S.U.P. is the most important trivial topic causing menace for the ocean life of our planet! I am talking about Single Use Plastic! I wonder what makes it irreplaceable in our life when we are aware of the perils of its usage, unless we aren’t aware enough! The internet is flooded with the news and reports from various non-profits on how much it has dirtied the reefs, harmed the lives of our ocean family and affected our health. It is something we use for a couple minutes but its effects are seen for over a 100 years ( not exaggerating!).

In a country like India, where we grew downwards from a rich culture of using copper and brass wares in the kitchen, by happily replacing it with plastic containers, tiffin boxes and bottles; making people understand or convincing them that their choices of the most cost-efficient and durable material is actually unsafe for them, is difficult.

Plastic is as hazardous as durable it is! Apart from its toxicity, it also has waste problems. Interesting fact is, plastics do not biodegrade. Instead they *photodegrade - breaking down under exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, into smaller and smaller pieces. Garbage dumped in the rivers and oceans is the main cause of plastic pollution.The plastic which reaches the ocean is further broken by waves into micro plastics which makes its way to the stomachs of many fish and amphibians. Apart from this, the garbage on land also travels to the oceans through various water channels. Which means, most of the plastic that was ever created still exists on the surface of this planet in some form, in landfills or even worse; oceans.The pollution may start on land in form of litter but makes its way to the ocean beds eventually, also into our stomachs!

About consumption, we many not see it but there is low-density plastic in the lining of our milk cartons and coffee cups as well as bread packs and bottles. Similarly, sanitary pads, tampons and liners contain non-biodegradable plastic which is a nuisance to the environment but more importantly cause vaginal infections and allergies. Our cosmetics and other personal hygiene products like face and body washes, our toothpastes, all contain microplastic beads which bypass the water treatment and end by being eaten by the ocean animals.

I don’t see the worth in the convenience of using single use plastic!

This is a global issue but each one of you can contribute individually by changing a couple habits in your routine, it’s that simple. Of the plethora of issues faced by mankind, this one is a minuscule prick, also because it all depends on us making a small shift to our lifestyle, it is doable and hence we should do it for the sake of our planet and our health.The idea is to move on from this throwaway culture to a much responsible and aware surrounding. To adapt mindful habits and use better products which are not toxic in nature and are reusable.

NOTE: You may feel like a superhero after this but there is a lot left to be done! This is an excellent ‘first-step’ towards a sustainable lifestyle.

Use cloth bags for shopping. The recent plastic bag ban (in India) has indeed forced many, if not all, to use cloth bags but remember to make it a habit. You can recycle old clothes to make a bag or simply buy one online.

Use metal or glass bottle to carry water instead of buying packaged drinking water bottles. I can imagine that you may need to buy one in exceptional cases but the idea is to carry it 99% of the time.

Carry your own sipper to the coffee shop. It not only saves money but motivates people around you to be eco-friendly as well. Also, it’s a feel good thing to drink outta your own cup/sipper :) It can be used to carry cola from McDonalds, etc instead of buying plastic cola bottles.

Say NO to plastic straws. The most useless plastic product! This one’s avoidable. Moreover, you have an option to buy metal or bamboo straws online, for the love of sipping.

Say YES to bamboo toothbrushes. They last as long as the plastic ones and can be fully recycled. You can buy them on amazon.in

This is one maybe hard to do but it is sensible to try a menstrual cup or reusable sanitary napkins. Not only are they eco-friendly but good for vaginal health . Bio-degrable sanitary pads are now available, not exactly pocket friendly but a better option.

Use a safety razor. Single use razors cannot be recycled. You can try sugar waxing at home as an alternative.

Replace cheap plastic cutlery with disposable wooden spoon, forks and knives at events, restaurants or shops, available at most of the supermarkets and cutlery stores. Carry your own travel cutlery kit. Available on amazon.in

These are baby steps which are going to make a big impact, only if we choose to!

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE ……… for a greener planet!

*NatGeoAsia is hosting a very powerful campaign for eliminating and preventing plastic from reaching our oceans.

Drive the change. Take your pledge!

If you aren’t convinced yet, read more on What Happens to the Plastic We Throw Out to understand why we need to replace single use plastic from our lives.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/the-journey-of-plastic-around-the-globe/

*Courtesy Surfrider, NatGeoAsia