Over the years, plastic and styrofoam products have shaped our lifestyle. Plastic is cheap, convenient to use, and durable, this has made it very popular in our common day to day lives. However, it is too durable to be discarded. All this plastic is polluting our resources. Thus, finding a replacement to single use plastic is the need of the hour. Indian Government has taken initiatives to ban the use of single use plastic. Finding a replacement to plastic, that does not harm the environment yet offers same level of convenience, can be a task. So, we have put together a list of options to replace most common single use plastic items:
Plastic Cutlery: There are a lot of sturdy, biodegradable options available in the market, like plates and bowls made from bagasse (sugarcane residue), leaves, plant fiber, paper. There are companies selling edible plates made from wheat and barley which are compostable, sturdy and tasty too! Cutlery made of wood is a good replacement to plastic cutlery.
Plastic water bottles: The best option is to carry your own water bottle which can be used and refill. You save your money and the planet at the same time!
Plastic bags: Carrying your own cloth bags while going to the market is a great choice. There is a huge variety of cloth and jute bags in the market and you can always DIY one yourself. Most vendors will have an option of replacing plastic bags with paper bags.
"It cannot be right to manufacture billions of objects that are used for a matter of minutes,
and then are with us for centuries. "
– Roz Savage
Plastic straws: Say no to straws if possible. If not, then carrying your own reusable metal or glass straw is a great option. These are easy to clean and a huge variety of fancy reusable straws is available in the market. Some food places are replacing plastic straws with straws made of paper, bamboo or even edible straws.
Carry out boxes and cups: Just carry out your own boxes and tumblers for your food and beverages. Ask for carry out boxes made of plant fiber, bagasse, etc.
Shifting entirely from plastic products to other products can seem challenging. However, it can be done. Small changes in our lifestyles can help make a huge change to our world. This will also be a great opportunity for innovative mind to come up with solution that could be as cheap as plastic and does not harm the environment in any way.
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do"
- Edward Everett Hale
Hello readers, I am Saee Gunjal, author of this Wlog. I am studying Environmental Engineering from 'The University of Toledo' ( Toledo, Ohio) and love to dance. I am passionate about environmental issues and waste management. I plan to work with the same after I graduate. Stay tuned for my next wlog
Link to my previous wlog "Lets know about Plastic ban in India"