The time to act is now! If you’ve been living under a rock (or more likely a pile of microplastics!) and are still wondering why single use plastic is bad, here’s the lowdown…

How in 2023 is single use plastics still a thing. From grocery bags to water bottles, these convenient disposables have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. But convenience often comes at a cost, and the environmental toll of single-use plastics is a crisis we cannot ignore. The time to act is now!

The Problem with Single Use Plastics:

Single use plastics, are made from fossil fuels and never truly disappear. Instead, they break down into smaller particles over time, contributing to the microplastics pollution in our oceans and ecosystems. As we have all seen over the years, from documentaries and increased coverage, this pollution harms marine life and enters our food chain, posing risks to human health. A big deal!!

Producing single use plastics consumes vast amounts of resources, including water and energy. This not only exacerbates climate change but also depletes natural resources. And as the name suggests, single-use plastics are often used only once!! That’s right all that wasted effort for one single use.

Then what happens? All that waste ends up in landfill. Landfills are overflowing with single-use plastics that take hundreds of years to decompose. These plastics breakdown and leak harmful chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating our environment. Some single use plastics can take up to 500 years to decompose!

What can we do about single use plastic?

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Ideally we would irradiate all together but it’s a journey.

Here’s a few steps that might help you to take action.

#1 Reduce single use plastic consumption.

Simple things, like carrying using a reusable water bottle, a reusable coffee cup, and reusable shopping bag. Embrace reusable containers for food storage. For most of us these are really easy things to do. Hopefully like us, you have been doing this for a few years!

#2 Choose alternatives. Opt for products with minimal or no packaging, or packaging made from sustainable materials like glass, paper, or metal. Supermarkets still have a long way to go, but compostable food waste bags make for great fruit and veg shopping!! Start seeking out brands and products committed to reducing plastic use. The difference you can make, will be huge.

#3 Choose Sustainable Brands: Support companies that prioritize sustainability, like us here at WABLU. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, it’s a journey. Look for products made from recycled plastics or those committed to eliminating plastic waste all together! Plastic-free laundry sheets?

#4 Sharing your plastic free swaps and brands with friends and family. Start a advocating brand and policies that restrict or ban single-use plastics. Many countries and cities have implemented measures to limit their use. Be an active voice in your community. Together we can make a difference.

#5 Recycle Responsibly: When single-use plastics are unavoidable, ensure you dispose of them properly. Most of the UK have at home plastic recycling, and if some items aren’t permitted, go out of your way to find the most appropriate waste disposable method. Be aware of the recycling guidelines in your area and follow them diligently.

#6 Participate in cleanup efforts: Why not get involved in local beach or park cleanups to help remove waste not just plastics from the environment. This way you can meet like-minded people and amplify the ‘No single use plastic’ message even more.

The single use plastic problem is a global crisis. By reducing our consumption, choosing sustainable alternatives, sustainable brands, and educating others, together we can make a difference. Say no to single use plastic with WABLU!

Share you plastic saving solutions with us on Instagram @Wablu.Care