July may be coming to an end soon but it’s not too late to join in on this campaign!
The Plastic Free July Campaign is an international campaign organised by the Plastic Free Foundation. This global initiative encourages a multitude of people to reduce the damage caused by plastic pollution. Along with the many consequences this pandemic has brought forward, deliveries and takeaways have heightened the usage of single-use plastics. Despite previous efforts taken to tackle this issue, 2020 records us Malaysians using 148,000 tonnes of plastic packaging!
Everybody needs to play their part in reducing single-use plastics. Here are four small efforts we could all make to reduce plastic usage effectively.
1. Tapau with your own container
For illustration purposes only
There’s nothing wrong with going out to tapau your favourite meals back home. But instead of using plastic takeaway packaging, it is recommended to go prepared with your own containers, regardless of whether that be silver or glass. Aside from helping reduce the use of plastic, this practice is definitely much more hygienic than relying on the containers used in restaurants and stalls.
2. Time to grow your own food
For illustration purposes
If you’ve got your own plot of land in your residence, being stuck at home these last couple of months provides an opportunity for many to invest their time in growing their own garden. This way you get our own fresh homegrown vegetables instead of getting store-bought ones that use plastic for packaging.
3. Use bamboo toothbrushes
For illustration purposes only
While it is recommended by dentists to change our toothbrushes every three months, the use of toothbrushes that are made of plastic will only increase its waste! Shifting to bamboo toothbrushes doesn’t just help you get healthier and stronger teeth, it also works as an aesthetic addition to your bathroom toiletries.
4. Substitute plastic storage bottles with glass storage ones
For illustration purposes only
On a mission to redecorate your house? If yes, then substitute plastic storages containers (such as rice storage, soap dispenser, etc.) for glass storage containers! This step doesn’t just beautify your home but also significantly reduces plastic usage and has a longer shelf lifespan.
Mrs Malaysia 2019/2020 Supports Plastic-Free July!
Our very own Mrs Malaysia World 2019/2020, Priyaa Simmi, participated in this noble effort and shared with WORLD OF BUZZ that the support of Malaysians towards this campaign is lower compared to other nations.
While she is an active advocate of living a plastic-free lifestyle, she has been told that being plastic-free during a pandemic is not practical. Some even highlighted that most items in the market are already plastic-packaged and it is almost impossible to take up a plastic-free lifestyle.
As a response to this, Priyaa Simmi said,
“I just want to make it clear to all Malaysians that you don’t have to completely ignore the usage of plastic, but merely take simple steps to reduce single-use plastic in your daily life is good enough.”
Considering the pandemic outbreak Priyaa Simmi also shared her views that,
“Most of us feel that it is difficult to go completely plastic-free as we have become so dependent on it, and I agree to that, but it’s always important to take small and simple steps whenever or wherever possible.”
“I totally understand that during this pandemic, healthcare workers have to use disposable things which contain plastic elements but we can play our part by not making it even more worse for the environment.”
Priyaa Simmi has also encouraged all Malaysians to begin educating themselves on eliminating single-use plastic by opting for reusable items, such as reusable water bottles, and metal straws for lasting usage.
As the founder of Eco Queen, she urges Malaysians to read up on simple steps towards implementing this concept in their own lifestyles by trying out the tips provided on their platform.
It is time we start refusing plastic and embark on great alternatives to cultivate a sustainable lifestyle. Every small step counts in making Plastic-Free July a success.
Also read: LEGO Expects To Sell Toy Bricks Made Out Of Recycled Plastic Bottles Soon!
