Towards a sustainable future: reducing single-use plastic is possible!

Every year, the world produces a dizzying mountain of 460 million tonnes of plastic waste single use. This waste doesn't just disfigure our landscapes; it also are also suffocating our oceansThey disrupt marine ecosystems, endangering aquatic life, the environment as a whole and the environment as a whole. our own health.

The culprits? Mainly the single-use plastics. Used for an instant, persisting for eternity : approximately 40 % of our annual plastic output is made up of these ephemeral objects. Straws, food packaging, plastic bags, cotton buds, water bottles, cups - their impact is disproportionate to the time they are used.

So what should we do? Visit recyclingoften put forward by manufacturers, is a very imperfect answer. However, the real solution could be more radical: reduce our consumption of these plastics.

The scourge of single-use plastics

Every day, millions of single-use plastic objects are thrown away after a short period of use, ending up in our landfills and natural environments. Despite the promises of recycling, only 9 % of the world's plastic is actually processed.
Can we go on like this?

Devastating environmental impacts

On our oceans : Imagine five bags of plastic waste deposited on every metre of coastline around the world. This is exactly what happens every year, with 8 million tonnes of plastic into the seas, causing unimaginable devastation. Our oceans are becoming lethal traps for marine wildlifefrom corals to whales. And the cost? Marine biodiversity at risk.

About our wildlife : Nearly 700 marine species suffer the consequences pollution (https://www.ifremer.fr/fr/actualites/des-dechets-plastiques-de-la-surface-jusqu-aux-fonds-marins). Ingestion of plastics, entanglement... the repercussions are numerous and even affect species in danger of extinction. In addition, microplastics and nanoplastics, resulting from the decomposition of larger pieces, insidiously infiltrate in our cterrestrial and marine food chains.
On our health : And that's not all. Microplastics have invaded our drinking water and the air we breathe, carrying toxins and endocrine disruptors. What are the effects? Hormonal disorders, repercussions on fertilityand more.

Read also: It's confirmed: bottled water represents a real health hazard in plastic.

Legislative advances in Europe and France against single-use plastics

European legislation: tougher measures against single-use plastics

The European Union has taken steps to restrict the use of single-use plastics through European Directive (EU) 2019/904, implemented on 3 July 2021. This legislation prohibits the sale of products for which sustainable alternatives are available, such as cutlery, plates, straws and stirring sticks for drinks, as well as expanded polystyrene food containers.

This agreement has yet to be formally confirmed by the twenty-seven Member States and the European Parliament before it enters into force.

Source : https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/europe/union-europeenne/environnement-l-ue-verdit-ses-emballages-en-interdisant-les-contenants-en-plastique-a-usage-unique-dans-les-restaurants_6404185.html

French legislation: national commitment against waste

France is no exception, with the AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy)adopted to step up the fight against disposable plastic. As of 1 January 2022, plastic packaging for almost half of the world's population will have to be recycled. 30 types of fruit and vegetables are banned, marking a significant shift in French consumer habits. The objective is clear: eradicate all single-use plastic packaging by 2040with progressive measures to reduce their use.

A call for collective action

These regulations are not simply constraints; they are invitations to rethink the way we consume and produce. Each ban and each measure is a step towards a healthier planet.

But we're not, individuallywe can take initiatives to align our daily actions with these objectives. Here are a few simple examples.

Simple strategies to reduce your consumption of single-use plastic

Did you know that every gesture counts in the fight against plastic pollution? Here are some concrete actions you can take today to make a significant difference:

1. Adopt a reusable bottle or water bottle

Ditch the disposable plastic bottles ! By choosing a reusable bottleNot only are you reducing plastic waste, you're also helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Simple, economical and environmentally friendly, this approach helps you to stay hydrated in a responsible way.

Read also: Hydrate green: Choose the best ecological water bottle for your sporting activities

2. Purify your tap water

Instead of buying bottled water, why not purifying tap water? Thanks to systems such as LaVie water purifiersyou can enjoy a high quality water and you rid for example bad taste of chlorinewhile reducing your environmental impact and your expenses. Did you know thatbottled water is at least 100 times more expensive than tap water !

3. Use a reusable coffee mug

Say goodbye to disposable cups and use a disposable cup. reusable office mug ! A reusable coffee mug reduces your waste and supports a culture of reuse. It's a stylish and environmentally-friendly choice.

4. Buy in bulk

By buying in bulk and using reusable containersThis way, you avoid excess plastic packaging and save money. This practice simplifies your approach to sustainable living.

5. Refuse disposable plastic cutlery

When eating out, bring along your own reusable cutlery. A small action that has a big impact on reducing your waste.

Did you know?
As of 1 July 2021, French legislation will allow consumers of fast food and other takeaway restaurants to sell their food in France.require their meals to be served in their own reusable containers. This ecological measure, still little known to the general public, aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by these establishments.

6. Opt for reusable shopping bags

Always having a reusable bag to hand is an easy way to say no to plastic bags and promote sustainable habits.

7. Do away with plastic cling film

Use reusable alternatives such as beeswax packaging to keep your food fresh without plastic.

8. Choose loose tea

Abandon the plastic-lined tea bags and opt for loose tea for a more authentic and less polluting experience.

9. Avoid synthetic chewing gum

Chewing gum is often made from plastic polymers. Choose natural alternatives to reduce your consumption of synthetic products.

10. Rethink your festive decorations

For your parties, opt for biodegradable glitter to celebrate without polluting.
Similarly, replace plastic balloons and decorations with fabric or paper alternatives.

11. Go for bar soap

Last but not least, replace your shower gel with an bar soap without plastic packaging. It's one step closer to a zero waste lifestyle.

These tips, however simple, can transform your everyday life and considerably reduce your plastic footprint. Nature will thank you!

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In conclusion

Our fight against single-use plastic is an opportunity to rethink our habits and opt for a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly approach. By adopting simple alternatives such as reusable bottles, coffee cups and non-plastic shopping bags, we can contribute to a significant change. These small gestures, when adopted on a large scale, can drastically reduce our dependence on disposable plastics. Make a commitment today by choosing one or more tips from our list to reduce your ecological footprint. Visit the LaVie water purifier boutique to find out how our purifiers can help you drink purer water while protecting our planet.

Let's work together for a more sustainable future!

Article written on 14/05/2024 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.