ENVIRONMENT SPOTLIGHT
Help Reduce Plastics
In Our Environment
A
ccording to the Ocean
Conservancy, plastic
product consumption is
predicted to double over the next
10 years.
With the health of the oceans
closely tied to the health of the
environment, marine life and
humans, making choices that help
reduce ocean pollution is one
way to make an impact. In fact,
research from the Plastic Free July
Foundation shows that more than
six in ten people refuse plastic
shopping bags, avoid pre-packed
fruit and vegetables, pick up litter
and avoid buying water in plastic
bottles.
“Mismanaged packaging waste
is a threat to our oceans and the
overall health of our planet,” said
Lynn Bragg, president of the Glass
Packaging Institute. “We can all
make a difference by changing
the type of food and beverage
packaging we buy, opting for
reusable and refillable containers,
following local recycling guidelines
and helping keep beaches and
waterways clean.”
• Think about the packaging
you choose. When making a
purchase, consider alternatives to
plastic like glass or other natural
and sustainable packaging. Glass,
for example, which is made
mostly from sand and recycled
glass, is reusable, recyclable and
does not harm oceans or marine
life.
• Choose reusable containers.
Taking advantage of reusable
containers for food and
beverage is one way to live a
more eco-friendly life. Since
only 9% of plastic bottles
are recycled, according to
National Geographic, reusable
containers can serve as an ideal
replacement for bottled water
whether at home or on-the-go.
Rather than plastic, choose glass
or stainless steel, which can hold
hot or cold food and beverages,
and help protect the contents
from any chemicals.
• Reduce your single-use
footprint. Whenever possible,
bring reusable bags and
containers to the store. Some
foods like cereal, pasta and rice
66 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business
can be purchased from bulk bins
and placed in a glass or stainless
steel storage container. To further
cut down on plastic waste,
consider switching to reusable
straws, which are available in
glass, stainless steel or bamboo.
• Recycle better. Learn what
you can and can’t recycle in
your community. Certain items
like disposable cups, greasy
pizza boxes, non-recyclable
plastic containers (like those for
yoghurt) and take-out containers
can contaminate entire batches
of recycling. About 91% of plastic
is not recycled and can linger in
the environment for hundreds
of years, contributing to ocean
pollution. Glass containers are
100% recyclable and steel and
aluminum cans and cardboard
are also easily recyclable.
• Get involved. Volunteering or
donating can help keep local
beaches, parks and waterways
clean. Getting involved with
international and national groups
with local chapters are also ways
to participate in a local cleanup.
www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019