Use This Not That: Ending Our Dependence on Plastic

Plastic dependence is a major issue that has and continues to have a serious impact on our environment. The impacts of plastic have become a popular topic of conversation with everything from the inefficiencies of recycling to its effect on the earth’s marine life making headlines. Plastic is one of the most widespread materials that is used in manufacturing today, being especially appealing to manufacturers for various reasons. Plastic is easy to mold, can be dyed nearly any color, and is resistant to many chemicals. The world now produces over 380 million tonnes of plastic each year. Our plastic dependence is now greater than ever.

Today, in an attempt to offer ways to end our dependence on plastic, Office H2O will introduce examples of ways to substitute different materials in the place of plastic in our everyday lives. If we make the effort to cut down our use of plastic a little bit each day, we can make a real difference. While our world may be in the grip of plastic dependence, it doesn’t have to remain controlled. Here are a few ways you can reduce your use of plastic and do good for the environment!

Use Reusable Water Bottles Instead of Single-Use Plastic Bottles

One of the best ways to reduce your use of plastic on an everyday basis is to invest in reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic water bottles. The United States uses over 17 million barrels of oil to create 50 billion disposable plastic water bottles each year. Not only does a reusable water bottle take less oil to produce, but it also replaces all the plastic you would have used instead. This reduces both your carbon footprint and reduces plastic’s burden on oceans, streams, and landfills.

Use Glass Dishes Instead of Plastic Tupperware

There are various reasons that using glass dishes instead of plastic Tupperware is a smart idea, and this expands beyond the positive environmental impacts. For one, glass dishes are safer. Glass is a natural material, impermeable, and non-porous. Plastic Tupperware containers, on the other hand, are made with chemicals such as BPA and PVC to make them both hard and soft. These chemicals have been shown to cause various health issues.

Additionally, glass dishes are more sustainable than plastic Tupperware. Though glass dishes may be more expensive to purchase initially, glass lasts longer than plastic, is made from a sustainable resource, and is 100% recyclable. The benefits of using glass dishes rather than plastic Tupperware are endless and you can cut costs for your family – as well as the planet – in the long run!

Use Reusable Straws Instead of Plastic Straws

If you can stop using plastic straws, even while dining in restaurants, you can significantly cut down on plastic dependence. The production process of plastic straws (or really any plastic product) releases a number of toxic chemicals into the environment as a by-product, which contributes to pollution. At the same time, most plastic straws are not recycled and make their way into landfills. Due to the size and shape of plastic straws, they slip easily through recycling machines. Plastic also isn’t biodegradable and does not break down through natural processes. All the while, plastic straws find their way into our oceans.

When you use a reusable straw instead of a plastic straw, you avoid these issues. Reusable straws don’t pose the same threat to marine life. Additionally, while plastic straws may seem more cost-effective, their long-term cost is exceptionally high compared to that of reusable straws. Fight plastic dependence today and purchase a reusable straw for yourself! You’ll be making a huge difference.

Use Cloth Diapers Rather Than Disposable Diapers

Believe it or not, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the United States each and every year. This makes it clear that the United States isn’t set to lessen its methane gas production anytime soon. That is, unless we make an effort to use cloth diapers instead.

There are various benefits to using cloth diapers beyond their ability to reduce your carbon footprint. They can also reduce diaper rash and don’t contain as many harmful chemicals as disposable diapers. By switching to cloth diapers, you can protect your baby all while doing more to protect the environment!

Do More for the Environment with Office H2O!

Looking for another way to fight plastic dependence from your home or office? Purchase an Office H2O bottleless water system! When you get one of our systems for yourself, you’re eliminating the need for disposable plastic water bottles all while enjoying access to clean, fresh water anytime.

You’ll also enjoy water of a higher quality when using one of our systems. Our devices come equipped with the latest water purification technology, employing a 9-stage filtration process to ensure your water is safe to drink. Check out our selection of systems today and feel good about what you’re doing to fight plastic dependence one day at a time!

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