How to replace plastic in everyday life

Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Journal Fact

Plastic is tricky. On the one hand, it can quickly degrade, breaking down into tiny toxic particles and entering our body. On the other hand, it needs from tens to hundreds of years for complete Replace plastic decomposition and return to nature. In general, whatever one may say, it makes sense to minimize plastic and polyethylene in everyday life. But what to replace it with? Let’s consider alternatives together with our partner – green and eco-friendly company – Royal Craft Wood from Lawrenceville.

Plastic bottles

There is a debate about the health risks of plastic bottles, but have you noticed that the water in them on a hot day or after prolonged use takes on the taste of plastic? No matter how small the effect on the body, taking it by mouth does not seem like a good idea.

The damage to the planet is apparent, given that not all bottles are recyclable, and the average decomposition period for this item is 200 years. You can replace plastic with stainless steel and glass water bottles, including those with bamboo lids.

For example, the Simple Modern brand produces cute all-steel bottles of different sizes and colors at affordable prices. And Klein Kanteen is more expensive steel flasks with a bamboo stopper. Also, there are many convenient bottles made of durable borosilicate glass or double glass in online stores, complemented by carrying cases. Many of them are similar in size to plastic ones, but they look more stylish and at the same time serve as a fashion accessory.

Plastic cups

Drinking hot from plastic, as you know, is not worth it. Yes, cold is also more reliable to use from a chemically neutral container.

You may say that you buy coffee only in paper cups. Still, it turns out that plastic was not without it either: simple thick paper would quickly soak, so a thin film of polystyrene or other polymer is applied on top of it. This coating is difficult to separate from cardboard, so few people recycle such cups in the world – they are primarily stored in landfills or floated into the ocean Replace plastic .

What to replace: your Thermo mug or steel cup. From inexpensive thermo mugs and medium Simple Modern mugs to bitingly priced Klean Kanteen mugs. The glass will take up less space, but the mug will retain the warmth of the hot drink. Just check the reviews before buying – does it keep the temperature and does not leak.

The thermal mug comes with rubber and plastic elements, but they are reusable. And you will still drink from stainless steel.

Straws for drinks

The straw seems to be a less aggressive plastic – we only drink cold drinks through it and immediately throw this tiny thing in the trash. But the problem is that straws are not recyclable. Thanks to this chemical industry product alone, an incredible amount of plastic accumulates in landfills on a global scale.

Replace plastic straws with disposable compostable straws made from a resin derived from starch.

And also reusable made of steel, glass, or bamboo – they usually come with a special brush for washing. There are quite a few on Alibaba, Aliexpress, and specialized eco-shops.

Disposable tableware

Neither plastic nor paper utensils is environmentally friendly for humans and the environment for the reasons described above.

Instead of this garbage, you can find biodegradable spoons and forks made of corn starch, which take six months to break down into simple substances in the soil. Or bamboo utensils.

Even better, take cutlery with you from home, or buy a steel or wooden travel set.

As for plates, there are also biodegradable plates and containers made from sugar cane. But it is even more practical and environmentally friendly to replace plastic with a steel lunchbox.

Plastic containers

Plastic bowls are lunches for work, buying ready-made food in cooking, travel, and storage. But, in addition to the issue of further processing and the release of harmful substances into food, they age, acquire an unattractive appearance and an unpleasant odor.

Adherents of an eco-friendly lifestyle take glass jars with them to the store and buy ready-made meals, as well as cheese, meat, and other products that require impervious packaging. And store products at home also in glass or ceramics.

Plastic bags

Bags are everywhere: they pollute the soil and water, they kill marine life and birds. We buy them to bring food home in half an hour or store food in them for a week or a month. And they decompose on a par with plastic bottles – more than our lives Replace plastic .

The first alternative is biodegradable bags, which disintegrate under natural factors in two years.

Well, a few fabric shopper bags will help to replace polyethylene completely. They are now in fashion, and many shops and supermarkets sell such bags. You will also need fabric bags of various sizes for cereals and bakery products and reusable mesh bags for vegetables. They can be found on Etsy and similar craft sites and Aliexpress.

Cling film

You can cover the storage dish in an old-fashioned way – with a saucer or a lid. There is an option to pack products in craft paper like when everything was wrapped in the USSR Replace plastic .

Or replace the film with a unique packing material made of cotton coated with beeswax – it can be washed in hot water and reused. Called Bee’s Wrap, this wax paper can be ordered from Amazon, or you can make your own with tutorials.

Silicone molds

Although manufacturers claim that silicone is safe, the words “rubber,” “dye,” and “heating” are a little alarming. Out of harm’s way, you can get detachable steel baking dishes instead of these bright plastic ones.

Garbage bags

By analogy with conventional bags, biodegradable garbage bags are now being produced. As our parents did, a free alternative is to walk with a bucket to the trash can.

Ear sticks

Plastic sticks are not recyclable – they have lain in landfills for centuries. Bamboo sticks will perfectly replace them because bamboo grows quickly and quickly decomposes. You can find these in TianDe and many online stores.

Toothbrushes

The PVC toothbrush handle is also waiting for the landfill. Given that we change them every few months, only one person throws out at least four brushes a year.

You can replace this hygiene device with a bamboo brush. Although it has nylon bristles, the natural material handle can be composted. Similarly, brushes and plungers are sold with wooden handles.

Plastic combs

A plastic comb can and should be replaced with a wooden one: comb, massage, or brushing, including those with natural bristles. These are available in almost every professional hairdressing store.

Natural materials have a better effect on hair than synthetic ones, and a wooden accessory will last a long time.

Plastic razors

Plastic razors are not recyclable, and we change them much more often than toothbrushes. The endless stream of disposable razors can be replaced with a classic steel machine, and only blades can be bought in addition. It will also cost much less.

Cosmetic bottles

We consume the most plastic in everyday life in household chemicals and cosmetics segments. It is difficult to abandon it entirely, but you can reduce the number of plastic bottles if you buy dishwashing detergent, liquid soap, shampoo, and other products in large volumes and then pour them into dispensers.

As for cosmetics, there is an option to choose glass or paper packaging or products without packaging. For example, dry shampoo in a bar, natural shampoos, foundation fluid in glass, lipsticks, and glosses in metal and glass containers.

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