The Fight Against Plastic Pollution

As we finally start to open our eyes to the consequences of Plastic Pollution, governments, organisations, business and everyday people are trying to do their part to reduce plastic use and to try to break our addiction to single use plastics.

 You’ve heard the statistics: an estimated 1.1 to 8.8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year; over 1 million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean - that includes fish, sharks, turtles, birds and mammals); and there is an estimated 100 million tons of plastic currently in oceans around the world.

Plastic is horrific for the environment. It has a direct and not to mention deadly effect on wildlife, and we’re only beginning to find out the effect it might have on us when we consume fish and other marine animals that have ingested all this plastic. 

But the good news is, change is starting to happen. There is change at the Government level, as cities, states and even countries are beginning to ban the use of single-use plastics. Italy, China, Israel, Bangladesh, and many countries in Africa have all banned the use of plastic bags. The Netherlands, Morocco, and Sri Lanka have done the same. States here in Australia including Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and ACT have all put plastic bag bans in place. And of course, the list doesn’t end there. Even more change is on the horizon: Both the EU and Canada will ban single-use plastics as early as 2021. This ban will include items like plastic straws, cotton swabs, drink stirrers, plates, cutlery, balloon sticks, and fast-food containers and cups made of expanded polystyrene (similar to styrofoam).

These efforts extend to organizations as well. Groups like the Australian Marine Conservation Society are working tirelessly to be the voice for Australia's ocean wildlife.  At Liquidsands, we are proud to support the incredible work of the AMCS. With each responsible purchase of one of our beautiful, functional and long-lasting glass water bottles, we all help to reduce the flow of plastic into our oceans, we couldn’t be happier to be contributing to the Australian Marine Conservation Society and their amazing work to ensure Australia's coasts and oceans remain clean, happy and healthy for tomorrow's generations.

But perhaps even more importantly, is what you can do to help, today.

What you can do to Reduce Plastic use in your Daily Life

Here are a couple of super simple, almost can’t not do them, suggestions to reduce plastic use in your household:

• Ditch the plastic straw. If you really need to use a straw invest in a reusable stainless steel straw and carry it with you.
• Carry your reusable bags with you everywhere - you can use them not just at the grocery store but when you are doing other shopping as well.
• Invest in a good reusable water and bring it everywhere! Get a reusable mug for to-go coffee as well.
• Knock out your gum addiction - gum is plastic!
• Choose to buy goods that come in cardboard boxes, which is more easily recycled, or in bulk, which uses less packaging all together.
• BYOTC. Bring your own takeout container!

Plastic Pollution is a big problem. Some governments, private organisations and even businesses are doing what they can to reduce the use of plastics, but it doesn’t end there. We, as consumers, must take a look at our own lives and do everything we can to reduce our dependence on plastic. We all understand the enormity of the flow of plastic into our ocean and landfill and we often feel helpless which leads to inaction. We believe that small actions multiplied can make a difference. So please today, do this teeny tiny thing and choose to stop drinking bottled water … hope is a reusable option. (link to product here)

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can CHANGE the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that EVER has” – Margaret Mead