Avoid Single Use/Disposable Products
 You will find that durable products not only reduce the consumption of oil and waste, but, in the long term, actually cost less as well.
Think about all of the products that we buy, use once or for a brief time, and then throw away. We can replace many single- and short-use products with reusable equivalents. You will find that durable products not only reduce the consumption of oil and waste, but, in the long term, actually cost less as well.
Many disposable items are made from plastic, and most plastics contain oil. Thus, when we use and dispose of a razor or a toothbrush and replace it with another, not only are we creating a greater demand for oil, but also are adding to landfill problems.
DID YOUR KNOW?
- 7.6 gallons of every 42 in a barrel of oil go to products like ink, plastic bottles, eyeglasses, CDs, and tires.
- The majority of plastics are landfilled or incinerated after a single use.
- There are many durable options to disposable or short-use products, like replaceable-head and sustainable toothbrushes and rechargeable razors.
- Bioplastics now exist that, unlike conventional plastics, are made from renewable crops rather than petroleum and biodegrade relatively quickly under the right conditions.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Avoid single- or limited-use items such as disposable bottles, plates, cutlery, plastic razors and toothbrushes, throwaway cigarette lighters, and non-refillable pens.
- Carry a refillable bottle or mug for beverages on the go.
- For leftovers and takeout food, reusable glass or plastic containers are better than foam boxes, plastic wrap, and disposable plastic containers.
- If you regularly buy products that are only available in plastic packaging, buy the largest container available, rather than the multiple smaller ones, to cut down on the total amount of plastic used.
- Send your kids to school and yourself to work with a reusable lunch bag or box, and add a refillable cup or thermos.
- Avoid disposable cameras; rather, use inexpensive reusable cameras for impulse or children's use. Better yet, go digital since photographic film is made from oil.
- When reuse isn’t feasible, choose bioplastics and products made with recycled content.
RESOURCES
|
