Plastic Solutions

Okay enough with all these downsides. Let’s try to focus and find some workable solutions which may result in a better world to live in. But plastic pollution is not an easy problem; it has many different facades. Therefore, we will address general strategies to reduce the widespread issue at first. As we move on, we shall get into the details of solving individual facades of the problem. That being said, how will we even start to address such a devastating threat? A shift always starts small. It may be rapid or slow, minor or revolutionary; however, all changes have to start, and they begin in decimals. The transformation arises long before the difference is even notable. The smallest part of what we have to change is our behaviour as individuals. We will have to change ourselves first to make others change as well. When we get to the point where a majority has changed their behaviour, the rest will follow the lead. Metaphorically speaking, society will follow the path that has been paved by individuals. That is why each and everyone matters, the more people help to pave the way; the more individuals will be relieved of the burden. Imagine an indescribable massive boulder. That boulder is slowly crushing humanity, and some individuals are trying to heave the rock that can only be lifted by a collective group of people. We, who are not helping to raise, are accepting to be crushed by the boulder. Thereby, we are putting our burden of carrying that boulder on said individuals who are trying their best. So let us help them to raise the rock by changing our behaviour.

Let’s dive into the most obvious ways of how our individual behaviour can help beat the plastic problem.

some practical tips

We know it is not easy to do all ofit on your own. That is why we will help you with some tips and tricks for you to use daily. Here we go, how to avoid plastic trash:

• Let’s start with something easy to do. Drinking bottles are mostly made out of PET (recyclingcode#1). Most beverages can be bought in glass bottles as well. Glass bottles can be efficiently recycled, and there are hundreds of ways to reuse them. Easier yet, you may refill them. It’s a piece of cake to clean them. Granted, it may not be from your favourite company; however, we do recommend you to give it still a try. You may very well find your new favourite beverage.
• While we are at it, every drink needs a good meal or at least a small snack.- Wait- If I buy that snack, I will buy plastic. Notably, small treats and sweets, like granola bars, are in plastic packaging. Yet, people, including myself, are (naturally) drawn to sweets. So, how do we get around it? The first step may be to buy less; it immensely reduces your garbage and helps you to stay fit. Secondly, if you need snacks, do not buy bags in which each product is packed separately. If you are lucky, some of your favourite items will be stuffed in carton boxes. Further, you may make your sweets and snacks yourself, that is probably the tastiest, healthiest and cheapest version.
• You can buy Fruits and vegetables easily in plastic-free, local or organic markets. Conveniently, it will not be a problem to transport them with your reusable bag that can be used for groceries as well.
• I mean I do get take-away meals, it is simple, and you spare time. Still, why does it have to be polystyrene (or styrofoam as it is commonly known)? Some restaurants will give you a more sustainable paper box or other alternatives. Or you may even cook yourself when it is possible.
• You love the products of a company; nonetheless, you despise their unjustifiable packaging, write them a mail. They may listen to it. That being said, I can not ensure that it will work. Yet, the economy is shifting right now, and some companies enjoy to stay ahead of the competition. Sometimes a small push is needed to accomplish big things.
• Evermore new shops do not use packaging at all or are plastic-free. Unique and sometimes brilliant alternatives can be found on the internet as well. The variety of other options are remarkable. Bamboo toothbrushes are renowned for having a low water footprint and, except for shipping a small carbon footprint, too.
• Other cosmetics can be replaced without any effort, as well. Soap and shampoo are self-explanatory examples. There are countless environment-friendly hard soaps. At first, it may prove to be trial and error to find a suitable solvent. Nonetheless, there are many excellent plastic-free soaps out there. In many cases, the alternatives feel better than the plastic options, anyhow.
• Let’s save our environment and the marine ecosystems ourselves. In order to do so, we have to get our hands dirty. Picking up plastics helps! You may even do it in a group of people at a clean up event. For instance you could participate at the RhineCleanUp occasion. It aims to clean the rhine from plastic at different locations.
• My last little tip is the Guppyfriend washing bag. As we explained on the page about microplastics, there are no adequate microplastic filters integrated in your washer. The Guppyfriend washing bag filters the microfibres that break off your washed clothing and otherwise would land in the sewage. It should be mandatory in every household until the government or industry installs an effective way to filter microplastics.

 

You may think that the responsibility of creating a more environment-conscious world lays in the hand of the public. Yet this is only to a certain extent true. Truth be spoken, we have to find a better system to hold companies and governments accountable for their environmental mischiefs. While the will of the individuals is shaping the world, it should absolutely not be the case that this will is suppressed by the greed of corporations and governments. I am absolutely sure that the people and inhabitants of land near rainforests do not have any interest, nor advantages from the deforestation of the rainforests. On the contrary, often, they are chased away by corporation and government. We have to collectively realize that the best future for our society depends on, what we do to our environment right now. We have to overcome our difference and start to ask, what is best for our future/country and the world.