5 Ways to Go Plastic Free – It’s Easier Than You Think

08-10-2016 | Life In Rhythm, Tambor Acai | No Comments

Mo plastic mo problems. When it comes to being more environmentally conscious, most of us don’t think twice about a lot of the basic plastic items we use routinely everyday. That’s why we’ve listed 5 Ways To Go Plastic Free, in hopes that it may help you eliminate unnecessary plastic from your life and ultimately our planet.

1. Reusable Straws

It’s estimated that American’s use over 500 million disposable plastic straws every day! And with approximate 320 million people living in America this issue just doesn’t add up. Try going a week straw free or have a few reusable straws [ like these eco friendly glass straws from Simply Straws ] handy when eating out.

2. Reusable Shopping Bags

There’s a lot of hype around using reusable bags and rightfully so. A single plastic bag can take 1,000+ years to degrade, yuck! The grocers in your city may already be on board with the ban of plastic bags, but if they’re not, utilizing your reusable bags is even more essential. Remembering to bring your reusable bags can be tough at first, so we suggest leaving them in your car for quick access. Tempted to use the clear plastic bags in your veggie isle? Pick up a couple cotton, hemp, or canvas reusable produce bags to use in place. Too easy.

3. Reusable Water Bottles

Say see ya later plastic water bottles and start utilizing something more sustainable. A nice water bottle [ like a Hydro Flask ] or tumbler [ like these Corkcicle tumblers ] is all you really need for daily use. Not buying plastic water bottles saves you money and that’s one less bottle that could end up floating in the ocean.

4. Buy in Bulk

When you buy items like oats, dried fruit, or nuts in bulk, it saves you money and less unnecessary packaging is used. All you have to do it bring a reusable bag or container with you. Stores have various ways to deduct the container’s weight, and many reusable bags have their weight printed on their tags.

5. Awareness Is Key

The simple act of being aware of plastic use throughout your day is an excellent way to begin changing your mindset as a consumer. Have you used any straws today? How many plastic items in your office could be eliminated by using something reusable instead? Awareness goes a long way and it’ll soon become second nature to implement the tips above into your daily routine.

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This photo of an albatross chick was taken in September 2009 on Midway Atoll, a tiny stretch of sand and coral near the middle of the North Pacific. To document this phenomenon as faithfully as possible, not a single piece of plastic in this photograph was moved, placed, manipulated, arranged or altered in any way. This image depicts the actual stomach contents of baby birds in one of the world's most remote marine sanctuaries, more than 2,000 miles from the nearest continent. Photo by Chris Jordan
This photo of an albatross chick was taken in September 2009 on Midway Atoll, a tiny stretch of sand and coral near the middle of the North Pacific. To document this phenomenon as faithfully as possible, not a single piece of plastic in this photograph was moved, placed, manipulated, arranged or altered in any way. This image depicts the actual stomach contents of baby birds in one of the world’s most remote marine sanctuaries, more than 2,000 miles from the nearest continent. Photo by Chris Jordan
After participating in the Discovery Channel's show Naked and Afraid in the Maldives, Alison Teal returned to the exotic islands to document the an infamous Trash Island, also known as Thilafushi. Just a few miles off the Maldivian capital of Malé, Thilafushi is an artificial island and acts as one of the country’s main landfills. About 300 to 400 tons of trash are dumped on the island every day.
After participating in the show Naked and Afraid in the Maldives, Alison Teal returned to the exotic islands to document the Maldives’ Trash Island, also known as Thilafushi. Just a few miles off the Maldivian capital of Malé, Thilafushi is an artificial island and acts as one of the country’s main landfills. About 300 to 400 tons of trash are dumped on the island every day.

Challenge yourself! What are ways can you eliminate plastic from your routine today? Thanks for reading!