Plastics are used in a wide variety of products, many of which are essential to our everyday lives. However, so many of these plastics have been designed in such a way that they are exceptionally difficult to recycle.
These single-use plastics, defined by the European Union as plastic products that are used for a short period of time before being thrown away, are a huge problem for our environment, and an ethical store does whatever it can to avoid using plastics that are not reusable or recyclable.
Swap Out Disposable For Reusable
The vast majority of single-use plastics you will experience in your life are disposable objects, such as carrier bags, knives and forks, water bottles, straws and razor blade cartridges.
Instead of buying more, look for alternatives that will last longer, such as metal spoons, reusable canvas and cotton bags, wood or bamboo knives and forks and a reusable water bottle made from recycled plastic or metal.
Plan Ahead
A big reason why people end up using single-use plastic is simply that they have been caught needing something they could have brought with them. Pack a reusable hot drinks mug with you and a water bottle, which will stop you from needing to buy a single-use takeaway cup.
Work With Others For A Wider Influence
Ultimately, the best way to stop single-use plastics is to stop them from being manufactured, and a large part of that is working together with others as a community to ensure that large polluters such as major plastic manufacturers listen.
Many countries have long-term plans for outlawing single-use plastics but more needs to be done to mitigate the damage caused by these larger entities.
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