You may have read the title of this blog and thought to yourself, “no way.” In today’s world, this appears to be an almost impossible task, and many people may believe it is not worthwhile. All you have to do is think about everyday items to realize that plastic is everywhere. Plastic, whether single-use or reusable, has become a pillar of our society. So, where do you even begin to live a plastic-free life? Let’s talk about how we can make an impact on an individual level as we approach Earth Day.
Many people argue that because corporations are responsible for the majority of pollution and destruction in our world, talking about individual sustainability is pointless because we don’t make a difference. This is completely false! Yes, large corporations that are irresponsible in their practices are to blame for environmental damage, but individuals wield far more power than we realize. We have the power to affect change from the ground up by voting with our dollars and prioritizing the health of our families and the environment! Every major movement began with a single person. Consider all of the materials that would end up in landfills if people did not recycle. Individuals started composting programs that prevent thousands of pounds of food waste from ending up in landfills. Individuals started many of the major trends we see in our world today, such as the shift away from fast fashion and toward thrift and sustainable brands, reusable bags and water bottles, plant-centered eating trends, and so on. People have a lot of power!
Having said that, reducing plastic consumption on an individual level is important and effective! This may appear to be a massive undertaking, and in some ways it is. Plastic, as previously stated, is ubiquitous. Every day, encounter plastic water bottles, soda bottles, Ziploc bags, utensils, food containers, shopping bags, condiment bottles, cosmetic packaging, food packaging, and other items. We are exposed to plastic much more than we realize, from our toothpaste to our ketchup. Finding ways to reduce or eliminate plastic in our lives, on the other hand, means we are helping to heal the planet while also reducing our exposure to chemicals commonly found in plastics.
Here Are Some Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Plastic Consumption:
– There is no new plastic. Make it a point to buy items at the grocery store that are packaged in glass or cardboard rather than plastic. Better yet, go to a bulk food store and use reusable produce bags.
– Examine your kitchen and bathroom (the two areas where the most plastic is found) and begin getting rid of plastic containers that you can live without. If it doesn’t make sense to get rid of it right now, don’t. This can be a slow process.
– Be kind to yourself as you navigate this new opportunity. When you start trying to avoid plastic, you’ll notice that it’s everywhere! It’s sometimes difficult or nearly impossible to avoid, so do your best and know that every step you take counts!
If you want to make a plastic-free custom promotional bag this season, we have plenty of options for you. Cotton, hemp jute, organic cotton, recycled cotton, and other materials are used to make our bags.