Refuse and Reduce: Simple Steps to Cut Down on Plastic Waste

Over 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year, posing a grave threat to marine life and ecosystems. From sea turtles choking on plastic bags to seabirds ingesting bottle caps, the impact of our plastic consumption on the environment is undeniable. In light of this urgent issue, what small changes can you make in your daily life to limit your plastic consumption to help protect our oceans and our planet?

When it comes to waste management, you can follow the 7 R’s rule: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, regift, and recycle. But trying to tackle all of these at once would be difficult and wouldn’t work in the long run. Here are some easy changes you can make to build eco-friendly habits.

The first thing you can do is Refuse. Refuse anything you don’t really need or won’t use. You can start by refusing plastic straws for example. You can then start refusing single-use plastic, by bringing your own bag or reusable coffee cup. It takes a bit of organisation at first but it can quickly become part of your daily routine!

The second R you can start following is Reduce. Reducing your plastic consumption comes with buying less and less often. It’s tempting to buy all the cool tote bags and reusable things you can find, but reducing your plastic use is also reducing your consumption in general. Use items as many times as possible, get creative with the things you already own, or borrow things when you can!

Transitioning to a more sustainable and plastic-free lifestyle can feel overwhelming at first, start by incorporating these simple tips into your daily life to limit your plastic consumption, but don’t be too hard on yourself! It’s ok to make mistakes and learn along the way. By making conscious decisions to reduce your plastic consumption, you’re not only helping the environment but also inspiring others to do the same. Together, we can work towards a healthier planet and a cleaner future for future generations!