How to reduce your plastic usage while travelling

You may use it everyday, to brush your teeth, to type your emails, or to carry your groceries. Plastic is literally everywhere, constantly at our fingertips, from the packaging of our food, to the furniture in our homes, and even the clothing we wear. Plastic bags are used for just 12 minutes on average, yet they can take up to 1000 years to decompose.

The global plastic crisis is a ticking time bomb. Billions of tons of plastic waste flood our planet each year, much of it destined for landfills or our oceans. Tourism, a sector that often relies heavily on single-use plastics, has a crucial role to play in turning the tide. But the fight against plastic pollution isn’t just for big corporations; individuals can make a significant impact too.

Factsheet on Plastic Pollution

Plastic, a byproduct of petroleum, is non-biodegradable; it can be broken down into microplastics or changed into different forms, but it never truly disappears. Here are some facts about plastic that will blow your mind!

  • Over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans every year. As much as 80 per cent of all litter in our oceans is made of plastic.

  • Around 5 trillion plastic bags are produced annually. In the past 10 years we have produced more plastic than in the last century.

  • Microplastic particles have been proven to be found in tap water. As many as 51 trillion microplastic particles — 500 times more than the stars in our galaxy — litter our oceans and seas, seriously threatening marine wildlife.

  • Plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish each year. These animals ingest plastic, become entangled in fishing nets, or mistake floating items like plastic bags for food.

  • Every piece of plastic ever produced is still in existence today.

What are the green alternatives to plastic?

Food or Hydration

Reusable bottles: Invest in a high-quality reusable bottle made of materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Ask for tap water refills or spring water where available.
Plastic-Free Straws: Most people don’t need straws, but if you do, opt for a reusable one. Always request no straw in your drink, even if it’s a paper one. Choose reusable straws made of metal, glass, or bamboo.
Plastic-Free Floss: Opt for alternatives to plastic floss and its containers. Look for options packaged in cardboard.

Shopping

Ditch Plastic Bags: Use stronger, longer-lasting alternatives like cotton, hemp, or string bags. Always carry them for all types of shopping, not just groceries. Carry reusable shopping bags made from cotton, hemp, or other sustainable materials.
Buy loose: When purchasing produce, opt for loose items rather than those packaged in plastic.
Gifting: Invest in gifts made from sustainable, recycled materials or second-hand. Wooden toys and books for example, are great alternatives to plastic toys.

Personal care

Reusable Razors: Avoid disposable razors. Invest in a quality razor with replaceable, recyclable blades. It’s a better shave and reduces plastic waste.
Toothbrushes: Choose bamboo toothbrushes or electric options. Opt for item that come in cardboard packaging rather than plastic wrap.
Make-up wipes: Use small fabric squares instead of make-up wipes. They can be washed and reused, eliminating plastic waste.
Shampoo Bars: Consider using shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo. They are just as effective and come without plastic packaging.