The damage plastic causes to the environment is obvious to everyone today. Every day, tons of plastic products end up in landfills around the world. The decomposition period of polyethylene reaches several hundred years. Nowadays, plastic microparticles are found even in the snow of Antarctica. That is why humanity is thinking about reducing the use of plastic bags, and eventually abandoning them completely. It's time for everyone to take a step in this direction.
Replacement for “T-shirts” from the supermarket
Everyone is familiar with the phrase uttered by the cashier of any supermarket: “Do you want a package?” If a trip to the store turned out to be unplanned, then buying a plastic “T-shirt” will be justified. In other cases, it is better to take care in advance about what shopping containers to take with you from home. There is plenty to choose from.
String bag
Traditional string bags are a thing of the past. Today, these products look much more elegant and can be found in a variety of colors. Nets for carrying products are made from synthetic fibers. Thanks to this, the string bag can be considered strong and durable. It is easy to wash and dries quickly.
An empty string bag looks very small, but in fact it holds even more than a bulky plastic bag. The mesh can be easily folded and put in a clothing pocket or put in a handbag, and at the right time can be taken out and used for its intended purpose.There are models on sale with elongated handles that can be worn on the shoulder.
Eco bag
This is the name for fabric bags for products made from natural materials. Eco-bags last a long time, withstand washing well, and do not harm the environment. They are usually made from cotton, linen, and jute. Such materials decompose quickly. Considering that such a bag can be used for several months, its advantage over a plastic bag becomes obvious.
It is better to give preference to reusable things in everything. In any supermarket you can also buy a bag made of synthetic fibers, choosing instead of a T-shirt bag near the checkout. These products can withstand weights of up to 15–25 kg. Of course, they also have a chemical composition, but due to their long service life, synthetic bags still pose much less harm compared to “T-shirts” made of polyethylene.
Backpack
This accessory is less popular compared to hand bags, but the backpack is very convenient to use and less harmful to health. A high-quality product of this type has a frame and a rigid back, which makes it comfortable and safe.
The backpack is multifunctional and suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle. You can take it with you not only to the store, but also on a hike or to the gym.
Kraft package
Kraft paper bags can be an excellent replacement for plastic. For the manufacture of products in this case, long-fiber cellulose is used, which is processed by a special cooking method.
These bags are brown in color and are incredibly durable. The cost of kraft paper is low, because it is obtained from recycled materials. If it is difficult for someone to wean themselves from using disposable bags, it would be better if they were paper.
Home food storage
Housewives often use disposable plastic bags to store food in their homes. Leftover food is wrapped in plastic or used for packaging in the process of dividing into small portions. It's high time to switch to more convenient, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly ways to store food. Instead of plastic bags, it is better to take:
- reusable, resealable containers made of high-quality plastic;
- glass containers with screw caps;
- metal cans in the same style;
- wicker baskets of different sizes and shapes;
- wax napkins, made from cotton coated with beeswax with the addition of tree resin and natural oils;
- linen bags.
Leftover food can simply be placed in a glass jar and stored in the refrigerator. A roll of kraft paper can also be useful for storing food, as it does not take up much space in the kitchen cabinet.
A person does many things out of habit, without delving deeply into their meaning. Meanwhile, it is always useful to think about how you can improve your life and the world around you by changing your usual order. Avoid single-use plastic and opt for smarter alternatives. This will only benefit your health and the environment.
