Wanna Help Reduce the Need for Oil-Based Plastics?

In a recent article I wrote about how oil is used in our society and more than 30% of oil is used to manufacture plastics. I was surprised for one to see that oil is actually used to make plastics to begin with but more importantly that over 30% of our consumption goes towards manufacturing them.

Although I do not have exact numbers and statistics I can only imagine what the consumption rate would be if we did not recycle the plastics we do manufacture. Since we recycle about 80% of our plastics I am sure that consumption would rise near or over 40% which would create a higher demand of oil, and that is the last thing this world needs.

Plastics are in everything from bottled water, to shopping bags, to kid’s toys, to even our credit cards. Recycling is a start to put a dent into oil consumption for plastics but we need to go even further.

I know it is impossible at this time to reduce all of your needs for plastic as it is so entrenched in our daily lives, but we can take some steps that would alleviate our needs. To start, when you go shopping, whether it is for food or any other type of product, use cloth tote shopping bags. You can buy these at any supermarket for less than $2.00. My supermarket will actually include a package of coupons and give me a nickel off per each bag every time I shop. It may not be much but at least I will eventually recoup the cost of the bag. I currently own 7 of these bags. They are lightweight, easy to take with me and at the end of my shopping trip I do not have any plastic bags that I either have to bring back to the store to recycle or throw away at home.

That takes care of plastic shopping bags. We can also reduce our need for plastic water bottles by purchasing reusable sport water bottles. Sport water bottles are readily available at any store such as Wal-mart, Target etc. or online. Instead of buying cases of bottled water, which most of the water is filtered tap water anyway, you can just refill your sports bottle and carry it with you anywhere you go. If you still want filtered water then you can do what I do. I own a Brita water filter. I run my water through my filter and get clean, refreshing water to drink. Brita is just one brand; there is also Pure and some others out there.

Looking for good toys for your kids? A lot of them come made out of wood. Now I know you won’t be able to eliminate all plastic toys but if you can find the wood alternative you would be helping out the cause. Wood toys are just as safe and more environmentally friendly. Many wood toys are also more durable than their plastic counterparts.

Now imagine if everyone in the country implemented the three ideas above. If I had to take a guess we would reduce our need for oil based plastics by at least 50% if not more! Make some changes today and be a part of the solution.