Plastic. It's everywhere. If we consciously pay attention to how often we touch plastic every day, it quickly becomes clear that plastic – that's the correct term – is an indispensable part of our daily lives. Plastic is convenient. It's cheap. We NEED it – but do we really need it? And what price do we pay for plastic consumption? Plastic destroys entire biotopes, annihilates the lives of animals and plants, and threatens our health. And: it lasts forever. Reason enough to think about plastic.
What exactly is plastic? How is it made?
Plastic is a byproduct made from petroleum. This happens in several steps. The processing of petroleum yields naphtha, gas, diesel, heating oils, and gas oil. The naphtha is broken down into components such as ethylene, propylene, or butylene. These can be synthesized, for example, by polymerase. Individual building blocks are assembled into long chains or networks – the basis for plastics. How the final product "plastic" is to be used determines its processing and possible additives.
Can you still live properly without plastic?
You wouldn't believe it, but you can. Of course, it's SO convenient when paper plates and plastic cutlery go into the trash after a children's birthday party. But when the children are grown, they will thank us for the environment we leave them. In many cases, you just have to look more closely and ask yourself: "Do I really need this?" And that applies not only to plastic, but to consumer goods in general.
Plastic waste in epic quantities
While in Europe, waste is separated with religious fervor, elsewhere, plastic is carelessly wasted – as in the United States, where plastic cutlery, dishes, and cups are commonplace in restaurants, as well as in households and supermarkets. And plastic carrier bags are not spared in the land of unlimited possibilities. No wonder, because in many places, people don't believe in climate change – or at most, only where they are already feeling its effects…
Are there alternatives to plastic?
Indeed, plastic can largely be banned from everyday life – you just have to look closely. Plastic bags are already expensive and are gradually being replaced by fabric bags. Food and drinks that come in plastic packaging can also be replaced. Even yogurt or milk can be found in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets, partly in glass containers that allow for multi-use. Plastic tableware, perceived as a blessing by parents of small children, can also be replaced. For example, by plates and cups made of bamboo – just as robust and often beautifully designed. And where a lot of plastic accumulates, namely in cosmetic and hygiene products, there are now numerous alternatives. Shower gels and shampoos can be replaced by natural soaps, and skin creams can be bought in glass containers. And even hygiene products specifically for women – we know what is meant – are available in recyclable or washable versions. Not a new idea, by the way, but easier to handle than our parents knew...
How can you reduce your plastic consumption?
Environmentalists point out that we need to reduce our plastic consumption much more than is currently the case. A corresponding legislative initiative is already being prepared. But why should we wait for the legislator? Even now, every individual can eliminate a large part of their plastic consumption in daily life – we have already given some suggestions.
Tips and tricks for dealing with plastic
It's not possible to go completely without plastic. Experts and bloggers know that. Laptops and mobile phones, as well as children's toys like Lego, cannot be completely replaced. What can you do? When shopping, and especially for food and cosmetics, avoid plastic as much as possible. Use packaging-free shops for shopping. Look more closely at purchases. For example, electronic devices can be used more sustainably – for example, by not constantly replacing them with the latest model and, when they really need to be disposed of, recycling them properly.
We help you to do without plastic in everyday life
Millions of disposable PET bottles made of plastic are consumed daily and, unfortunately, often not disposed of properly. This results in tons of plastic ending up in the oceans, severely threatening them. A senseless phenomenon. We offer you the perfect alternative: our TreeBottle, which is made of solid materials and can therefore be reused again and again – it also keeps the contents cool for up to 24 hours or warm for 12 hours! So get a reusable TreeBottle and reduce your personal plastic consumption.
Plastic concerns us all. We can no longer ignore what it does to our environment and our health!
