Your Small Steps can make a huge change this Plastic Free July

“Reducing plastic waste can be challenging initially because of the prevalence of plastic in our society – it’s almost in every single product! Start by doing something small, like switching to a reusable cup instead of a takeaway coffee cup. Start there, and make more and more switches in your life,” WasteWise Coordinator, Joanna Tao. 12 ways to reduce waste in Plastic Free July – and beyond

There is no doubt that plastic waste harms the environment, and as single-use plastic consumers we are all accountable. Global plastic production has risen exponentially in the last decades. It now amounts to some 400 million tonnes per year. Yet only an estimated 12% of the plastics produced have been incinerated and only an estimated 9% have been recycled.

Plastic is everywhere – in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat. Its lifecycle also indirectly impacts climate change, often without visible consequences. For instance, the extraction and production of plastic currently account for about 6% of global oil consumption, with projections suggesting this could reach an astonishing 20% by 2050. The energy-intensive nature of plastic production generates vast amounts of greenhouse gases.

• 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year: According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans annually.
• 79% of plastic that has ever been made still sits in landfills or within the natural environment: Science Advances in 2017, estimated that 79% of the plastic waste ever produced now accumulates in landfills or the natural environment.
• Less than 9% of all plastic gets recycled:
• 1 million marine animals are killed by plastic every year: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), reports that millions of marine animals are affected by plastic pollution annually, and leading to injuries and deaths.

Single-use plastic is a significant issue for which many of us share responsibility. However, we also have the power to drive positive change. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, we can help mitigate climate change and its effects. Lowering our usage and overall demand will allow for a decreased need for production, consequently reducing plastic pollution. We can all do our bit – small changes can have massive results.

• Use a refillable bottle:
• Opt for a sustainable reusable cup instead of disposable ones. Keep one in your bag or car so it’s always available. This small change can significantly reduce waste from single-use cups.
• Buy food in bulk or choose loose items to reduce packaging waste. Purchasing only what you need also helps prevent food waste.

Reducing plastic waste may seem daunting given its pervasive presence in our daily lives, but every small step counts. However, the power to drive change lies in our hands. By lowering our reliance on single-use plastics, we can mitigate their harmful effects on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.

More initiatives here: https://www.tierranjaniafrica.com/2024/05/03/towards-eliminating-plastic-pollution/

Learn more about Plastic Free July