Plastic, plastic - it’s all around us! We’ve all seen the disheartening footage of mountains of plastic waste piling up in rivers, on beaches, and dumped in huge piles in low-income countries as recycling schemes fail to hold up to their original promise. Single-use plastic in the kitchen is one of the main household contributors to the ever-growing plastic problem, and the reality of the impact of microplastics on the environment and our health is becoming more and more apparent.
Single-use plastic in the kitchen includes food wrappers, cartons, bottles, carrier bags, and plastic wrap – basically, anything that is only used once and then discarded. But it’s what happens to this plastic waste that is the issue, with up to 22% classified as ‘mismanaged or uncollected.’ Over time, discarded plastic degrades into tiny particles, creating microplastics that contaminate ecosystems and the food chain. The presence of microplastics has been confirmed in seafood, salt, tea, bottled water, and even honey.
Understanding Single-Use Plastics
It’s no secret that we live in the age of plastics, with this versatile and cheap material now used to make thousands of commonplace household items. In the early days of plastic production, the durable substance was primarily used to create reusable objects like combs, sunglasses, Tupperware, and even telephones – affordable items that would be used repeatedly for many years.
However, the versatility of plastic also meant it was ideally suited to other functions, such as packaging, drinking straws, and disposable cutlery. Manufacturing industries now create tons of single-use plastic products – designed to be used only once and then thrown away.
It is estimated that around half of all plastic produced annually is intended for single-use items; that’s around 19 million tons of plastic produced to be used once and then discarded. And this isn’t an issue we can recycle our way out of, as barely any single-use plastics are actually recyclable. Instead, they are incinerated, sent to landfills, or end up polluting the environment with microplastics. In addition, nearly all plastics are manufactured from fossil fuels, an energy-intensive process with a high carbon footprint.
Although the long-term effects of microplastics are still unknown, a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the potential risk to human health, urging governments and industry to work together to minimize and eliminate plastic waste. But these types of changes can take a long time. In the meantime, what can we do as consumers to reduce our part in this problem? Let’s take a look!
Where is Single-Use Plastic Found in the Kitchen?
Speed and convenience have been prioritized over sustainability in our society, leading to a rapid increase in single-use plastics in our kitchens. You’ve likely noticed that loose fruits and vegetables are becoming increasingly scarce, and more are packaged in shrink wrap, plastic bags, plastic nets, and film-covered trays. Although packaging might seem the most obvious source of single-use plastics in the kitchen, where else can they be found?
- Food packaging: Most dried and baked goods come packaged in plastic, as do dairy products, condiments, snacks, and many other edible goods.
- Drinks cartons: Milk and juice cartons may appear to be made from cardboard, but they also contain a significant amount of plastic, as they have plastic linings to make them waterproof.
- Coffee cups: Again, disposable coffee cups normally contain a plastic lining and lid, meaning they can’t be recycled.
- Food cans: Plastic is used to line metal cans to increase the shelf life of food products.
- Cutlery and plates: Single-use knives, forks, spoons, stirrers, cups, straws, and plates are often used for picnics, parties, or takeout.
- Bottles: Many beverages and condiments are supplied in plastic bottles.
- Plastic wrap and sandwich bags: A godsend in the kitchen, but very difficult to recycle.
- Bags: Used to transport food from the store to your home.
- Condiment packets: Small individual sachets of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc., neatly wrapped in plastic.
- Egg cartons: Many retailers are swapping cardboard egg cartons for plastic versions.
- Ready-meals: Most microwave meals come in single-use plastic trays.
Simple Swaps: Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
So, if plastic is all around us, what can we do as responsible consumers to reduce our impact on this problem? While the problem starts with manufacturers (we never asked for all that plastic wrap!), we can use our buying power and make simple swaps that greatly affect how much plastic we throw in the trash.
The simplest place to start when reducing single-use plastic in the kitchen is to swap to alternative plastic-free products wherever possible:
- Use reusable cloth or canvas bags instead of single-use plastic bags for grocery shopping.
- Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than prepackaged. If your grocery store only stocks plastic-wrapped items, farmers’ markets or vegetable box schemes are a good source of seasonal ingredients.
- Dry-goods stores often sell loose pasta, rice, and other pantry staples. Simply measure out the quantity you need into your reusable containers.
- Choose glass or stainless steel containers for storing and reheating food.
- Opt for reusable stainless steel or glass straws instead of disposable plastic straws.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce the need for single-use plastic water bottles.
- Replace plastic wrap with beeswax wraps or silicone lids for covering food and containers.
- Use bar soap or refillable liquid soap dispensers instead of buying liquid soap in plastic bottles.
These simple swaps are just the start – once you become more aware of the plastic in your life, the solutions start jumping out at you!
Practical Tips for Reducing Single-Use Plastics
When it comes to single-use plastics, the "Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" approach should always be our first line of attack. The best plastic is that which never existed in the first place, and there are so many aspects of our lives where unnecessary plastic can be removed. Creating a plastic-free shopping list can take time, but every swap you make is a move in the right direction.
One of the joys of taking steps to reduce single-use plastic in the kitchen is the effect it has on other areas of sustainable living. For example, purchasing exactly the amount of loose fruit and vegetables you need, instead of the amount that comes in a package, helps to reduce food waste, healthier snacks and cakes can be baked with ingredients from the dry-goods store, and DIY cleaning solutions reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the home.
We can also use our purchasing power by choosing brands and products committed to sustainability and reducing plastic usage. Prioritize products made from sustainable materials with minimal or compostable packaging. Again, local stores and markets are a great place to start, where food can travel from ‘farm to fork’ without plastic packaging.
Overcoming Challenges in Reducing Single-Use Plastics
While single-use plastics may feel like they’ve been forced upon us for convenience, the good news is that sustainable choices can be just as easy. There are many alternatives to single-use plastic that fit seamlessly into our busy lifestyles, whether it's opting for reusable items, choosing eco-friendly pre-packaged options, or finding local bulk-buy or dry-goods stores.
Remember that this journey is not about a complete overhaul overnight; small, consistent changes add up over time to make a significant impact. Your commitment to reducing plastic waste, no matter how small, is a powerful force for positive change. Let's turn the tide on plastic and create a more sustainable future together!