9 Effective Ways to Reduce Plastic Usage in Everyday Life

There are several technologies available to biodegrade waste, including composting, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting. Here we’ll examine some information about each technology and ways to reduce plastic waste.

Plastic Waste Stats

1. Production: Over 380 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide each year.
2. Single-Use Plastics: Around 50% of plastic produced is for single-use purposes, such as packaging, disposable cutlery, straws, and bottles.
3. Recycling Rates: Globally, only about 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerated, or in the environment.
4. Plastic Waste in Oceans: It is estimated that there are over 150 million tons of plastic waste in the world’s oceans. This includes large plastic debris as well as microplastics, which are tiny particles less than 5mm in size.
5. Microplastic Contamination: Microplastics have been found in various ecosystems, including freshwater bodies, soil, and even in the air we breathe. They can be ingested by marine life, birds, and other animals, leading to potential harm to their health and ecosystems.
6. Plastic Pollution Impact: Plastic pollution has severe environmental impacts, including harming marine life through entanglement and ingestion, disrupting ecosystems, and contributing to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases during production and disposal.
7. Plastic Waste Management Challenges: Many countries face challenges in managing plastic waste, including inadequate waste management infrastructure, lack of recycling facilities, and limited public awareness about the importance of reducing plastic consumption and proper disposal.

These statistics highlight the urgent need to address plastic waste and implement effective strategies to reduce, recycle, and properly manage plastic waste to mitigate its detrimental effects on the environment.

What technologies are available to biodegrade waste?

1. Composting: Composting is a natural process where organic waste materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper, are decomposed by microorganisms into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It requires the right balance of carbon-rich (e.g., leaves, straw) and nitrogen-rich (e.g., food waste, grass clippings) materials, as well as moisture and oxygen. Composting can be done on a small scale (e.g., backyard composting) or large scale (e.g., municipal composting facilities). Here is a link to learn more about composting: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
2. Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is a process where organic waste materials are broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and a nutrient-rich digestate. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be used as a renewable energy source. Anaerobic digestion can be used for various organic waste streams, including food waste, agricultural residues, and wastewater sludge. Here is a link to learn more about anaerobic digestion: https://www.epa.gov/anaerobic-digestion
3. Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a process of using earthworms to decompose organic waste materials. The worms consume the waste and produce nutrient-rich castings (worm poop) that can be used as a fertilizer. Vermicomposting is suitable for small-scale waste management, such as household food scraps. Here is a link to learn more about vermicomposting: https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/vermicomposting/

How to replace plastic waste

To replace plastic, you can consider the following alternatives:

1. Biodegradable materials: Look for products made from biodegradable or compostable materials, such as bioplastics, which are derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. These materials break down more easily in the environment compared to traditional plastics.
2. Paper and cardboard: Opt for paper or cardboard packaging instead of plastic. These materials are recyclable and can be easily decomposed.
3. Glass: Consider using glass containers for storing food and beverages instead of plastic. Glass is durable, reusable, and recyclable.
4. Metal: Choose metal containers or bottles for storing liquids or food items. Metals like stainless steel or aluminum are strong, long-lasting, and recyclable.
5. Natural fibers: Use products made from natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or bamboo. These materials can be used as alternatives to plastic bags, packaging, or even clothing.
6. Reusable options: Invest in reusable alternatives to single-use plastic items, such as reusable cloth shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers. These options reduce waste and can be used multiple times.
7. Plant-based films: Some companies are developing plant-based films made from materials like algae or seaweed that can be used as an alternative to plastic packets. These films are biodegradable and compostable.
8. Innovative materials: Keep an eye on emerging innovative materials being developed as alternatives to plastic packets. For example, there are ongoing research and development efforts to create packaging materials from mushroom mycelium or fruit waste.
9. Reduce consumption: Ultimately, the best way to replace plastic is to reduce overall consumption. Choose products with minimal packaging, buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and avoid single-use items whenever possible.

What is a biodegradable plastic?

Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down more easily in the environment, reducing their impact on ecosystems. However, it’s important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are created equal, and their environmental impact can vary depending on various factors.

There are two main types of biodegradable plastics:

1. Bioplastics: These are derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or vegetable oils. Bioplastics can be either biodegradable or compostable. Biodegradable bioplastics break down naturally over time through the action of microorganisms. Compostable bioplastics, on the other hand, require specific conditions, such as high temperatures in industrial composting facilities, to break down completely.
2. Oxo-degradable plastics: These are conventional plastics that have additives added to them, which accelerate their degradation process. Oxo-degradable plastics break down into smaller fragments through exposure to oxygen and UV light. However, these fragments may not fully biodegrade and can persist in the environment as microplastics.

It’s crucial to choose biodegradable plastics that meet recognized standards and certifications, such as those set by organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or the European Bioplastics Association (EUBP). These standards ensure that the biodegradable plastics meet specific criteria for biodegradability and compostability.

However, it’s worth noting that even biodegradable plastics may not break down quickly or effectively in certain environments, such as landfills or marine ecosystems. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize reducing overall plastic consumption and promoting recycling and proper waste management practices.

What can we do with the existing plastic waste?

There are several ways to deal with existing plastic waste:

1. Recycling: Plastic waste can be recycled into new products. This involves sorting and processing the plastic waste into different types, melting it down, and reforming it into new plastic products. This reduces the need for new plastic production and helps conserve resources.
2. Repurposing: Plastic waste can be repurposed or upcycled into new items. For example, plastic bottles can be transformed into planters, storage containers, or even used in construction materials. This creative approach gives plastic waste a new life and reduces its environmental impact.
3. Energy recovery: Plastic waste can be used as a source of energy through processes like waste-to-energy incineration or gasification. These methods convert the plastic waste into heat, electricity, or fuel, which can be used to generate power or heat homes and industries.

It’s crucial to implement a combination of these approaches to effectively deal with existing plastic waste and prevent further environmental damage.

Conclusion

Replacing plastic entirely may not be feasible in all cases, as plastic offers certain advantages such as durability, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness. However, by making conscious choices and gradually adopting alternatives, we can significantly reduce our dependence on plastic.