Five Simple Ways You Can Reduce Plastic Waste
Easy access to plastic recycling has slightly become more of a challenge in Eugene-Springfield but there are still small ways you can change your impact on the environment by limiting single-use plastic products in your daily routine.
According to United Nations Environment Program, we collectively produce about 300 million tons of plastic waste every year. This ends up being the equivalent to the weight of the entire human population and sadly most of this waste comes from single-use plastic products. Only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled while about 79% is accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment. It’s becoming clear more than ever that we must slow our plastic usage and drastically improve the way we manage waste to help keep the environment safe and healthy.
It doesn’t take much effort to help reduce your single-use plastic waste. Here are a few simple things to consider doing.
Bring your own cup to the coffee shop: use your own reusable coffee mug or thermos when visiting your favorite barista. Since COVID this has been a challenge. Some shops are starting to allow customers to bring their own travel mugs again. We can encourage them by asking regularly.
Bring your own to-go containers: when making plans to eat out, remember to bring your own tupperware for leftovers!
Bring your own straws and utensils for takeout: create a bag of items you need for takeout such as a spoon, fork, straw and a napkin. If you have kids, let them create their own & leave them in the car for your next excursion.
Reuse smaller bags when buying produce at the grocery store: save your small plastic bags from previous store trips or check out our reusable produce bags to hold all your fruits and vegetables.
Sign up for refillable cleaning products for your home or business: instead of purchasing hand soap, laundry detergent, window cleaner, and multipurpose cleaner which come in plastic containers at the grocery store, consider signing up for a We ReFill It Starter Kit! These make it easy to eliminate single use plastic, as all products come in reusable glass bottles and jars for everyday use. When you’re ready for a refill, place another order and we’ll deliver a replacement bottle to switch out! All products are formulated to replace common synthetic chemicals with plant-based enzymes that have been specially designed to strengthen their cleaning power without the use of harmful toxins, dyes or synthetics. Everything is biodegradable and gentle on the planet.
What is included in the starter kit:
8oz hand soap (or 16oz with large size)
8oz liquid dish soap (or 16oz with large size)
8oz powder automatic dishwashing soap (or 16oz with large size)
16oz powder or liquid laundry soap (or 32oz with large size)
8oz all purpose cleaner (or 16oz with large size)
8oz glass cleaner
dish cloth.
Ready to try it out? Use code “START” to receive free delivery with your starter kit order! Delivery available only to Eugene and Springfield at this time.
Have any additional, local suggestions for recycling and reusable products? Share in the comments!