How to Reduce Plastic Waste During Summer Activities
Summer is a time for outdoor activities like picnics, BBQs, and parties. While these events are fun and enjoyable, they can generate a lot of plastic waste. From single-use cups and plates to plastic utensils and packaging, it's easy to overlook the impact these items can have on the environment. In this Sneakout article, we'll explore the importance of reducing plastic waste during summer activities and offer some tips on how to make sustainable swaps.
The Problem with Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is a major environmental issue that impacts wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Here are some examples and statistics:
Plastic waste in the ocean is a serious threat to marine life. Over 700 species of marine animals have been reported to ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, according to a study by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose and can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water. In a report by the World Economic Forum, it's estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.
Single-use plastics, like those commonly used during summer activities, are particularly problematic because they're used only once and then discarded. In the US alone, it's estimated that over 500 million straws are used every day, and most of them end up in landfills or the ocean.
According to the Earth Day Network, humans produce 300 million tons of plastic waste every year, with about 8 million tons of that plastic entering our oceans. This not only harms marine life but also pollutes our beaches and waterways.
A study by the Ocean Conservancy found that plastic utensils are one of the top items found during beach cleanups. In fact, they found over 40,000 plastic utensils in one year alone.
The Plastic Pollution Coalition estimates that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, by weight. This highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste in our daily lives.
Sustainable Swaps for Summer Activities
To reduce plastic waste during summer activities, here are some sustainable swaps you can make:
Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead of disposable ones. For example, you can bring your own reusable cutlery set and bamboo plates, like these ones from Bambu Home, to your next picnic or BBQ.
Bring your own water bottle and fill it up from a water fountain or tap instead of buying bottled water. There are many reusable water bottles on the market, such as this stainless steel one from Klean Kanteen, that are perfect for outdoor activities.
Choose snacks and foods that are packaged in recyclable materials or bring your own snacks in reusable containers. For example, you can bring a mason jar filled with homemade trail mix or cut-up fruit.
Avoid buying items that are wrapped in unnecessary packaging, such as pre-cut fruit or individually wrapped snacks. Opt for whole fruits and snacks that come in bulk, like nuts or dried fruit.
Consider using compostable or biodegradable products, but be sure to dispose of them properly to avoid contaminating recycling streams. For example, you can use compostable plates and utensils made from materials like cornstarch, like these ones from World Centric.
Other Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste
In addition to the sustainable swaps mentioned above, here are some other ways to reduce plastic waste:
Purchase items in bulk to reduce packaging waste. For example, you can buy bulk snacks like trail mix or nuts from your local grocery store.
Choose products made from sustainable materials like bamboo, stainless steel, or glass. For example, you can use a bamboo cutting board instead of a plastic one, or a glass food storage container instead of a plastic one.
Opt for products with minimal packaging, such as bar soap instead of liquid soap in a plastic bottle. For example, you can use bar soap from companies like Ethique or Dr. Bronner's instead of liquid soap in a plastic bottle.
Recycle properly and encourage others to do the same. Make sure you know what can and cannot be recycled in your area, and encourage your friends and family to recycle properly as well.
Support businesses that prioritise sustainability
Additional tips to reduce plastic waste
Here are some examples and statistics to further elaborate on the importance of reducing plastic waste during summer activities:
Use reusable drinkware: Instead of using single-use plastic cups and bottles during picnics, BBQs, and outdoor parties, opt for reusable drinkware made of glass or stainless steel. Not only will this significantly reduce plastic waste, but it can also save you money in the long run.
Bring reusable cutlery and plates: When packing for a picnic or BBQ, bring your own reusable cutlery and plates instead of using disposable ones. This can significantly reduce plastic waste and also prevent littering in the environment.
Use cloth napkins: Instead of using paper napkins or paper towels, bring cloth napkins that can be washed and reused multiple times. This can save a lot of paper waste and reduce the need for virgin wood pulp used in paper production.
In conclusion, reducing plastic waste during summer activities is essential to protect our environment and preserve natural resources. By making simple sustainable swaps, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and make a positive impact on our planet.
