Plastic can be found everywhere. Even though it is proved to be harmful to the environment, it is widely in use. Starting from toothbrushes to bags, cups, bottles, and even clothing, plastic can be said to be one of the most used daily items.
All plastic cannot be recycled. The recyclability of plastics can be identified by their recycling symbols. There are seven plastic resin codes:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) of which drinks bottles, cups, and the like are made.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is also used for making bottles, cups, and milk jugs.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is used for making pipes and tubes.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is the type of plastic that is used in making plastic bags.
- Polypropylene (PP) is used in food containers and some plastic car parts.
- Polystyrene (PS) again used to hold food, drink cups, and some plastic utensils.
- ‘Other’ – A general-purpose category for acrylic, nylon, and other plastics
PET and HDPE are the plastics that are recycled in large numbers. Some plastics are not recyclable as it is not economic and environmentally friendly to recycle them. However, that doesn’t mean that it cannot be used again. The plastics that are not recyclable are mostly in the form of plastic bags. This may not be recyclable, but it can be reused efficiently.
Here are five things you can do to reduce plastic use in everyday lives:
- Say NO to plastic straws.
Alternatives for plastic straws are paper straws or stainless steel straws which are widely in use nowadays. There are also places where bamboo straws are widely in use.
- Carry your shopping bag.
You can take with you a shopping bag to avoid buying plastic carry bags which are hard to get rid of. Cloth bags are an alternative and are very eco-friendly.
- Use of glass and metal containers
Plastic cutlery and containers are widely used. However, it is found that these are not easily recycled. Alternatives to plastic containers are glass and metal containers which are eco-friendly. Moreover, metal and glass containers are preferred as they can hold hot food items while plastics cannot.
- Avoid micro-plastic cosmetics and fabrics
Cosmetics and fabrics contain microplastics. Nowadays eco-friendly plastic-free products are available in the market. There are eco-friendly natural fabrics also available which can be preferred over plastic inclusive products.
- Paying attention to disposing
Before throwing away the waste products make sure that it is disposed of in the correct waste containers. Separate the waste products into biodegradable, recyclable, and non-recyclable. This can help in the proper disposal of waste and help in recycling.
Knowing about recycling has become very important with the wider use of plastics. Taking individual small actions can make a difference.
