The issue with plastic – Coconut Bowls

Written by Jake McKeon (Founding father of Coconut Bowls)

Plastic is in every single place, and for a very long time we’ve been conditioned into considering it’s OK. It’s not. Plastic waste is without doubt one of the largest challenges dealing with our surroundings, and there are some statistics we must always all stay conscious of:

1. Every bit of plastic created nonetheless exists at this time in a roundabout way, form or type. It’s not biodegradable.
2. As plastic is just not biodegradable, it results in our oceans. This happens at a scale of eight million metric tons per yr. To place this into perspective, that’s greater than 1kg of plastic waste per yr, per particular person on this planet. It mightn’t sound like a lot, however right here’s what 1kg of waste appears like: 

   3,300 plastic straws

   350 plastic baggage

   55 plastic bottles

   78 espresso cups and lid

3. By 2050, in consequence, there might be extra plastic within the ocean than fish
4. To make issues worse, 91% of plastic is just not recycled.

I’m assured none of us would throw plastic into the ocean, particularly not in our group. The fact, nevertheless, is that that is what finally occurs after we put plastic within the bin. I encourage you to maintain this in thoughts, as I do when consuming plastics.

We’re typically unaware of the waste we contribute and, sadly, single-use plastics is not going to disappear in a single day. The duty, subsequently, is ours, to stay aware of the plastics we use and alter our habits. We can not depend on enterprise or authorities, change begins with us. The second I grew to become conscious of my contribution to plastic waste was the second I realised comfort was not a sound excuse. My behaviour wanted to alter.

Initiating change of any form is difficult, I do know, however you’ll come to grasp the profit (and enjoyable!) of doing this. For me, the journey is ongoing and extremely rewarding. It’s an unbelievable feeling being a part of one thing greater than ourselves, and one that may go away you, your family and friends pleased with your contribution.

Listed here are 10 on a regular basis actions you may introduce over time to make an unbelievable distinction.

1. Carry a reusable canvas bag. Let’s make plastic baggage a factor of the previous!
2. Carry a reusable drink bottle. Keep hydrated and lower your expenses on single serve drinks. More healthy for you, and your pocket.
3. Keep away from plastic straws. Drink from the glass or carry a reusable bamboo straw. We’re encouraging our group to #sucksustainably for plastic-free July. Take the pledge with us right here.
4. Strike up a dialog and revel in your $Four espresso within the cafe. For occasions while you’re in a rush, present your pleasant barista with a reusable espresso cup.
5. Purchase contemporary produce unfastened, not pre-packaged. Mesh and canvas baggage are terrific for this.
6. Restrict takeout and provide reusable containers while you do order out.
7. Cook dinner your personal meals as an alternative of shopping for premade. Your well being can even thanks for it, bonus!
8. Accumulate Three items of plastic you go on the street.
9. Begin a dialog with pals about decreasing their contribution. Begin with the large 4 – we’re taking a look at you plastic baggage, bottles, straws and occasional cups.

Thanks a lot for studying. Should you’ve discovered worth on this publish, please share along with your family and friends – individually we are able to make a distinction, collectively we are able to change the world.