July is ending ― and so is #PlasticFreeJuly!
But keeping the urgency in mind, #PlasticFreeJuly is not what we need anymore. We are gonna need something much more reliable and sustainable than that ― #PlasticFreeLife!
Now, living a plastic-free life is a far-fetched dream. We all are caught up in this vicious cycle of using plastics, despite being fully aware of the fact that it is harmful to our nature. With each passing day, we are getting trapped in this labyrinth, finding it hard to quit the habit of using plastics.
Sudden boycott of plastic will lead to chaos in our daily life. However noble the cause is, one cannot abruptly give up plastic. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to try; here are some of the steps you can follow to slow down the use of plastic in your daily life.
Hope this helps!
Replace plastic shopping bags with reusable ones
Reusable shopping bags are a great way to start with. You definitely visit the market once or twice a week. Instead of relying on bags to be provided by the shopkeeper, carry your own. Don’t restrict reusable bags to groceries shopping; you can carry them anywhere.
Avoid bottled water
Whenever you step out, don’t forget to carry your water bottle. Buying a plastic bottle is a very good option, but are they good?
Plastic may leach certain chemicals into the water, making it harmful for consumption. Keep a stainless steel bottle handy, and refill it wherever you happen to be. Plastic bottles are not safe for the water, but it is not reusable as well. Switching to stainless steel bottles is a great initiative.
Keep reusable utensils and glass drinking straws handy
Travelling is part and parcel of life. Your travels not just cost you, but to the environment as well. So next time when you go on a family vacation, do not forget to pack reusable utensils and glass straws. This will eventually cut out plastic waste.
Ice cream cones are a treat
Hoarding ice cream tubs in your fridge not only leads to overconsumption of ice creams but also the use of plastic. Try out the ice cream cones next time you step out; true delight indeed! Switching to ice cream cones can save both your health and the environment from those plastic tubs.
Reduce the intake of beverages packaged in plastic bottles
Remember your favourite cold drink comes packaged in plastic bottles. The more you buy, the more harm it causes to the environment. Fresh fruits or juices can always be a better option.
Let go of frozen convenience foods
Little lifestyle changes can make big moves. You purchase a lot of frozen food from the supermarket for your convenience, but is it convenient in the long run? Frozen foods are packaged in plastic containers and are always a bad choice for your health and our environment.
Purchase fresh bread wrapped in paper bags
Bread is the staple food of every household. Instead of buying bread that is packaged in plastics, try purchasing the ones that come in paper wrapping. The latter is fresher and tastier.
Try wined bottles with natural corks
‘I hate wine’, said no one ever! Well, does this mean you hate the environment?
Definitely not! While buying wine bottles, always ask for bottles that have natural disposable corks and not the plastic ones.
Give up liquid soap for bar soap
Bar soaps come in cardboard packaging, whereas liquid soaps come in plastic bottles. Bar soaps are completely hygienic to use as they wash each time you use them.
Use biodegradable feminine products
Sanitary napkins mount up to extensive waste each year. Instead, switch your sanitary pads with linen clothes that are soft and hygienic to use. You can also use menstrual cups or period panties as they are quite durable too.
Multi-faceted pros of plastic-free living
1. Positive impact on your planet
When you use less plastic, you make the environment healthy and safe for your future generations. As the number of people who make these changes increases, the environment will be safer and cleaner.
2. A good example for those who look up to you.
People around you notice you and learn from your actions. When you quit plastic, it motivates others to do the same.
3. You become an inspiration for others
It is true that one person cannot make a change. Yet, when that one person religiously tries to avoid plastic, his/ her actions motivate others to do the same.
4. You join hands with others trying to protect the environment
By choosing a plastic-free life, you come closer to those who live the same way. You also get to connect with people across the globe who are doing their best to protect the environment.
5. Enhanced health and vitality
Living plastic-free is directly proportional to eating healthy. Quitting plastic brings you closer to your health by opting for fresh fruits and juices.
You don’t need to take drastic steps; it’s the little steps that count. These small yet significant lifestyle changes will take you closer to the environment and a step nearer to a sustainable way of living.
