Refuse Single Use Plastics:
What is it?
The United Nations Environment Report defines single-use plastics as: disposable plastics, commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include, grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery, among other items.
Why is it important to reduce our use?
Plastics do not biodegrade. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, outside of the small amount of plastics incinerated, every bit of plastic ever manufactured still exists today. Plastics pile up in the environment and they poison and pollute our food systems and wildlife. They negatively affect our health and the health of our environment. The use of single-use plastics has tripled in the last 20 years. More resources.
How can we reduce our plastic use?
Use reusable produce bag instead of the single-use plastic bag at the grocery store. These can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often!
Use reusable cloth grocery bags- keep them in your car or on your bike so you don’t forget them when you go shopping. You can use these outside of the grocery store, too!
Buy products in boxes/glass/cans instead of plastic bottles- aluminum and glass are infinitely recyclable, and cardboard is much easier to recycle than plastic.
Bring your own container for take-out since many restaurants use styrofoam, and skip the plastic cutlery! Keep a couple food containers in your car so always have one on hand.
Purchase food like cereal, pasta, rice, and nuts from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging! Just make sure you find the tare weight of your container- learn more here.
Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk.
Use a reusable water bottle or mug for your drinks, even when ordering from a to-go shop. Many coffee shops will discount your order if you bring-your-own cup. Leadville has some of the best drinking water in the country, don’t buy water in bottles!
Make yourself a personal Zero Waste kit. Here is one idea.
Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. Here’s how.
Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups.
For Businesses: Consider purchasing bags and shipping packaging made of recycled materials, from a Colorado based company, EcoEnclose.