The profound effect that plastic and rubbish are having on the climate is undeniable. With the amount of CO2 being released into the air as well as the rubbish that is being put into landfill, the war on plastic is well and truly underway to begin caring for the plant and creating more sustainable packaging. In this article, we are giving you an insight into the war on packaging whilst looking at what is being done to reduce the use in everyday life.
Using Paper Bags
One of the ways that several businesses are cutting down on the use of plastic is through opting for paper alternatives instead. By using printed paper bags with your branding, you can market your brand whilst saving the environment. This is already present in several high street chains such as Primark and New look that offer a paper bag alternative to hold the clothes that you have just bought, thus saving the environment and marketing effectively.
Paper Straws
The most recent change in the war against plastic is the introduction of paper straws in restaurants and popular fast food chains such as McDonald’s. This comes after a recent study showed the sheer number of plastic straws that pollute the earth per year. Though this change was not accepted by everyone, the paper straws have been a huge step in combatting the use of plastic and have given a fully recyclable alternative. In addition to this, a number of metal straws have now become available, allowing you to have a straw you can use over and over again with a simple cleaning method.
5p Bag Tax
Another plan to reduce the use of plastic was the 5p bag tax. This was rolled out by the British government in the hopes to reduce the number of plastic bags in landfill. Since the charge started in October of 2015 there has been a decrease in the number of plastic bags in circulation, with the number of bags for life increasing. If the employer has over 250 employees, then they are required by law to charge 5p for every plastic bag that they sell. This is helping to combat the use of plastic as the number of bags being used is decreasing rapidly.
Reducing Single Use Plastic Bottles
Another issue that is also being combatted is the use of single-use plastic bottles. With the likes of Joseph and Joseph creating the dot water battle and the Just water movement launched by the famous Jaden Smith. This water manufacturer has the message of creating bottles that are made from 54% water and 28% plant-based materials as well as 3% aluminium and 15% plastic film. Each of these elements are all put into making a 100% recyclable bottle helping to reduce the use of single use plastics and promote sustainable packaging.
Regardless of the amount of plastic you use on a daily basis, it is important to reduce plastic to help reduce the effect of climate change and help reduce the amount of CO2 in the air. Which will you start by cutting out first?