What’s a World Without Single-Use Plastic?

What’s wrong with single-use plastic?

The first mass-produced plastic was Bakelite in 1907, which was invented by Leo Baekeland, a Belgian chemist. During this time, plastic was a highly regarded substance that revolutionised the manufacturing world. Over a hundred years later and the fact still remains: plastic is still the most convenient and affordable option for many.

Plastic has taken over the world, and not always in a positive way. One of the downfalls of plastic is that it doesn’t biodegrade. One bottle can take over 500 years to degrade, releasing harmful toxins in the process. Oceans are strewn with plastic – there’s even a floating dump that is 4 times the size of Germany. Not only is this horrific in itself, it is also affecting wildlife in ways few can fathom.

Where would we be without single-use plastics?

Before we answer this, let’s look at where we might end up if we continue to utilise plastic at the rate we are going today. Experts say that the weight of plastic waste will overtake the weight of the entire population of fish on the planet by 2050. 

Single-use plastics are everywhere, despitel efforts being made to reduce their usage. The problem is, the vast majority of the world’s population depend on plastics. Even if people were to choose glass over plastic for food containers or use paper shopping bags instead of the single-use plastics, there is still too much plastic to overcome. Sadly, with each year that passes, we depend more and more on plastic.

Without plastic altogether, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy that can of coke; did you know the can has a plastic lining to stop it from corroding? You wouldn’t be able to use that teabag either. Your groceries would look very different with cheese and meat being wrapped in paper and packed into a cardboard box or paper bag. Your food wouldn’t last as long, nor would it be able to travel long distances. Those imported exotic fruits and vegetables? Not possible, I’m afraid. Materials with nylon? Acrylic? Polyester? You can forget about those too.

Can We Live Without Single-use Plastic?

The sad truth is that the complete ease and total convenience brought about by single-use plastic comes at the cost of our planet’s health. But think about it: Generations before us thrived without single-use plastic. There is an abundance of alternatives to single-use plastics that help make it easier for us to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle. 

The choice is yours. We need more people to come together to help heal our habitat. The facts are clear, the action plan is feasible – so what’s stopping you from doing the right thing? 

If you’re having trouble cutting single-use plastic out of your everyday routine, drop us a message so we can help you on your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle.