A new kind of revolution is beginning to stir and it is one we welcome with open arms. The revolution is against PLASTIC. More specifically single-use plastics. Once celebrated for its durability and dubbed “the material of a thousand uses”, its durability is now proving to be a menace to the environment and wildlife. Increasingly people are beginning to overthrow the dominance of plastic in their lives in search of other, more earth-friendly alternatives.
It is near impossible to go anywhere in the world without finding traces of plastic, and given that only 9% of all plastic ever produced is estimated to have been recycled it is no wonder. From the once unspoiled Arctic Circle to the most remote islands in the Pacific there is evidence of humans’ love of plastic and poor efforts to dispose of it appropriately.
Particularly concerning is the amount of plastic found in our seas and the awful consequences on our wildlife that scientists continue to discover. A recent article by IDIVEBLUE estimates that the ocean contains 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic. According to the University of Queensland, more than 50% of sea turtles have eaten plastic debris, while a study by scientists from The National University of Ireland, Galway found that over 70% of deep water fish have plastic particles inside them. A study published in the journal PNAS estimates that a staggering 90% of seabirds have likely ingested some plastics. These animals are mistaking small pieces of plastic for food, which are not only full of toxic chemicals but can clog their intestines, causing them to starve.
The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish if we continue on this path of producing more and more plastics and failing to dispose of them correctly.
This is an issue the whole world needs to be addressing urgently. Thankfully it seems many countries, businesses and individuals are becoming more conscious of the amount of single use plastics they are respectively producing and consuming and finding ways to minimise waste.
Here at GOOD Travel we strongly encourage our travellers to be mindful of their environmental footprint, and reducing their consumption of single use plastics is a key way to do this.
Even if you are consciously trying to reduce waste on a daily basis, it is particularly easy while travelling to fall into the trap of using more single-use plastic items than you normally would. Plastic is undeniably convenient when you are away from home and only need things for a short time. Think of all those little shampoo and body wash bottles at hotels – they’re so cute, and who doesn’t like complimentary stuff right? But are they really necessary? Let’s be honest, the products in them are often not that great, so really what is the appeal?
And what about when you’re on the plane, or dining out at street food stalls, or visiting local markets? The disposable cutlery, chop sticks, polystyrene and plastic takeaway containers, straws, cups, bags… how often do you find yourself using these items to be thrown away after one use? What if next time you whipped out your own set of reusable cutlery or chop sticks, straws and drink bottle? Or if you said no to a plastic bag and popped your new purchase into your own reusable bag? How satisfying would that be - knowing the waste you have just avoided?
We have ideas galore for ways you can reduce waste while travelling. Here are our top tips:
We recognise that it can be difficult to avoid all single use plastics while travelling, so when you do find yourself with a plastic bottle or bag or wrapper, please make sure you dispose of it correctly and recycle when you can.
Make it a challenge on your next travel adventure to see just how much plastic you can avoid and send us your tips on other ways to avoid waste!
A new kind of revolution is beginning to stir and it is one we welcome with open arms. The revolution is against PLASTIC. More specifically single-use plastics. Once celebrated for its durability and dubbed “the material of a thousand uses”, its durability is now proving to be a menace to the environment and wildlife. Increasingly people are beginning to overthrow the dominance of plastic in their lives in search of other, more earth-friendly alternatives.
It is near impossible to go anywhere in the world without finding traces of plastic, and given that only 9% of all plastic ever produced is estimated to have been recycled it is no wonder. From the once unspoiled Arctic Circle to the most remote islands in the Pacific there is evidence of humans’ love of plastic and poor efforts to dispose of it appropriately.
Particularly concerning is the amount of plastic found in our seas and the awful consequences on our wildlife that scientists continue to discover. A recent article by IDIVEBLUE estimates that the ocean contains 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic. According to the University of Queensland, more than 50% of sea turtles have eaten plastic debris, while a study by scientists from The National University of Ireland, Galway found that over 70% of deep water fish have plastic particles inside them. A study published in the journal PNAS estimates that a staggering 90% of seabirds have likely ingested some plastics. These animals are mistaking small pieces of plastic for food, which are not only full of toxic chemicals but can clog their intestines, causing them to starve.
The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish if we continue on this path of producing more and more plastics and failing to dispose of them correctly.
This is an issue the whole world needs to be addressing urgently. Thankfully it seems many countries, businesses and individuals are becoming more conscious of the amount of single use plastics they are respectively producing and consuming and finding ways to minimise waste.
Here at GOOD Travel we strongly encourage our travellers to be mindful of their environmental footprint, and reducing their consumption of single use plastics is a key way to do this.
Even if you are consciously trying to reduce waste on a daily basis, it is particularly easy while travelling to fall into the trap of using more single-use plastic items than you normally would. Plastic is undeniably convenient when you are away from home and only need things for a short time. Think of all those little shampoo and body wash bottles at hotels – they’re so cute, and who doesn’t like complimentary stuff right? But are they really necessary? Let’s be honest, the products in them are often not that great, so really what is the appeal?
And what about when you’re on the plane, or dining out at street food stalls, or visiting local markets? The disposable cutlery, chop sticks, polystyrene and plastic takeaway containers, straws, cups, bags… how often do you find yourself using these items to be thrown away after one use? What if next time you whipped out your own set of reusable cutlery or chop sticks, straws and drink bottle? Or if you said no to a plastic bag and popped your new purchase into your own reusable bag? How satisfying would that be - knowing the waste you have just avoided?
We have ideas galore for ways you can reduce waste while travelling. Here are our top tips:
We recognise that it can be difficult to avoid all single use plastics while travelling, so when you do find yourself with a plastic bottle or bag or wrapper, please make sure you dispose of it correctly and recycle when you can.
Make it a challenge on your next travel adventure to see just how much plastic you can avoid and send us your tips on other ways to avoid waste!