Let’s face it we can all make small changes to reduce the amount of plastics in our lives. Australia alone uses 6.9 billion plastic bags a year dumping 36,700 tonnes of plastic bags into our landfill every year.
Governments and businesses have a duty to take action, but its the lifestyle changes we make as individuals that can make a difference to the long term health of the marine environment. Current estimates suggest that at least 267 species worldwide have been affected, including 84% of sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species – but there are probably many more. Deaths are chiefly caused by ingestion of plastics, starvation, drowning and entanglement.
1.
We all know the feeling when we are caught out without cutlery it’s so easy to reach for the only available option white plastic single use options. Whilst we can’t prepare for every situation consider keeping re-useable cutlery in the desk at work or in your bag.Check out some Australian providers here.
2.
Skip the single use plastic bags use cloth bags instead, or better yet see if there is a boomerang bags supplier near you. The Boomerang bags initiative has gone global from grass roots beginnings in Burleigh Heads, Queensland See the amazing work being achieved here.
3.
Convenience is creating huge problems for the environment it is so easy to wrap something in plastic or alfoil so try and use alternative packaging like jars, stainless steel containers or re-useable wax paper.
4.
Plastic bottles take hundreds of years to degrade so by purchasing a reusable drink bottle you will contribute to healthy oceans for longer than you life time!
5.
Unfortunately even the clothing we wear is made of plastic, yep polyester is one un-sustainable fabric so sticking to natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo and wool will ensure maximum sustainability in your closet.
6.
Encourage other members of your community to take a no plastics pledge you can visit this page and share the link to your network. You can also download the material below and share with family and friends
Plastics poster 1.2