Plastic consumption: save plastic in everyday life with simple tricks
11.10.2017
Translation: machine translated
Since I have to pay five cents for a bag at the big grocery stores, I only use a plastic bag in emergencies and after a battle with a guilty conscience. Before that, to be honest, I didn't realise how often I actually reached for a bag. This self-realisation is a start. But I ask myself: where can we ordinary consumers save even more plastic?
Yes, we're not the worst. If you've ever travelled to Asia, you'll know how others deal with plastic. It's hard to leave the Seven Eleven supermarket without a plastic bag. Because an "I don't need a bag" or a wave of the hand is either not understood or is completely new - at least that's the impression I got on my holiday. The only thing you can do: Unpack everything again and leave the bag in the shop. You can see the direct consequences of these habits when you go diving or simply go for a walk on the beach.
I'm not trying to make others look worse. It's about everyone doing their article. There are always excuses - I know my own excuses only too well. Even if it's just the comparison with others: Just because our rubbish is dutifully collected by the bin man, we don't see the extent of it and don't make any considerations regarding possible consequences.
How can you use plastic more consciously in your everyday life?
Everyone knows why it is good to reduce their plastic consumption. However, it remains to be seen to what extent an individual does this. Without waving a moral cudgel, all plastic that is saved is good. So I set out in search of actionable tips - so that everyone can use plastic a little more sparingly and consciously.
Shopping
My grandmother actually does everything right. She has a wicker basket with Edelweiss fabric inside, which she has used for as long as I can remember. If that's not chic enough for you, a large shopping bag is also fine. That way you don't have to buy plastic bags at the checkout and you can use the bag countless times until it disintegrates. As a general rule, never leave home unarmed. Take your shopping bag or even old plastic bags with you when you go shopping.
Be careful when choosing fruit and vegetables: Go for the things that don't come in extra packaging. You really don't need a plastic bag for bananas and the like. Many foods already have a good wrapping to protect themselves. The large grocery stores also offer cloth bags for vegetables. You can also buy yoghurt, milk, mustard etc. in glass bottles. You can then recycle or return the packaging free of charge. It's best to buy bread fresh from the bakery and have it packed directly in its own cloth bag instead of taking the bread in plastic packaging.
Shopping tour
A small handbag is actually enough for a shopping trip with friends. Nevertheless, you usually end up with your hands full of plastic bags, only to put them back in the plastic bag drawer when you get home. So take your XXL shopper handbag with you
.
Transporting lunch
Tupperware is practical. But your lunch can also be easily filled and transported in empty preserving jars. The jars are also suitable for freezing and are a real alternative to freezer bags
.
Drinks in drinking bottles
In Switzerland, it is practically always safe to drink bottled water. If you drink tap water or tea from a glass or metal bottle, you save a lot of plastic waste - and do something good for your health at the same time. Many PET bottles often contain unhealthy substances. If you do end up buying a PET bottle: Be sure to recycle it.
Coffee to go & plastic cutlery
The French and Americans are setting an example. Plastic tableware will be banned in France from 2020. Plastic coffee cups and polystyrene packaging have also been banned in San Francisco since 1 January this year. This actually makes sense when you consider how long the useful life of these products is. There are many alternatives: Mini cutlery sets to take away, cutlery made from natural materials and insulated cups that you can simply fill up at the café around the corner.
Even small animals make dung
These simple approaches can be continued indefinitely. A while ago, a "zero-waste shop" opened in Zurich that completely dispenses with packaging. A really good idea! Of course, you don't have to do without plastic completely, but a more conscious approach can make a big difference. Choose products that you can use more than once or that are even biodegradable.
Tanja Lehmann
Senior Category Business Manager
tanja.lehmann@digitecgalaxus.chFriends, family, cats and good wine are my lifeblood.
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