Currently adopting eco-friendly habits is a critical issue, of great importance and with incredible rewards. And since at NATIVU we believe in decisions with purpose, we present the following tips so that you can decide to reduce your ecological footprint, avoiding single-use plastics. That as its name says well are those utensils, bags, bottles, etc. that we use only once and then discard.
Why are single-use plastics bad?
Although plastic is a resistant and easy to obtain product, it’s elaboration and the mishandling of its waste has become a danger for the environment and for us. As it is the second item that takes the longest to decompose, all the disposable bottles, straws, cutlery, containers, etc, that we use for a couple of minutes and then throw away, remain in our ecosystems for up to 1000 years! And it represents 13% of the waste.
Day by day, landfills accumulate monstrous amounts of plastic, which could have been avoided entirely, or at least extended its useful life.
In addition, non-renewable resources and chemicals that generate greenhouse gases are used during its manufacture. These gases directly affect issues such as the ozone layer, climate change and the drop in the quality of air we breathe.
On the other hand, many of these objects end up in the seas or forests, threatening the welfare of wild animals.
How, where and when can I reduce my plastic consumption?
Reducing the impact of your ecological footprint, beyond being a decision, is a commitment and it is relatively easy to achieve when you really want to. You can implement it from your home, office, recreation and entertainment activities, etc.
The first step would be to avoid consuming single-use plastics, for example when shopping, bring your own cloth bags, or ask to have your food packed in boxes and not bags. When eating out, use wooden cutlery and metal straws instead of disposable ones. Buy bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic, consume shampoos and bar soaps, etc. There are many alternatives to abstain from plastic, it’s just a matter of looking and being creative.
The second step would be if you buy plastic products, find them a second use. This way the objects will not end up in a garbage can or threatening the life of wild animals. In final case that you must dispose of plastic products, find out first if your municipality has a recyclables collection service. In addition other entities such as ecolones, offer the option of recycling in exchange for points redeemable for real money!
Bird feeder 
Vertical Bottle Garden
Advantages of plastic recycling and reduction
Finally, some of the most notable benefits of saying “no” to plastic are:
- Savings in the use of non-renewable and renewable resources used in the manufacture of plastic
- Garbage reduction in landfills and in the seas
- Reduction of greenhouse gases, resulting in a cleaner environment
- Less environmental impact for all organisms: plants, animals, humans and the ecosystem in general
- Long-term monetary savings. Although some eco-friendly products are more expensive than disposables, their shelf life is longer and of better quality.
Being aware and not folding your arms in this situation are the two vital tips regarding the protection and conservation of the environment. A very simple way to do it in your day-to-day is through the recycling, reuse and reduction of single-use plastics, to alleviate the burden that our planet earth currently carries.
