Plastic is possibly the most convenient material that humanity has created. The convenience comes from its cheapness and its ability to have almost any shape. However, the damage it does to the environment is far too great. So it is high time we start using plastic alternatives.
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Plastic’s biggest problem is that it does not degrade. So the pollution it causes remains for centuries. However, even if more people are coming to know about it, there is not enough awareness regarding eco-friendly plastic alternatives.
Biodegradable Straws
Plastic straws are statistically among the largest pollutants in the environment. The average resident of the US uses 1.6 plastic straws daily. To put it in perspective, the usage of the US can go around the Earth’s equator more than twice.
The plastic alternatives for straws include one made using coconut leaves. These biodegradable and eco-friendly straws were developed by Professor Saji Varghese of Bengaluru’s Christ University’s English Department. These coconut straws are anti-fungal, can resist water for over six hours, and can be stored for more than 12 months.
Eco-Friendly Packing And Carry Bags
Carry bags made of plastic are also among the biggest contributors to plastic pollution. Even though several countries have tried to ban these bags, they are still used and thrown away widely.
Plastic alternatives include paper carry bags and leaves sewn together. Both of them are degradable and functional enough.
Edible Cutlery
Plastic cutlery is always supplied with packaged fast foods. Even though the restaurant can be asked to not send them, they are hardly used. In the end, they just add to the waste. So, what if we could eat the cutlery along with the food? That is the idea for edible cutlery which several companies are already producing.
Clay Cups
Cups made of Styrofoam or plastic are usual at almost every tea shop. Again, these are hardly biodegradable. Moreover, they rarely end up in recyclers as well. The best plastic alternatives for such cups are clay glasses and cups. Not only are they easily disposable and eco-friendly, but the weaker section of society will also be supported by them.
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