Plastic pollution is a serious problem, and it’s getting worse. Because plastics aren’t biodegradable, they’ll stay in our oceans for a long time. Scientists are trying to create plastics that break down quickly, but the best solution for now is to use less plastic. Here are six tips that can help you:
Stop using plastic bags. Bring your own reusable ones to the store instead. Every year, people use a trillion plastic bags worldwide. In the United States alone, people use 100 billion bags annually—that’s almost one per person per day. But in Denmark, people use only four plastic bags a year! Denmark’s solution? It passed the world’s first bag tax in 1993.
Say “no” to straws. A study revealed that more than 8.3 billion plastic straws cover the world’s beaches. Americans throw away 500 million plastic straws every day—about 1.5 per person.
Don’t buy bottled water. Carry a refillable water bottle with you. Around the world, nearly a million plastic bottles are thrown away every minute. The problem is so bad that in some places like Bundanoon, Australia, stores aren’t allowed to sell bottled water anymore.
Avoid plastic packaging. Most of the things we buy come in plastic packaging. It’s everywhere, and some countries like France are trying to ban it. But there are things you can do, too: buy bar soap instead of liquid soap; buy things in bulk; and avoid fruit or vegetables packed in plastic.
Recycle what you can. In 2018, the world recycled only 18 percent of its plastic. Europe recycled about 30 percent, and China recycled 25 percent. But the US only recycled 9 percent—a drop in the bucket.
Don’t litter. 73 percent of the litter found on the world’s beaches is plastic. The most common types of plastic litter? Cigarette butts, bottles and bottle caps, food packaging, and plastic bags.
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