The sky is the limit when it comes to your regular household products becoming available in a plastic-free version! And it is becoming popular as we realize the extent to which plastic is devastating our oceans and in turn, our own health.
It is time we give plastic the cut!
We have become so dependent on plastic in almost everything we do, so much that we produce nearly 300 million tons of plastic every year, half of which is for single use. That is a scary amount!
And then we dump more than 8 million tonnes of plastic into our oceans every year…
From all of this, the packaging is the largest use of plastic with it summing to 40% of plastic usage.
Why Should We Care About Protecting Our Oceans?
First off, every plastic material that was ever created, STILL LIVES HERE TODAY. What!
This is because plastic takes approximately 400 years to eventually, degrade in water.
- Foam takes 50 years
- Styrofoam takes 80 years, and
- Aluminum takes a whopping 200 years!
Humans rely on our oceans for survival; it literally is needed for us to breathe air.
- 70% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by marine plants
- 97% of the Earths water supply is contained in the ocean
- 30% of CO2 emissions produced by humans are absorbed by the oceans
Health Risks From Consuming Fish
It can also affect us when we consume fish; this is because the chemicals that run off into our oceans, such as pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals can contaminate water supplies and food chains through the marine life affected.
This can cause:
- Hormonal Problems
- Reproductive problems
- Nervous System Damage
- Kidney Damage
Additionally, bacteria turn metals like mercury into their most toxic form which is then absorbed by the plankton and then makes its way up the food chain until it is on your plate.
Mercury Exposure can cause:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Heart disease
Ditch Plastic For Good!
Just with this information, you can see the devastating effects it has on the earth and our own health.
So it is time to work together and make every plastic ditch count!
We are lucky to have companies that are providing us with products that are plastic-free, some products you would never have guessed to be able to go plastic-free.
Bamboo toothbrushes are made from 100% biodegradable and sustainably grown bamboo. The bristles are made from nylon-6 bristles from Dupont. The packaging is also made from recyclable material.
Plastic and 100% Palm oil free shampoo bar. Handmade from natural raw ingredients. Suitable for beards, hair and body washing!
For more information on Shampoo Bars, click here.
Organic cotton replacement to plastic bags! These chic, lightweight bags are perfect for daily essentials and groceries.
Zero Waste Heroes!
Thank you for taking the time to have a look and educate yourself on what’s out there that can help you combat plastic. It really is amazing to see so many products that are plastic free. Enjoy your zero waste shopping and feel free to throw me a comment below about anything related! Keen to hear your opinions and queries!
Founder of The Earth Co.
Plastic Oceans Foundation. (n.d.). InfoGraphic: How Ocean Pollution Affects Humans – Plastic Oceans Foundation. [online] Available at: https://plasticoceans.org/infographic-ocean-pollution-affects-humans/ [Accessed 19 Jul. 2018].