Plastic is a problem in many ways. Fossil fuel-based materials generate greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life cycle. It is rarely recycled. It contributes to marine pollution. It even accumulates in the human body. However, plastic is so ubiquitous that you cannot wake up one morning and live a plastic-free life. A living room without plastic is difficult and requires gradual pursuit. The first step is to know where you are by doing a plastic inventory.
Earth911 presents 52 actions of Earth to celebrate 52 years of action inspired by Earth Day. Every week from 2022 Day to Earth Day 2023, we share the actions you can take to invest in the planet and make your own life more sustainable.
This week, you can invest in the planet by calculating plastic use.
Action: Complete the plastic inventory
Disposable plastic
Eliminating all plastic entirely may not be possible for individuals in today’s world. After all, most electronics and home appliances are made from several plastic parts. Most kids’ toys are also made of plastic. However, one area of ​​control is single use and disposable plastic, although it can have meaningful effects. From product packaging to water bottles and toothbrushes, our daily lives are filled with plastic items designed to be discarded after one or several uses. Most people working towards a plastic-free lifestyle try to eliminate one product type at a time. Maybe you already know you have a zip top bag problem. But again, you may be surprised to see where your plastic is piling up. Where do you start?
Plastic calculator
areartday.org developed a Plastic calculator It helps you understand how much plastic you use to dispose of each year and set goals for improvement. I’ll set aside time this week to fill out two charts for the calculator. The first chart looks at disposable items such as wraps and cotton swabs, while the second calculates items that are less frequently used or last, such as cleaning containers and period products. This tool calculates the annual consumption of each product type.
Once you understand how much plastic you will pass through, you can identify which habits will change to make the most difference in your personal plastic footprint. When you’re ready to take the next step, Earth911 has plenty of ideas to help you replace single-use plastic. You’ll buy reusable water bottles, store cloth shopping bags in your car, and carry reusable straws and cooking utensils while you’re out. If you’re ready for further action, please visit areartday.org Online Toolkit To eliminate plastic pollution.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published on June 17, 2022 and updated in May 2025.
