Protect the environment: Go plastic-free with these 11 easy everyday tips

In today’s world, there is an increasing concern about the excess use of plastic and its long-term ramifications on the environment. Though several groups have undertaken large-scale initiatives to make India plastic free, what the country really needs is every individual to contribute in their own way.

Though it is almost impossible eliminate plastic off the face of the Earth, here are a few basic things you can do to discourage the popular use of plastic.

1. Use reusable beverage mugs

Your first interaction with plastic most likely happens when you are looking to grab some coffee en route to work or once you reach there. When doing so, make sure you take a reusable mug instead.

2. Use reusable/ cloth shopping bags

When going shopping, it is convenient to fall for those huge, all-fitting plastic bags at the counter. Well, refrain from them and carry your own reusable bags. Did you know – millions of barrels of oil is used to make those plastic covers! So, avoid falling prey. This way you save oil and avoid plastic!

3. Don’t drink water/juice from plastic bottles

It’s immensely attractive to see those cool use-and-throw bottles of water and juice stacked on the shelves, especially when you are drained out after a long day. Avoid buying these and instead opt for drinking fresh juice or water off reusable containers.

4. Shopping for organic clothes

Guys, it’s not the best thing to go for clothes that cause plastic pollution like nylon, acrylic or polyester. Try and keep these to a minimum and consider making your wardrobe eco-friendly. Materials like silk, wool and cotton are not made of harmful pesticides and herbicides, and hence they are a more comfortable option.

5. Swap sponges

Cleaning your home can become a harmless affair, starting from the sponge you use. Avoid using synthetic sponges. Instead, go for one made of wood fiber or else, there is always the assured traditional way of using the cleaning cloth.

6. Use candles/incense sticks for fresher air

The room freshener is a great idea, but the plastic-bottled one is a bummer. These liquids contain plastic softeners and other harmful contents. You add garbage and pay with your health for it! Instead, try natural air fresheners that not only do the job, but also have a pleasing effect on you.

7. Say NO to straw

From tender coconuts to every other edible liquid, these little plastic monsters find a place. Take your own straw made of glass or stainless steel or drink without them, to save yourself and the environment.

8. Reduce use of electronics

Tech savvies might find this displeasing, but electronic waste contains a lot of plastic and their disposal can become tricky. Find new and more uses for the existing ones and keep your purchases to the minimum.

9. Cloth diapers are comfy and ‘green’

Using cloth diapers instead of the plastic ones, can keep your child itch-free and do its bit for the environment too. Then again, you can always reuse cloth diapers.

10. Look away from packaged foods

It is good to either avoid these all together or go for ones that have been wrapped in paper or enclosed in glass or boxes. Reduction in sales of packaged food will help producers ponder where its going wrong!

11. Knowledge helps

Recycling at large-scale may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure does help to know how to segregate waste and send them to credible centers. After all, knowledge is power!

There you go. These steps seem not just convincing, but also easy, to help avoid plastic. If we all decide to make our own spaces eco-friendly, these little gestures will surely make a world of difference.

Also read:

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