Simple ways to reduce plastic

Plastics are made from non-renewable natural resources such as crude oil, gas and coals. If this in itself isn’t detriment enough for our environment, it also takes about 1000 years for plastic to breakdown.

Globally we are producing and using plastic at a debilitating rate.

It is estimated that in Australia alone we use 3.92 billion plastic bags a year, which equates to 429,000 bags being dumped in landfill every hour.

But of course this is only a drop in the pool of our demand for plastic; you only need to look around to realise how wide spread our use of plastic is.

Plastic is not only a hazard to our environment, it may also be a hazard to our health. Plastic containing BPA have long been suspected of causing cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes and many other plastics are similarly suspected of leaching chemicals which may cause the same ill health.

Due to increasing consumer concern over these risks many products are now labelled BPA free however we should also look out for the recycle numbers 3 (PVC), 6 (polystyrene) and 7 (other – including BPA). These plastics are also suspected of leaching dangerous chemicals, are generally not high temperature heat stable (so should not be used to heat food), and do not recycle well. Plastics labelled with the recycling number 1 (PET) should also only be used once and may not be safe for use multiple use.

Don’t completely panic as many plastics are still considered safe.

Look for the recycle numbers 2 (high density polyethylene), 4 (low density polyethylene) and 5 (polypropylene), these are not suspected of leaching but always follow manufactures instructions for use and cleaning and where possible reduce your plastic use, after all it’s good for the environment.

Simple steps to reduce your plastic:

Switch to glass: glass jam or coffee jars can be re-used to store food or you can pick up ball jars in most supermarkets. These also have a fantastic vintage look.
Ditch the cling wrap: instead of covering leftovers in cling wrap store it between to ceramic plates
Opt for Stainless steel: heaps of great stainless steel lunchboxes, containers and water bottles are now available
Go Green: Green bags are a great way to reduce plastic bag use – keep them in the car so you don’t forget them
Re-useable food pouches and vegetable storage bags are available online for use at home and to take to the supermarket
Ditch the straw: from 6 months babies can drink from a cup, so I don’t see why adults can’t too

Many of these strategies will not only help you to reduce your plastic but also help you eat less processed and more whole and homemade foods.

“glass bottle” image from Shutterstock

118 Comments

- - twinmum2 said
  - 16 May 2014
    9:07 am
After reading this article I’m alarmed at how much plastic is in my kitchen.

- - littlemissmel23 said
  - 15 May 2014
    10:10 pm
I love this. I am always trying to find new ways in reducing my carbon foot print. Recently swapped my plastic water bottle to a stainless steel water bottle. Great for the environment and saving me $95 a year! Not bad. This is a great article in helping this topics generate more awareness.

- - robyn_smithwick said
  - 15 May 2014
    5:01 pm
This is a great article. We can all do our bit in reducing the use of armful plastics.

- - megsy99 said
  - 13 May 2014
    11:15 pm
Great tips, great read 🙂

- - lou3 said
  - 13 May 2014
    1:22 pm
Great ideas and very helpful

- - Gracelow said
  - 12 May 2014
    8:00 pm
Thanks for this guide – very practical and easy to follow.

- - mom57522 said
  - 12 May 2014
    2:22 pm
Great tip using ceramic plates instead of wrap!

- - Mrs Mum said
  - 12 May 2014
    4:10 am
im really sick of the amount of disposable packaging we live with today, thank you for sharing

- - mums-info said
  - 11 May 2014
    9:05 pm
Some great tips thanks for sharing

- - coppin85 said
  - 11 May 2014
    6:39 pm
Glass is a much better option

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 11 May 2014
    9:13 am
some great ways on helping to save our planet

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 10 May 2014
    2:40 pm
I prefer glass over plastic, but a lot of people stopped manufacturing in glass
- june11 replied
  
  11 Jul 2016 , 11:04 pm
  Certain types of sand are used in the manufacture of glass. Glass is breakable unless if is very thick and heavy, not ideal if you are vision impaired, small children who often drop things then tread in them or try to pick them up.
  Plastics that hold their shape are recyclable in Adelaide. Plastic bags are charged for in Adelaide have been since 2013 or before. I have plastic lunch boxes which I have been using since 2009 or prior. Placing food in a china bowl then covering it with another one is not airtight. Used other than in the fridge means ants may invade it. We have found that it hot weather they tend to venture inside.
- - sarah_wardleworth said
  - 08 May 2014
    10:48 pm
Good read thank you for the information

- - rachaelchara said
  - 08 May 2014
    3:55 pm
There has been some important and interesting points made in this article. A great read.

- - kkinked said
  - 08 May 2014
    11:33 am
I take my own glass container to the chinese takeaway instead of them using a pastivc container. I’ve replaced the crowded “plastics” cupboard with purpose bought glass containers. They are useable in the fridge, freezer, microwave and oven. Less cleaning up !!

- - yyon4699 said
  - 07 May 2014
    10:30 pm
what an importsnt awareness to raise

- - pastosy said
  - 07 May 2014
    8:44 pm
great tips to use i everyday life

- - Mrs Bucket (that's pronounced Bouquet) said
  - 07 May 2014
    12:08 pm
Cling Wrap – never thought about it before, thanks for the tip.

- - 24elna said
  - 06 May 2014
    1:37 pm
Reuse and reduce.I have stopped taking home my groceries in plastic bags for the last few years now.Im doing my bit and if i have enough plastic bags i take them to Coles and put them in the recycle plastic bags bin.

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 06 May 2014
    10:53 am
great informative article