Unveiling the Plastic Dilemma: Navigating Towards a Greener Home
July 31st, 2023 | Water and Sustainability
Reducing Single-Use Plastic: My own story by Neil Allan
In an age where plastic seems to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, the shocking realisation of the amount of plastic waste we generate can be a wake-up call. Despite our best efforts, avoiding plastic altogether might seem like an unattainable goal. As a household of two, my partner and I were both taken aback by the sheer volume of plastic we accumulated in just one week. However, this revelation has sparked a renewed determination to make meaningful changes to reduce plastic consumption in our home. In this blog, we share our experiences, challenges, and the positive steps we’re taking to create a greener and more sustainable household.
The Shocking Revelation
When we decided to monitor our plastic consumption for a week, we thought we were already doing quite well in minimising plastic use. However, the reality hit us hard. Every week, we were filling an entire bin bag with plastic waste. From food packaging to plastic bottles, it was disheartening to see how deeply ingrained plastic had become in our daily lives.
The Conscious Effort to Reduce Plastic
Before this eye-opening experience, we were already taking some steps to reduce plastic usage. We opted for meal boxes that used less plastic for takeaways, consciously chose products with minimal packaging, and carried reusable bags whenever we shopped. However, it was clear that there was still much room for improvement.
Crisps Packets and the Hidden Plastic
One surprising discovery during this plastic audit was the realisation that crisp packets are made from plastic. This hidden plastic is often overlooked and makes up a significant portion of our weekly plastic waste. This discovery motivated us to explore alternative snack options that come in more eco-friendly packaging or can be bought in bulk to reduce individual packaging.
The Milkman – A Step Towards Sustainability
One of the changes we’re eager to make is opting for a milkman delivery service. By choosing to get milk in reusable glass bottles, we can significantly reduce the number of plastic milk cartons we consume. Not only does this help the environment, but it also supports local dairy farms and reduces our carbon footprint.
Accepting Imperfection: The Struggle to Go Plastic-Free
As much as we want to completely eliminate plastic from our household, we recognize that it is a challenging task. Some items, such as certain food packaging or essential household products, still come in plastic, and viable alternatives are limited or expensive. However, we have come to accept that we cannot be perfect, and it’s about making the best choices possible within our means.
The Power of Small Changes
While going entirely plastic-free may be a distant dream, we firmly believe that small changes can add up to significant progress. By consistently choosing products with less packaging, supporting companies with eco-friendly practices, and reducing single-use plastic in our everyday lives, we can make a tangible impact.
The revelation of the amount of plastic waste we generate in our household was a sobering experience. It made us realize that even with our conscious efforts, we still have a long way to go in our journey towards a plastic-free home. However, this newfound awareness has ignited a fire within us to do better and embrace sustainable alternatives wherever possible.
Though achieving a plastic-free household might seem like an insurmountable challenge, we are taking it one step at a time. By seeking out new snack options, embracing the milkman service, and staying committed to reducing plastic waste, we hope to inspire others to join us on this transformative journey. Together, let’s make a positive impact on the environment and create a greener, plastic-reduced future for generations to come.