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Ending Plastic Pollution in Daily Life
Ending Plastic Pollution in Daily Life
May 12, 2025
Comments on the World Environment Day 2025 Theme Ending Plastic Pollution
This month at the Spruce Initiative we comment on the theme for World Environment Day 2025: Ending Plastic Pollution. Plastics while very handy are present in micro quantities in waterways, food and our bodies. As well as the plastic items that end up in landfill, incinerators and waterways, micro plastics are also considered plastic pollution.
We have become aware of the use of plastics in takeaway cutlery, containers, plastic drinking straws and styrofoam cups. Food outlets have done much to reduce the use of these items and have replaced plastic cutlery with wood and bamboo utensils, plastic containers with cardboard containers, plastic straws with paper ones. They also use paper coffee cups and paper bags.
However there is a long way to go. Not all cafes have replaced doggy bag and takeaway plastic containers with paper. We recommend advocating for your local cafes and restaurants to replace plastic doggy bags and takeout containers with paper ones. As an alternative you can take your own reusable containers to be filled.
Cafes mostly use paper takeaway cups however these invariably have plastic lids. We advocate drinking your coffee in store with crockery cups or taking your own reuseable cups. Another common way to reduce the use of plastics is to use reuseable drink bottles instead of plastic ones.
In addition it is a good idea to cut down on sodas which come in plastic bottles. This is also good for your health. Personally I write to milk producers and juice producers and advocate the use of cardboard packaging instead of plastics. Don’t be silent. Speak out.
Another source of plastic pollution over which you have control is plastic wrap. It is.a leading source of plastic pollution. Do your best to avoid using it and endeavour to reuse all plastic bags. Endeavour to live lightly on the land. Reuse and recycle plastics where ever possible. Store and heat foods in the microwave in glass containers.
Advocate for microwaveable dinners and food to be packaged in paper. Buy spray bottles whose tops can be replaced and use shampoo bars and conditioners instead of bottled products. There are many ways you can reduce the use of plastics in the home and at restaurants and cafes. Don’t be afraid to speak out. If enough people speak out we can bring about positive change and find sustainable solutions to the overuse of plastics.
If we make a habit of using reuseable containers for our food and drink this will in all likelihood lead to less garbage on the street and playgrounds as we don’t throw away these containers. See if you can avoid wrapping lunches in plastic. Plastic wrap frequently blows away and ends up in waterways where it is a hazard to marine life and a source of micro plastic pollution.
When you are out on your daily walk with the Spruce Initiative we encourage you to pick up plastic items and dispose of them appropriately. If you find a plastic bottle for instance place it in a recycling container. See if you can avoid sending it to landfill, Where I live the council has two types of rubbish receptacls: landfill and recycling. If there is no recycling bin take any plastics home and put them in the recycle bin there.
Be aware of plastics. Advocate for alternatives to plastic where possible. Remember clean and green is our motto. Don’t forget to plant those trees. One piece a day sends the rubbish away. Don’t just clean: let’s Spruce.
Cheers,
Felicity
Clean and green is our motto. Remember: one piece a day sends the rubbish away! Don’t just clean let’s Spruce.
www.thespruceinitiative.info
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