Plastic pollution has become a major environmental issue in recent years, with single-use plastic items being a major contributor. We know this, but when was the last time we actually said no to plastic? Hard to remember, right? Because it is so embedded in our daily lives that most people do not even realize when they're using plastic. What if we say that plastic is in our blood as well? It may sound absurd, but this is a reality now! Microplastic has been found in human blood, which is a serious concern.
Plastics are convenient, but at the same time, they are most hazardous to use. Sustainable products are the need of the hour.
As per UNEP, around 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. And out of 7 billion tonnes of plastic waste generated so far, only 10% has been recycled. While what’s done cannot be undone, we can still take corrective measures to prevent the situation from worsening.
One of the best ways to combat plastic pollution is to reduce single-use plastics and switch to eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. In this article, let’s discuss five such sustainable products that we can use in our daily life to help reduce plastic pollution.
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Products
The following are the top 5 environmentally friendly products that are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. People can use them to reduce plastic pollution and go green in their daily lives:
Eco-friendly Cloth Bags
One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste is to switch from disposable plastic bags to eco-friendly cloth bags. Single-use plastic bags are major contributors to plastic pollution. They are used only once and eventually end up in landfills or as litter in the environment.
Unlike plastic bags, eco-friendly cloth bags are made from durable and plant-based materials like cotton or canvas. Being sustainable products, they can be used repeatedly for shopping. They are better for the environment and sturdier; they can hold more items than disposable plastic bags.
Nowadays, many stores offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable bags, saving money while helping the planet.
Eco-friendly cotton bags and jute bags are reusable and some of the best sustainable products. In addition to being eco-friendly, they prove cost-effective in the long run. We don't have to keep buying single-use bags every time we go shopping. For this reason, eco-friendly cloth bags are becoming more popular.
People can also go green when it comes to garbage bags. Instead of using plastic garbage bags, go for biodegradable garbage bags. This ensures that the plastic does not remain undecayed in the environment for years and years.
Reusable Water Bottles
Single-use plastic water bottles are a major contributor to plastic pollution. Approximately 300 million tons of plastic is produced every year, half of which is single-use. They are thrown away as waste after being used once.
Single-use plastic bottles take hundreds of years to break down. The production of plastic water bottles uses significant amounts of energy and resources. Further, after being discarded, they often end up in landfills or are littered in the streets.
To avoid contributing to this problem, people should consider switching to more sustainable products like reusable water bottles or stainless-steel water bottles. These bottles are durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean. This makes them a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles. Plus, many stainless-steel bottles are insulated to keep drinks at desired cold or hot temperatures for hours.
In addition to being eco-friendly, reusable water bottles are convenient and can save money in the long run. People do not have to keep buying single-use bottles every time they need a drink.
Many eco-friendly, stylish, and practical options are available, including water bottles made from stainless steel, glass, or even bamboo. Their best thing is that they are sustainable products and can be used multiple times. Reusable water bottles are durable, safe, and easily washed and reused.
Eco-friendly Toothbrushes
Plastic toothbrushes are a common source of plastic waste. Every year, billions of plastic toothbrushes are produced, many of which end up in landfills or the ocean.
To reduce their plastic footprint, people should consider switching to eco-friendly toothbrushes. Bamboo is a sustainable product and a biodegradable material. It can be used to make toothbrushes that are just as sturdy as their plastic counterparts. Bamboo toothbrushes come in various colors and styles; people can find one that suits their personal preferences.
Disposable Cutleries
Most eateries provide plastic spoons and forks. Further, they are the go-to cutleries in case of parties and events. It's also not convenient to carry or provide stainless steel spoons and forks. Therefore, disposable, eco-friendly cutlery is the only sustainable and effective solution. Wooden forks and spoons, leaf cups and plates, etc., are some ideal alternatives to plastic spoons, plates, and cups.
Reusable Kitchen Items
Single-use plastic straws are a common sight in restaurants and bars. They also contribute to plastic pollution. Straws are often too small to be recycled. They eventually end up in the ocean, where they can harm marine life.
A reusable straw is a sustainable product that allows people to enjoy their drinks without contributing to plastic pollution. Many eco-friendly options are available, including straws made from stainless steel, bamboo, etc.
Single-use coffee cups are not recyclable due to their plastic lining. People can enjoy their daily caffeine fixes by using a reusable coffee cup without contributing to plastic pollution. Many reusable coffee cups are available, made from ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. Many coffee shops also offer discounts for customers who bring their own reusable cups.
Several other eco-friendly daily-use items can find a place in the kitchen. This includes eco-friendly toothpicks made from sustainably sourced bamboo and fully biodegradable. Another environmentally friendly product that can find a place in the kitchen is organic baking paper. This can replace the aluminum foils that people use to wrap around food. The organic baking paper has various uses, such as roasting, wrapping, re-heating, or for leftovers.
In a Nutshell
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with millions of tons of plastic waste being produced every year and much of it ending up in oceans. The consequences of this pollution are far-reaching and devastating for the marine ecosystem.
In addition, plastic waste can harm wildlife and even enter the food chain, affecting human health. It’s time to take steps to reduce the dependence on plastic products and focus more and more on sustainable products like biodegradable garbage bags, bamboo toothbrushes, disposable cutlery, etc.
Most of the products that we use in our daily lives have eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. It’s only after people look out for them that they realize it’s far better to use such substitutes as against plastic products. Letsbeco offers environmentally friendly and sustainable products for people to use in their daily lives.
Whether it's kitchen products, home or personal care products, Letsbeco has an environment-friendly solution for all. The aim is not only to help protect the environment but also to make human-friendly products. These products are free from harmful chemicals like bleach, chlorine, sulfates, and phosphates. They are rash and allergy free and are safe for sensitive skin, pets, and even kids.
It's time we made eco-friendly choices with Letsbeco!
