What are the benefits of reducing plastic waste?
Reducing our plastic waste boasts numerous benefits, not the least of which include preserving natural resources, protecting the environment, and saving us money.
The benefits of reducing plastic consumption include:
· Preventing pollution by lessening the amount of new raw materials used
· Saves energy
· Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute towards climate change
· Reduces the amount of waste that needs to be recycled or, in developing countries, sent to landfills/incinerators
· Saves money, since reusable items work out cheaper than constantly purchasing more plastic
Claridge’s is one of London’s most famous 5-star hotels. It often hosts royal figures and A-class celebrities.
Like many businesses they have faced challenges with their waste management that they have had to overcome.
How can you help to reduce plastic waste?
To reduce your business’ or personal output of plastic waste, try switching from plastic materials to paper or glass wherever you can, as these materials are widely recycled.
Reducing (or ideally cutting out altogether) your consumption of plastic water bottles, plastic bags, and straws can also make a huge difference.
The following are some easy switches that you can make in your daily life:
· Carrying a metal water bottle with you to avoid purchasing more plastic bottles
· Buying second hand — you can often find good-as-new items via retailers of refurbished office furniture.
· Using reusable bags when you go shopping, such as canvas tote bags
· Opting for products that use less packaging — your business’ shopping and procurement is one way to make a significant difference over time
· If you haven’t already, switch to paper, glass or metal alternatives (preferable it being a reusable option)
On a larger scale – how can waste be better managed?
Businesses and individuals can make a concerted effort to reduce the amount of plastic they purchase, use, and discard. Small habitual changes, such as those listed above, can make a positive difference by reducing the amount of plastic pollution.
However, on a larger scale, recycling sorting facilities must also adhere to strict guidelines. There should also be greater visibility over where every single bit of plastic goes after being put into mixed recycling.
Responsibility, traceability, and transparency are key to ensuring waste is respected and can be utilised as a potential future resource wherever possible.
Large companies, such as supermarkets, must also adapt by changing the way their products are packaged. A north London supermarket has recently become the first in Britain to introduce plastic-free zones. This follows the first supermarket in the world to feature a plastic-free aisle in Amsterdam the previous year.
Although attitudes towards plastic waste are changing, it’s crucial to build upon this momentum to safeguard our planet’s future.
Plastic waste facts
In 2017, scientists were shocked to discover that 6.3 billion tons out of 6.9 billion tons of plastic never made it to a recycling bin. And that’s not the only figure that we should be concerned by:
1. Over two million tonnes of plastic waste has been dumped in our oceans globally this year so far
2. In the North Pacific ocean, there are six times more items of plastic debris than plankton
3. Since the 1950s, 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced worldwide
4. Of that 8.3 billion tonnes, only 9% has been recycled
5. In 2017, Kenya banned the use and sale of plastic bags altogether — and many other countries are now following suit
6. However, worldwide, 2 million plastic bags are still being used every minute
7. Plastic kills over 1.1 million seabirds and animals each year
Raising awareness for plastic waste
Raising awareness is crucial if we are to overcome the challenges of plastic waste and pollution.
Documentaries and TV series’ such as the BBC’s Blue Planet II, presented by David Attenborough, have helped to bring the issue of plastic waste to the forefront. However, there’s still much to overcome to change attitudes and behaviours towards plastic, especially in our ‘disposable’ culture.
At Westminster City Council Commercial Waste Services, our festive initiative, partnered with Veolia and the Heart of London Business Alliance, to raise awareness through creative recycling is one of the many ways we’re raising the importance of recycling in London.
To help, you can start by introducing more sustainable practices and attitudes towards plastic in your business.