Five easy ways to cut down on plastic waste and live a green life

Let’s face it: we have a serious addiction to plastic. In some cities, it’s so bad that we see individually plastic-wrapped fruit in the supermarket, when nature already gave that banana, orange or apple its own protective packaging.

According to non-government organisation Earth Day, more than half of the world’s plastic thrown out in 2015 was plastic packaging. That’s more than 141 million tonnes. You throw that plastic bottle into the bin and don’t expect to see it again. But it will either sit in landfill for 450 years or wash up on a beach if the rubbish isn’t properly processed – around 80 per cent of plastic waste found in the sea comes from the land.

Many people believe that plastic is food-safe and clean, but it can actually leak toxic chemicals into our food and drinks. Using glass lunchboxes and reusable metal water bottles keeps you safe, and makes sure another piece of useless plastic doesn’t end up in a landfill. Avoiding plastic takes a bit of planning, but involves minimal hassle and it will have many benefits for Hong Kong’s environment and ecosystems.

Straws

The problem: Next time you’re in a cafe or takeaway, think before putting that plastic tube into your drink. Straws are extremely wasteful and often end up on the floor or in the bodies of sea creatures. If you’re a straw addict, or are worried about getting a face full of ice, try using a metal or bamboo straw.

What to do: Say no to plastic straws (especially the ones that come wrapped in more plastic). Many companies now offer sets that include a straw or two, and a straw cleaner in a little holder that fits neatly in your bag.

Polystyrene

The problem: Don’t use polystyrene containers. Just don’t. We’ll only see the end of single-use plastic if we stamp down on lazy restaurants and food producers that use this environmentally-damaging material.