9 Eco-friendly Things to Use as a Replacement for Plastic
Scientists estimate that by 2050 the ocean will be more plastic than fish. Isn’t this scary? It is time now to replace plastic from our lives and switch to eco-friendly products. For this, I am pledging to a Plastic free July. You know, plastic takes thousands of years to degrade, and in this process, it releases toxic chemicals into the soil and the environment. It is time to strive for a sustainable environment in future and start acting on it individually from every household. Let’s talk about products that can replace plastic now! Take a look and do-away plastic from your life.
9 Eco-friendly Things to Use as a Replacement for Plastic:
1- Use steel or glass containers to store food or pantry items
Plastic food containers available on the market contain toxic chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A), which adversely impact our health. When food is stored in plastic containers, BPA leaches into the food affecting the health. Avoid storing food in plastic containers and use steel or glass containers instead.
2- Use steel or glass bottles to store water
Many of us feel it is convenient to store water in plastic bottles at home or buy bottled drinking water when outside. But the amount of plastic that gets accumulated by doing so from each household can affect the environment negatively. Hence, we must replace plastic bottles with stainless steel or glass bottles; it will benefit the environment and our health.
3- Use aluminium or wood hangers
Plastic hangers may bend after hanging heavy clothes like sweaters on them for a longer time. Aluminium or wooden hangers are sturdy and look better than plastic hangers.
4- Use compostable garbage bags
Garbage bags are used regularly in every household to discard waste; using compostable garbage bags is a great environmentally friendly option. After disposal, compostable garbage bags turn themselves into compost and become manure for the soil.
5- Use a bamboo cutting board
The bamboo cutting board is a fantastic biodegradable option; bamboo is a fast-growing grass and hence does not cause any negative effect on the environment. However, people have a misconception that wooden cutting boards are more prone to the growth of microorganisms or bacteria. Still, it is found that wooden boards or bamboo boards have antimicrobial properties, whereas plastic boards don’t have antimicrobial properties.
6- Use wooden combs and a toothbrush
Using wooden combs provides many benefits to hair; it helps in stimulating the scalp and helps in hair growth. In addition, using a wooden toothbrush is a better option than using a plastic toothbrush; it helps in reducing plastic waste whenever you dispose of the toothbrush.
7- Use metal safety razors
Single-use razors are made of plastic, which contributes to plastic wastage when thrown after every use. Metal safety razors are the best choice for reducing plastic at home. A common myth is that using a metal safety razor is difficult compared to single-use plastic razors; while using a metal safety razor avoids putting pressure while shaving to prevent getting cut.
8- Use bee wrap or aluminium foil to cover food
Stop using plastic wrap to cover food and save your leftovers by using silicone lids, aluminium foil or eco-friendly bee’s wrap, which can be reused for 1 year, while plastic wrap can be used only once.
9- Use a cloth bag for shopping
Polythene bags are the major contributor to plastic waste in the environment. Polythene bags are used once and then disposed of in large numbers. Cloth bags are long-lasting, washable and reusable.
I hope you will try to replace plastic in your daily life and switch to sustainable and eco-friendly things these plastic free July!
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