With the world recognising the full environmental impact and the hazards of single-use plastics, it becomes more and more apparent that doing our bit for our planet should be our utmost priority. At QNET, and as big believers in Raising Ourselves To Help Mankind (RHYTHM), this International Plastic Bag Free Day, let every single one of us focus on how we can reduce the use of single-use plastics in our lives. Let us find a way to choose more sustainable options to plastics.
Facts About The Environmental Impact Of Plastic Bags
Even the manufacture and production of plastic bags are polluting. Here are a few facts to show you the sheer environmental impact of single-use plastics.
- Factories require 430,000 gallons of oil to produce 100 million plastic bags.
- One study says that a plastic bag is used for approximately 12 minutes before it is thrown away.
- This same plastic bag will then take up to 400 years to decompose, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment as it does so.
- Each year, we use an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags. That’s a mind-blowing 1 million plastic bags every minute.
- On average, we only recycle one plastic bag for every 200 we use.
Easy Environmental Friendly Tips To Follow In Your Life
Apart from this list of 10 small ways to conserve and protect our environment, here are some tips to take your efforts to the next level.
#BanTheBag
Make it a non-negotiable rule with to family and friends to not use plastic bags in your life. Start small but have a deadline for a plastic-free life. Buy loose products, especially vegetables and fruits instead of plastic wrapped groceries from supermarkets.
Reuse, Reuse, Reuse
Whatever plastic you do have that is not single-use, see how you can reuse them again. If you’re the crafty kind, DIY your way into a new garden ornament. If you are all thumbs, carry them around with you (or leave a few in your car or your bag) so you don’t have to buy more every time you go out.
Invest In A Tote
Let’s face it, not only is a plastic bag bad for the environment, it’s not the fashion statement that you want to make. Invest in a Tote or Canvas bag that shows off your attitude – maybe your favourite quote, a favourite picture or even your favourite band. It’ll make you want to carry it with you everywhere.
Adopt any of these practices this International Plastic Bag Free Day and make it a habit in your life. Don’t forget to spread the word. Once it is a habit, you will be saving our planet quite literally by reducing the number of plastic bags you are adding to the landfills. Let’s leave the planet a much better place than we have found it. Do your bit today.
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