Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to our oceans and the environment.
By now, it is widely known that plastic pollution poses a severe threat to our oceans and the environment. We are increasingly aware that if we don’t change our habits, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. The United Nations is pressuring the global community to take immediate action, and governments are enacting laws to prevent the littering of plastic bags and straws. However, it is alarming to learn that plastic production is projected to increase by 40% in the next decade, and less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. While plastic serves valuable purposes, such as in aircraft and medical equipment, the single-use plastic packaging that is non-biodegradable is a significant problem. Plastic pollution enters our oceans through various sources, including clothing. So, what can we do right now, in our daily lives, to address this issue?
1. Participate in the Plastic Free July challenge
Originating in Perth, the Plastic Free July campaign started with a Facebook group of 40 members. Now in its eighth year, it has reached 120 million people in 177 countries. Will you commit to avoiding plastic for a week, two weeks, or the entire month of July? Sign up here.
2. Address the issue of plastic in the beauty industry
Most beauty products come in packaging made of new plastic, which presents challenges for recycling. TerraCycle’s Beauty Products Recycling Program, previously accepting waste from all brands, is about to close in Australia. What alternatives are available? Glass poses risks in showers and has a high carbon footprint due to transportation. Aluminium tubes are marketed as sustainable because they are easily recyclable, but the process of producing virgin aluminium, especially through bauxite mining, is highly polluting. We need entirely new materials. Chanel has invested in a Finnish start-up called Sulapac, which produces biodegradable plastic packaging made from FSC-certified wood. Other companies are also innovating in recycling. Ren has introduced a new bottle made from 100% recycled content, including 20% from marine litter sources. They have also redesigned their pumps to make recycling easier. Initially, these bottles are limited to the Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium body range, but they plan to expand their use next year. M.A.C. takes back their primary packaging (tubs and tubes, not boxes or cellophane) and rewards customers who return enough of it with free lipsticks. Aveda implemented take-back schemes years ago and is a leader in using recycled materials. They claim that 85% of their PET bottles and jars for skincare and hair styling contain 100% post-consumer recycled materials, with a significant portion derived from recycled milk bottles. L’Oréal aims to ensure that by 2025, all their plastic packaging will be refillable, reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Both L’Oréal and Unilever are key partners of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, which focuses on recyclability, compostability, and reducing unnecessary plastic.
Furthermore, TerraCycle’s Oral Care Recycling Program is still operational, providing a way to recycle toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes. Another option is switching to a bamboo toothbrush available at the Zero Waste Store.
Companies such as Seed & Sprout are also making headway into plastic free skincare
3. Choose sustainable packaging in the fashion industry
The Better Packaging Company, based in New Zealand, offers the comPost range, made from corn starch. It can be buried in your home compost pile and will naturally decompose. Brands like Tigerlily, P.E. Nation, and Art Club by Heidi Middleton use this packaging for their online deliveries. Another brand challenging norms is Maggie Marilyn, which uses biodegradable cassava to create their bioplastic packaging that dissolves in water.
4. Focus on takeout alternatives
Jamie Forsyth, the co-founder of KeepCup, has shifted his attention to the takeout food industry. As our reliance on food delivery increases, so does the use of plastic containers. Forsyth has come up with a solution: a reusable, specially designed stainless-steel bowl and cup that can be used at participating cafes and restaurants. This initiative, called Returnr, has partnered with Deliveroo. Following a recent trial period, they proudly announced that over 85,000 single-use plastic bowls have been diverted from ending up in landfills. Next time you visit a local cafe or deli counter, consider bringing your own Tupperware.
5. Stay mindful of microfibres
Each time we launder our clothes, countless minuscule microfibres escape with the wastewater. When these fibres are synthetic, they contribute to the pollution of our oceans with plastic. An article in Vogue highlights this issue, stating that even the Great Barrier Reef is affected. To address this problem, there are a few options to consider: reducing the frequency of washing clothes or minimizing the use of synthetic materials.
Net-A-Porter has introduced a new category called Net Sustain, making it easier to search for sustainable and natural fibres. This is especially relevant as the weather becomes more suited for wool. Emilia Wickstead incorporates wool crepe into their trans-seasonal dresses and shirting, with the campaign being photographed in Wickstead’s homeland of New Zealand to celebrate womanhood. Outerknown has recently launched the first 100% Merino wool boardshorts. Arnsdorf and Bassike are advocating for the use of linen. Kit X is enthusiastic about organic silk. Stine Goya has combined hemp with their fabrics. Spell has expanded their use of hemp as well. For a complete eco-friendly experience, consider trying Hemp Temple.
6. Don’t overlook the obvious choices
We’ve all been reminded countless times, but it’s still easy to forget the basics. How often do we find ourselves at the grocery store without a reusable tote bag or at a coffee shop without a personal mug? And what about ordering a yogurt or juice to go, only to realize that we don’t have a travel spoon or straw in our handbag? Investing in attractive and appealing alternatives can help us remember. Claycups offer a luxurious feel. Designed by ceramicist Katherine Mahoney and manufactured in Bendigo, these cups come with a silicone lid. Stainless steel bottles are much more pleasant than their plastic counterparts and keep water cool. Look for a BPA-free option and avoid aluminum, as it has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Biome sells Australian-made glass drinking straws and chic bamboo utensil sets that come in an organic cotton pouch, perfect for carrying in your handbag.