Finding Alternatives to Plastic

In our plastic-filled world, it may seem hard to avoid plastic. But once we start to take action, there is hope for our future. We don’t need plastic; we can break our plastic addiction.

There are so many alternatives to plastic out there, alternatives that are just as inexpensive, lightweight, and versatile.

Below is a list of alternatives to single-use items. It is now easier than ever to find alternatives to common plastic items.

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Where is plastic in your life?

Look around you right now, how much plastic are you currently touching - computer, clothes, shoes, chair and more. Plastic is practically everywhere these days. When you take a careful look around your home and the world, the sheer number of things you’ll find containing plastic may surprise you:

Food packaging. Most foods are wrapped in plastic: snacks, tea, meat, cheese, and cereals.

Milk cartons. Waxed cardboard contains approximately 20% plastic and 80% paper.
Metal cans are often lined with plastic.
Personal care products. Toothpaste, shampoo, creams, make-up, in general, contain microbeads.
Dental floss and disposable razors are also often made from plastic base materials.
Clothing contains synthetic fabrics. Polyester, nylon, rayon, acrylic yarns and fabrics are all made from plastic. When washed, these materials shed millions of microscopic plastic fibres that end up in waterways.

Feminine hygiene products. The average disposable sanitary napkin contains about two grams of plastic.
Wrapping paper. Tape, glitter and stickers all contain plastic.
Chewing gum. One common plastic ingredient included in the “gum base” listed gum labels is polyvinyl acetate.
Cigarette filters contain cellulose acetate, a form of plastic.
Glues contain polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic.
Coffee cups. Even those that appear to be made from paper often have plastic in the lining.
Baby wipes and diapers are made from plastic. Super absorbent polymer makes up the absorbent inner core, while the outer layer is usually a petroleum-based plastic or a plastic-treated fabric.