while greatly contributing towards improving our environment for many years now. Unfortunately, there are still many who are confused about what can and can’t go into the recycling bin. We’ve all seen those little recycling symbols on our plastic products. The easiest way to know whether a plastic is recyclable is to look for these numbers on the containers. Most liquid and beverage bottles will be number 1 for PET, which is accepted by most recycling companies. Many of the heavier-duty plastic containers are also recyclable in some areas, like juice, milk, or laundry detergent which are marked with a number 2 for HDPE, and yogurt, margarine, and ketchup containers which have a number 5 for PP. If you’re unsure, check with your local recycling company.

Reuse Over Replace

Most environmentalists agree that simply recycling our plastics isn’t enough anymore, so it’s critical that we also use other methods to combat our plastic consumption. Not only will buying second-hand products instead of brand new avoid plastic packaging, but it also means they won’t end up in landfills prematurely. Furniture, toys, electronics, books, clothes, bikes, baby gear, sports equipment, and musical instruments are often excellent second-hand buys. You can also repair your phone instead of rushing out to buy this year’s latest model. Not only is it the best thing for our planet, but it’s also great for your wallet too.

Avoid Glitter

Glitter is another product made from tiny plastics that is also especially lethal to our waterways and oceans. And because it’s also a microplastic, it can be easily ingested by shellfish, plankton, and fish which eventually ends up on our dinner plates. But there’s good news! Thankfully, there’s still eco-friendly glitter available that’s made using plant cellulose and is fully biodegradable. So, for those who love a little glitter in their life, eco-friendly glitter allows you to still enjoy some completely guilt-free sparkly fun with the knowledge that there’s no way it can harm marine life.

No More Straws

Straws suck… literally. We use around half a billion plastic straws collectively every single day, and they can take hundreds of years to decompose completely. The easy fix here is if you don’t need a straw, don’t use a straw. If you must use one, there are plenty of great alternatives available today like steel, glass, or bamboo straws which you can use over and over again.

Final thoughts

The plastic problem on our planet is so massive that it can seem insurmountable, which may cause you to feel discouraged. It seems like it’s almost too large to realistically do anything about it. But humans are pretty resourceful, so there’s actually a lot we can all do to help our oceans and our planet as a whole and really make a difference.

Share

Pollution  / Recycle

Christina Elroy

  • Recent Posts

    • What is the goal of HIE?
    • Make a Long-Term Eco-Plan
    • Solar Panel Degradation: How Long Solar Panel Last
    • How Can You Help the Environment At Home?
    • 8 Carbon-Neutral Household Products for the Conscious Consumer
  • Categories

    • Animals
    • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
    • Energy
    • Environment
    • Environmental Policy
    • Green Food
    • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
    • Green Travel
    • Infographics
    • Other Stories
    • Pollution
    • Recycle
    • Sustainability
    • Toxics
    • Uncategorized
  • Archives

    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • December 2013
    • November 2013
    • October 2013
    • September 2013
    • August 2013
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • May 2011



Home | About | Advertise With Us | Bike The Netherlands | Current Environmental Issues | Eco Editorial | Contact