Biodegradable plastic -- this may be a term new to most people because it was first thought as something quite impossible. The call to lessen the use of non-compostable plastic has gotten stronger because a lot of people have experienced the devastating effects of global warming on the environment. Many have begun to say no to the use of plastic straws while others are now bringing reusable bags in the grocery instead of using the plastic ones.
These may be small steps, but when taken by heart by a lot of people, it can bring about the kind of change that may just put global warming into a halt.
"There are quite a number of changes that can be done at the comforts of our own homes," said Melissa Osawa, the gardening editor of the Martha Stewart Living magazine. "A wooden comb instead of a plastic one, a bamboo toothbrush proves effective too. Metal refillable razors perhaps a silk dental floss can work too."
And all of that is just the beginning.
"The best way to start living a plastic-free life is to ask yourself when you use plastic. A waste audit can help you identify when and where you use disposable plastic for. When you know how much plastic trash you are making, it is easy to identify the many things you can do differently," she added.
How can it be done? Here are some ways to make it happen
Ditch the cling wraps and go for lids instead.
You may have overlooked all the silicone lids that you have because cling wraps have always been a reliable partner when it comes to covering food for storage in the ref or during picnics. But if you ditch the cling wrap and go back to using the lids, you are making a huge change. There are other substitute covers that you can try too. There are silicon bags and paper sandwich bags to help replace single-used plastic.
Reusable bags for your dry cleaning.
Many dry cleaners now offer their clients reusable bags for their clothes including the ones that are folded. Just as how the milkman used to deliver milk in reusable bottles, dry cleaners can also help you pick up your clean clothes in reusable bags.
Reuse the reusables that you have.
It is important to remember that some of these reusable items that you have may damage the environment more than plastics, so it is best to reuse them while you can. "Making the switch to reusable items may prove difficult at first, that's why you need to be committed at doing it," says Maltby of Real Simple. "It requires a long-term commitment that you need to be willing to take."
In the efforts to help the environment, it is best to encourage those around you to do the same. When you make it known to others that you are doing what you can, you are giving them an idea that they can do it too.