26th November 2024
Is it possible to adopt a zero plastic lifestyle?
As with oil and gas, much of our economy is tied into the use of plastics – plastic has very many useful characteristics being light weight, mouldable, waterproof, rustproof etc. To avoid plastic is therefore difficult – it is used in making shoes and clothes, household goods, toys, medical equipment, plumbing pipe etc. But there was a time when we didn’t have plastics but still made useful things, and we have many chemists and engineers who are developing plastic alternatives whilst retaining many of the advantages of plastic.
What we can do is to make a conscious effort to avoid plastic wherever possible. We don’t need to buy sweets or sandwiches or vegetables wrapped in plastic. We don’t need to buy plastic toothbrushes or combs or washing up bowls. We don’t need to use plastic cups and bottles.
And whilst plastic recycling isn’t the answer, whilst we still have plastic in circulation, reusing what we already have (and keeping it in good condition) and recycling what we don’t need, is still a good thing to do.
The Green Tau 