Did July kickstarts a month-long international problem to take away plastic out of your day by day routine?
As an Energy and Sustainability Manager for Cisco’s Workplace Resources (WPR) group, I’m obsessed with waste discount, particularly the discount of single-use plastics.
Why deal with plastic? Half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use functions — used simply as soon as after which thrown away. On prime of that, it’s comprised of petroleum, a kind of fossil gasoline that contributes to international warming.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, “An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the ocean every year. Without immediate and sustained action, that amount will nearly triple by 2040, to 29 million metric tons per year. That’s the same as dumping 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of plastic on every meter of coastline around the world.”
Plastic Free July® is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation that envisions a world freed from plastic waste. The Plastic Free Foundation 2022 Impact Report reveals that final yr’s Plastic Free July had a report 140 million members making aware modifications that lowered plastic waste by 2.6 million tonnes — that’s the equal of round 13 thousand blue whales.
Want to affix the motion in breaking apart with single-use plastic? Here are 4 strategies impressed from the Plastic Free Foundation on how one can get began, and a few recommendation from Cisco Green Team Network members, which is an Inclusive Community for Cisco workers who’re occupied with sustainability:
1. When consuming out: Refuse plastic straws and plastic cutlery, carry reusable options as a substitute.
It’s simple if you’re consuming out to simply settle for a straw or fork comprised of plastic, however it’s only used for a couple of minutes after which discarded. According to the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), most plastics find yourself in landfills or within the atmosphere, “Single-use plastics in particular—especially small items like straws, bags, and cutlery—are traditionally hard to recycle because they fall into the crevices of recycling machinery and therefore are often not accepted by recycling centers. Left alone, plastics don’t really break down; they just break up. Over time, sun and heat slowly turn plastics into smaller and smaller pieces until they eventually become what are known as microplastics.”
“I’m inspired to reduce plastic waste not only because it is the right thing to do but it is now part of my everyday life,” says Green Team member Thea Zaralidou from Greece. “I’m motivated by my two young sons. We have taught them the importance of recycling, reusing and how this can affect the community around them. In primary school, they have learned about the dangers of plastics to the wildlife and the beaches here in Greece.”
Although plastic straws and plastic cutlery are a small a part of an even bigger drawback, it’s a great place to begin eliminating single-use plastic out of your life. Request that your drink be served with no single-use plastic straw or use a paper straw if one is accessible. For these with accessibility points or for individuals who would nonetheless like a straw, attempt reusable choices comprised of supplies like stainless-steel or glass. There are even foldable variations which you can simply carry with you subsequent time you exit. When it involves plastic cutlery, there are moveable choices for these as nicely, often comprised of stainless-steel or bamboo. If you’re ordering takeout, be sure you let the restaurant know you don’t need them to incorporate single use plastic cutlery together with your order.
2. While you’re procuring: Use your personal reusable procuring luggage and keep away from plastic packaging when shopping for gadgets on the grocery retailer.
Like different single-use plastic merchandise, plastic luggage and packaging don’t biodegrade and are unlikely to be recycled. According to the New York Times, “The bigger problem arises when people don’t dispose of their bags properly, and the plastic ends up fluttering around in the wild, clogging up waterways and threatening wildlife.”
Reusable procuring luggage are colourful and handy; simply retailer them in a spot you gained’t overlook, like by the entrance door or in your automobile. Choose luggage comprised of pure or recycled fibers equivalent to ethically produced cotton or recycled plastic bottles. Want to make an even bigger affect with a smaller footprint? You could make your personal reusable procuring luggage from an previous piece of clothes.
According to a 2020 evaluation, the majority of plastic waste that’s polluting the atmosphere is because of meals packaging plastics. When you’re searching for groceries, attempt to keep away from pre-packaged, single-use plastic. Opt to purchase unfastened or bulk fruits and veggies as a substitute, and bonus factors should you bag them with light-weight, reusable produce luggage. Most luggage could be thrown instantly into your washer once they want a clear. You can take this one step additional with deli and baked items by bringing your personal reusable container.
Green Team member Cristobal Sayrols Estrada, from Mexico City, practices sustainable procuring. “I have adopted daily habits to minimize my use of single-use plastics. I prioritize purchasing products from locally sourced grocery stores or markets and consciously avoid plastic film and containers,” Cristobal says. “When I go grocery shopping, I bring my own reusable bags and containers to reduce waste. By implementing these practices, I hope to contribute to the reduction of plastic waste and protect our environment.”
3. When you’re on the go: Bring a reusable espresso mug and use a reusable water bottle.
According to a 2023 report from the UN, “…the world currently generates around 600 billion plastic bottles amounting to approximately 25 million tonnes of plastic waste, which is not recycled but is disposed of in landfills or as unregulated waste.”
With hybrid work, it may be simple to select up your favourite drink in your means into the workplace, served in a single use plastic container.
While extra persons are utilizing reusable water bottles lately, many individuals overlook to carry a reusable container once they go to a espresso store.
Paper espresso cups, regardless of the identify, have a plastic lining that retains the liquid from dissolving the cup, and are sometimes capped with a plastic lid.
Many outlets are blissful to fill-up your private container, some will even offer you a reduction for bringing it in. Or should you plan to hang around and work for some time, request a ceramic cup or mug.
Green group members Sharon Hatego from Kenya and Diana Mehnen from Germany carry reusables on the go. Sharon says, “I always carry my water bottle so I don’t have to buy bottled water. Even my kids know this — it’s right up there with bathroom check before we leave the house.” And Diana carries her personal journey cup for airplane journey and refill choices — see picture above.
4. While at residence: Avoid utilizing residence items merchandise packaged in single-use plastic.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, your common bottle of family cleaner is 90% water. Stop paying for water and discover concentrated or refill cleaners to scale back family plastic waste.
Many cleansing merchandise, from window cleaners to clothes detergent, are available in single-use plastic containers. Bulk meals shops generally is a excellent place to search for options. Many shops will let you usher in a private container (or get one on the retailer) and refill your cleaning soap, detergent, and shampoo (to call only a few choices). Once you’ve got tried this, discover different packaging-free gadgets out there in-store.
Another choice to discover is concentrated cleansing merchandise. Try powdered laundry detergent or cleaning soap concentrates. Many of those merchandise work identical to their conventional counterparts when they’re launched to water. While you could not fully eradicate plastic with these choices, you’ll tremendously cut back the emissions, and due to this fact fossil fuels, required for manufacturing and transportation of your family cleaners.
Green Team member Karen Bruntz from the United States reduces plastic in her magnificence merchandise as nicely. “I use shampoo and conditioner bars and only bar soap to avoid plastic bottles,” she says.
Ready to break-up with single use plastic? Join the Plastic Free July problem right here.
If you prefer to extra details about what Cisco is doing in regard to our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, objectives and commitments, our newest affect, in addition to insurance policies and extra disclosures for specialised audiences, please see our 2022 Cisco Purpose Report and supplemental info in our ESG Reporting Hub.
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