International Plastic Bag Free Day: Best Ways to Ditch Single-use Plastic at Home & Work

They are easily available. 

They come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in different colours. 

But more importantly, they are huge contributors to a global catastrophe. Guess what is it? 

We are talking about plastic bags! Every time we step outside or shop at the local grocery store, these single-use plastic bags come in handy, only to be tossed aside after use. But did you know, that plastic bags remain in the world for anywhere between 100 and 500 years before finally decaying completely? And they harm our environment as a result. 

Ahead of  International Plastic Bag Free Day, let’s take the opportunity to remind ourselves and the people around us about the hazards of plastic usage. And more importantly, of the many ways, we can replace plastic bags with eco-friendly alternatives. 

Also Read: BYJU’S Innovation Challenge: Check out the cool products made from waste

If you are looking to cut down the usage of plastic, at home and work, here is what you can do: 

10 simple ways to ditch plastic at home: 

Unfortunately, plastic is the go-to material when it comes to food packaging, kitchen supplies, cosmetic products and other essentials. If you look around your house, you will find plastic in every nook and corner and that is not good news! To make lasting changes, we need to be mindful and conscious of our own decisions and the way we consume and deal with plastic waste. 

If you are wondering how to take the first step and do away with single-use plastic, we have some simple and easy hacks for you:

1. Always bring your own bag (BYOB) everywhere you go. 
2. Recycle all the plastic bags you have at home.
3. Your weekly grocery delivery can be requested without bags.
4. Return your old bags to hyperlocal grocery or food delivery platforms. 
5. Store milk in glass bottles rather than plastic.  
6. Use a bamboo toothbrush. 
7. Switch wipes with cotton pads that are a zero-waste alternative. 
8. Use menstrual cups or reusable cloth sanitary napkins.
9. Instead of plastic trash bags, try to reuse paper bags or line your garbage bins with newspapers. 
10.  Buy fewer packaged products and more bulk food. 

Also Read: How BYJUites Planted the Seeds for a Better Future

10 ways to cut down plastic usage when you are at work: 

When it comes to the office, we tend to use plastic supplies day in and day out. Be it our coffee cups or stationery. This International Plastic Bag Free Day, let’s find ways to reduce plastic waste at work by using products that lack hazardous plastic and upgrading to eco-friendly and sustainable options. 

Here are a few hacks to go eco-friendly in your workplace: 

1. Avoid plastic and single-use cutlery. 
2. Pack your own reusable lunch containers. 
3. Carry a reusable bottle to refill water rather than buy plastic bottles. 
4. Carry your own compostable cups for coffee.
5. Buy eco-friendly office supplies that are plastic-free like bamboo pens and plantable notebooks.  
6. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle your office staples. 
7. Bring a desk plant to work as it improves indoor air quality.
8. If you chewing gum at work, recycle it as it also contains plastic.
9. Switch to recyclable post-its for endless notes. 
10. Spread awareness and encourage your friends and colleagues to reduce the consumption of plastic. 

Watch: Learn more about Zero Waste Travel in this BYJU’S workshop

Switching to eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives in your day-to-day lives requires two things: mindfulness and a pinch of innovation. It’s that simple! 

Tell us in the comments below, what is your resolution for International Plastic Bag Free Day? And how are you planning to ditch single-use plastic and go eco-friendly? We would love to learn and incorporate some tricks from you!