Last updated on July 9, 2024
We are in 21st century and we have yet to find out how to properly dispose plastic after use. Until that time, how can we be of help to save the earth from drowning in plastic? How about an alternative method of reducing the use of disposable or single-use plastic? Here are simple ways to do so.
1. Bamboo cutleries are the new “IN” thing
Here’s a real situation. You are a backpacker or maybe not but since you are on the go it is easier to buy packed food with plastic spoon, fork, and stirrers. Now, how many times do you eat in a day? How much plastic waste have you contributed in our landfill or worst in our ocean?
If saving the earth means a lot to you, we recommend bamboo cutleries. Believe me, it won’t hurt a bit the taste of your coffee by switching plastic stirrers to bamboo ones.
2. Go top-less coffee cup
We only meant your take away coffee lids. It will only serve you less than an hour and your trash can, for sure, yells at you 365 days a year for the everyday lid. Don’t you hear it?
If coffee is at what REALLY REALLY kick start your morning, we recommend using one of those easy to carry collapsible cups. Enjoy your cup!
3. Think twice before buying water in PET bottles
The Philippines ranks third in marine litter contribution globally…
The Philippines ranks third in marine litter contribution globally according to American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). [Source can be found here.] Yes, these litters include plastic bottles which are also awfully convenient in so many ways but think of how much you could have saved for 365 days of buying water in a 10 peso plastic bottle. Girl, that’s Php 3,650. There goes your ticket to Taipei! Plus, it’s a BIG WAY to help our sea creatures not to swim with it.
Here’s a good sample of the reusable bottles from TUPPERWARE.
How I flew from Manila to Taipei and back for Php 1,800?
What To Do In Taipei City: A Solo Travelers Guide to Taiwan
4. Lunch box is forever.
Remember our nanay’s forever line, “ibalik mo ang Tupperware ko dahil kung hindi huwag ka ng umuwi!” Bring those colorful lunch boxes whenever you are running late and when all you can do is buy food in your favorite carenderia. Just make sure you have your tote to carry it in. It is convenient and way more stylish. Truly, our parents knows best.
Get your very own lunchbox here.
5. Embrace washable menstrual pads or the use of menstrual cup.
Reusable menstrual pads might need a little of your time for the cleaning needs thorough but think of the health benefit by using it. This could finally be the solution of the rash problems in between legs.
For menstrual cup, the thought of putting something inside our body may be a little off but, hey, how about reading more about it before concluding. Anybody can be open-minded as long as we want to. The first Filipino Brand of menstrual cup, Sinaya Cup, in the Philippines promotes awareness on using menstrual cup by donating and making sure that the receiver knows how to use it first.
Get reusable pads for heavy days from SHOPEE using this link.
6. Gifts are better when not wrapped in plastic over plastic.
Gift giving is a formal way of saying “salamat” or “I remember you.” So hey, take it to the next level and use eco-friendly gift bags or colorful cloth wrapper that can be re-use.
7. Use local products of companies that buy back empty containers.
We have been greatly influenced by foreign brands with their hair to toe products. There is nothing wrong about that but have you considered using equivalent local products of companies that value their impact not just to customers but to the environment? Zen Zest, a Filipino-owned company offer range of fragrances and body care items in the Philippines. Bring an empty bottle of the product you once bought from their store and an instant 20% discount is deducted on the next purchase of the item. Awesome! Get it here.
There is no question on how useful PLASTIC is. However, disposal of plastic became a huge issue not just in the Philippines but worldwide. Let us face it! If we don’t take responsibility of our actions right now, what will happen to the next generation? JFK once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
How do you reduce the use of disposable plastics in your own little way? Let us know in the comment below and get featured in our next article and on Facebook!
This is not a sponsored article.