How I follow - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in my daily life. 

Plastic is a miracle invention of the modern world. Plastics are bright, attractive, colourful, long-lasting and a relatively inexpensive material whose invention has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Plastics are non-degradable, they further break down into smaller pieces called microplastics. Plastics are polluting the environment including oceans and are a threat to various life forms. Because of its harmful effects on the environment, it is essential that we reduce the use of plastics and not use disposable or single-use plastics. Once plastic is discarded after its utility is over, it is known as plastic waste. Today, worldwide plastic consumption is increasing. 50% of plastic is discarded as waste are single use plastics.

In the Year 2018, India was the global host of World environment Day with the theme – ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. The theme urged governments, industries, communities and individuals to come together and explore sustainable alternatives. It also urged the target group to reduce production and excessive use of single-use plastics, which are polluting our environment and threatening human health.

To eliminate the single use plastic from our day-to-day activities, worldwide campaigns, education programs, and waste management laws are implemented by various Governments. The ‘3R’s’ namely Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are put forth. The Public is urged to switch to sustainable alternatives. I am also striving to replace plastic usage especially single use plastic from our daily life.

1.       I first reduced the use of single use plastics like disposable cups, straws, spoons and  plastic bags. I now carry my own bottles wherever I go.

     Dumped the use of plastic plates/leaves which was used for convenience in my urban place. Now, festival lunches are in the traditional method. We have food in the traditional method on plantain leaves. Pic of me having lunch with family during a festival day. 

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1.       Replaced plastic bags with eco-friendly cloth bags for our daily use. This time there was a different approach we purchased bags from a group which supports women empowerment. This ended up in a support to a group as well as promoting an eco-friendly solution to us.

1.       Reduce the use of packaged food, goods. When we order online we insist on no plastic cutlery. When we travel we carry our own food and get it packed with ecofriendly packs. The below is pic of Dosa (Indian crepes/Indian Pancake) packed food.

1.       Promote recycling: These are the pics of paper and plastic I collected from my neighborhood to be handed over for recycling.