Live a plastic free life

26 October, 2011 05:39:00 Caitlin de Kok

Photo ©: iStockphoto

Despite the title of this tip, it is almost impossible to live a life that is entirely plastic free! However, follow the easy advice below and it will help you to minimise the amount of plastic that you use:

1. Arm yourself with knowledge

The first step to using less plastic is to identify what types of plastic you use the most. This means keeping track, checking your garbage to see what types of plastic you throw away the most and keeping an eye out when you're shopping. Take note of this information (yes, write it down!) and then tackle the problem areas one by one.

The most common area of plastic usage in most households is packaged foods. Some strategies to reduce this include buying from farmer's markets and fruit and vegetable stores where the use of packaging is minimised.

2. Remember those bags

We say this time and time again - remember to cart your shopping bags along to the shops, the library and wherever else you go. It is worth it!

3. Cut out pointless plastic

Do you really need to buy straws or can you drink directly from the glass? Do you need plastic forks and knives for your picnic, or could you pack metal ones and wash them afterwards? Do you need a plastic bag to carry your lunch from the store to your office, or could you just carry it in your hands? Can you hold off on drinking bottled water and pour yourself a glass when you get home? Asking yourself questions such as these help to cut down on the use of pointless and avoidable plastics.

4. When you DO use plastic...

Find a way to reuse it or recycle it.

Source: Care2.com

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