In 2016, global plastic waste amounted to 242 million tonnes. The garbage made up 12% of the total municipal waste. This statistic shows how threatening plastics are to the environment. The worst part is that only a small percentage of the total waste materials are discovered for recycling.

Plastics take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, unlike organic waste, which takes only a few months. Plastic is also the primary cause of clogging drains, resulting in floods. The waste shortens animals’ lifespan if it gets into contact with their food, not to forget that plastics result in respiratory health when burned.

If you want to be good to the environment and the oceans, start by creating a sustainable home.

How Do You Reduce Plastic Waste in Your Home?

Avoid Plastic Shopping Bags

Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency reveal that one trillion plastic bags are used annually across the globe. Although they are free and may seem like a convenient way out for shoppers, plastic bags come with a high environmental cost.

Carrying your shopping bag to the store is a great way to save the environment. In fact, some places have banned the use of disposable bags to curb the constantly rising plastic waste.

The pantry makes up for the largest amount of plastic waste. Most of them are single-use shopping bags, meaning that you have to buy a new set of bags every time you go shopping.

Instead, invest in reusable shopping bags for food shopping. Some items such as veggies and fruits do not necessarily need carrying bags. You can throw them in the boot as they come for immediate use.

If you feel that the reusable bags are a bit expensive, shop with your reusable pantry containers, especially for cereals and legumes.

Say No to Plastic Straws

Fortunately, a range of sustainable brands has come up to offer glass and wooden straws. They are easy to clean, thus great for reuse. Besides being environmentally friendly, the straws are stylish and good for your health.

Therefore, you can do away with the plastic straws each time you buy a drink or want to drink your water at home.

Pro-tip; you can make your own paper straws at home to evade the costs. Just check out tips and videos online for guidance on how to do it.

Invest in Reusable Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles are a significant contributor to unending plastic wastes. People have adopted the habit of buying water at convenience stores while traveling. They carry the plastic bottles all the way to their home, which end up in the dust bins.

It would be better to invest in quality water bottles and carry your water as you leave home. You can refill the bottle later in the day, thus no need for buying water. In addition to saving the environment, the idea comes handy to save your money.

The same applies to coffee mugs. Avoid the plastic cups offered at the coffee shop. Instead, bring your own thermos for your daily go-to coffee to minimize your plastic footprint. You can refill your coffee as many times as you wish, without the need for disposable mugs. 

Contact Plastic Recycling Company

As much as you try, some plastics are hard to do away with altogether. From time to time, you may want to dispose of your plastic basins or toys that your kids have outgrown. The least you can do is to ensure that you dispose of them appropriately.

You cannot go wrong by contacting a reliable plastic recycling company and let the expert do what they do best. Recycling reduces landfills, saves you the landfill taxes, and it is a chance for you to create employment opportunities. 

Buy Food in Bulk

If you can, buy food in bulk to minimize the need for packaged goods. Disposable containers have become the norm in supermarkets and stores. From PET bottles to plastic containers and polystyrene trays, sellers always have plastic packaging to offer.

You can avoid the plastic bags by buying items in bulk which in most cases come packed in reusable containers. If you must buy food in small quantities, get steel containers for storage. Also, if you must carry to work, avoid the Tupperware containers and instead get glass containers.

Final Thought

Plastic waste is a significant threat to the surroundings and everything in it. It is your responsibility to look after the environment you live in, and it all starts at home. Check out the highlighted tips on how to reduce plastic waste at home.

Take the initiative to create a sustainable living space, not only for you but for your loved ones, plants, and animals. The planet will thank you, and so will your health, for creating a toxic-free environment.