We live in a world surrounded by plastic, but often, its presence is concealed. From the morning coffee to the evening meal, plastic has infiltrated our daily lives in ways we might not even realise. This article uncovers ten everyday products that contain plastic, shedding light on the environmental impact and potential health risks associated with this everywhere material.
Products You Didn’t Know Contain Plastic
1. Coffee Cups
Even though they look like they’re made of paper, cups are lined with plastic to avoid leaks from occurring and are therefore impossible to recycle. Switching to a reusable cup won’t just help the planet; it might just save you some cash, too.
2. Clothing
Synthetic fabrics, particularly polyester blends, release small plastic fibres when washed into our waterways. To minimise your impact, wash them less frequently and air-dry instead of machine drying. When purchasing new clothes, opt for natural fibres like cotton, hemp, or bamboo.
3. Disposable Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are some of the major culprits in making disgusting fat bergs that block our sewers. Even those that are labelled “flushable” should not be flushed. Switch to reusable washcloths made from sustainable materials like cotton or bamboo.
4. Tea Bags
Most tea bags actually contain plastic to keep them in shape while in hot water. While some companies do offer plastic-free versions using compostable materials—like PLA—more often than not, they are also wrapped in plastic boxes. Think about investing in a metal, tea infuser and enjoy the benefits of loose-leaf tea sans plastic.
5. Chewing Gum
That chewy treat you love could contain plastic from the same material that makes plastic bottles and even tires. Chewing gum is not biodegradable, and improperly disposed of gum contributes to litter and pollution. Businesses that are innovative are working on methods to recycle used gum into a range of new products. To reduce your plastic footprint, look for these eco-friendly alternatives or avoid chewing gum altogether.
6. Canned Foods
Most cans are lined with BPA-containing plastic, a chemical alleged to cause many health problems. Some companies offer BPA-free cans, so look for those if canned goods are a necessity. You will be saving your health and the environment by just opting for fresh produce and meats instead of their canned versions.
7. Menstrual Products
From packaging to applicators and the products themselves, single-use plastics dominate the menstrual care industry. Sanitary pads and tampons often contain plastic fibres and are wrapped in plastic, contributing to significant waste. Reusable alternatives like menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period panties are increasingly popular and can significantly reduce plastic waste. These options are also cost-effective in the long run and can be more comfortable and healthier to use.
8. Aluminium Cans
Most aluminium cans, like coffee cups, are lined with a thin layer of plastic. This lining ensures the beverage inside does not come into contact with the metal, preserving its taste and safety. There is no problem about it in regard to recycling, but it should be noted that the cans are made from recyclable materials, contributing positively to the recycling industry.
9. Cigarette Butts
They contain plastic fibres in filters that release harmful chemicals into the environment. These filters help reduce the harshness of the smoke, making smoking less irritating for users. Properly dispose of cigarette butts in ashtrays or bins in order to help take care of our planet, as they are one of the most common forms of litter.
10. Sea Salt
It may come as a surprise, but it is true: sea salt is contaminated by microplastics because of plastic pollution in our oceans. This is due to the widespread presence of plastic in marine environments, which breaks down into tiny particles. While the levels of microplastics in sea salt are currently low, being aware of this issue highlights the broader impact of plastic pollution on our environment.
Summary
It’s in your coffee cup you grab on the way to work, in the salt you sprinkle over your lunchtime food. This piece highlights ten very regular products that contain plastic: clothes, wet wipes, tea bags, chewing gum, and many more. It outlines the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and gives action-oriented tips for reducing plastic consumption. It will teach readers ways of making a difference through opting for reusable alternatives, avoiding single-use plastics, and sticking to brands that respect the environment. At Plastic Online, we’re dedicated to promoting sustainability by not only providing high-quality plastic products, but also supporting recycling initiatives to ensure responsible use and disposal. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet.
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