A brief history of the invention of plastics takes us all the way back to 1839, when a fellow by the name of Eduard Simon inadvertently discovered polystyrene. In 1909 Leo Hendrik Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic.
Fast-forward to 2017 and a study released by Science Advances tallies up all the plastic ever made. It turns out humans have produced 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic since 1950.
If it was at least being put to good use, that number might not be quite so disturbing. Unfortunately, most plastic production is for single-use packaging.
To put it in perspective, in 2015 humans threw out 141 million metric tons of single-use plastic packaging – almost as much as was made that year.
The amount of plastic trash littering the earth is staggering. Stopping production of this environmentally-unfriendly substance isn?t going to happen, so the next best thing is to vote with your wallet and?choose reusable alternatives to single-use plastic.
1. Plastic Straws
Straw pollution is a huge problem. Edible straws?are one solution, but what if your local smoothie bar doesn?t stock the Lolistraw?
From steel and bamboo to glass and paper, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws. You could even go rogue and opt for no straw. You rebel, you.
2. Water Bottles
There are plenty of easy hacks to reduce your plastic consumption and one of them is to get yourself a reusable water bottle. Unlike its single-use plastic cousin, the forever alternative isn?t bad for your health.
3. Plastic Shopping Bags
It?s heartening to see the growing number of countries that have banned plastic bags.
Some, like South Africa, have imposed a tax as a way to discourage people from using them. The amount is far from prohibitive, but at least the major grocery chains have made reusable shopping bags cost-effective and easily available.
4. Take-Out Eating Utensils
Living sustainably isn?t just the domain of the eco-friendly nomad. There?s nothing wrong with carrying a reusable cutlery set with you even if you do have a permanent address. What if you forget your packed lunch or need to work late and order take-out?
5. Take-Out Coffee Cups
Along with plastic straws and water bottles, one of the easiest ways to avoid adding to the world?s growing trash problem is to quit?your morning cappuccino?habit.
I?m kidding. Everyone knows the day hasn?t started until the caffeine?s been had. Just get yourself a reusable coffee cup and you?re good to go.
6. Flip-Flops
Synonymous with summer and lazy days at the beach, the trusty flip-flop is a favorite with many people. They also pose a huge hazard to ocean life.
A better idea is to find an eco-friendly sandal that will last you more than one season.
7. Kids Toys
Although technically not single-use, the cheap gimmicky toys that come in Happy Meals (or lure little hands in the checkout aisle) might just as well be. Kids will whine like there?s no tomorrow until they get it and then toss it aside an hour later. Instead, buy them some?eco-friendly toys they?ll actually appreciate.
If you want to take another step to fight single-use plastic, sign this Care2 petition asking Starbucks to?ditch plastic straws.
Photo Credits: Thinkstock
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
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