Last month, Kermit’s Corner discussed the effects of plastics on the environment and communities. We promised to give you some suggestions on how you personally can help minimize the use of plastics in your own life.
The first thing we can do is be aware of packaging which is plastic’s largest market. When purchasing goods at the store, be aware of how the products are packaged and try to pick things that are packaged in cardboard, cans or glass and reuse the glass containers when possible. These containers are recyclable or they are biodegradable. Hint: Trader Joe’s has a great bar shampoo packaged in cardboard.
A few more ideas to think about with packaging. When storing leftovers, put them in those reused glass containers. Buy your milk in paper cartons not plastic jugs. And, of course, bring your own bags (preferable cotton) when shopping, use your own metal or glass water bottle or coffee mug, bring refillable containers to stores that offer bulk goods.
Textiles are the second largest source of plastic waste. For example, each washing of one recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) garment releases 1.7 grams of microfibers. Nearly half of these microfibers escape wastewater treatment and end up in waterways. Microplastics then show up in our food and drinking water. A 2016 study showed a 94% contamination rate in U. S. tap water samples.
What can we do? Some of the most sustainable clothing is made from organic hemp, organic linen, recycled cotton or wool and mechanically recycled nylon and polyester. Some of the least sustainable fabrics are made from bamboo viscose, conventional cotton, general viscose, rayon, spandex, nylon, wool. When shopping for clothing, you might try to choose the more sustainable fabrics when available to you.
What else can we do? Buy your eggs in reusable paper containers; line trash cans with paper bags; skip straws or try reusable straws if possible; use matches instead of plastic lighters; and use real silverware whenever possible. I’m sure you can come up with many more of your own! Anything we can do to limit our use of plastic can make a difference.
Peggy Harrison for the Green Team