How to reduce plastic waste and pollution in your everyday life

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Plastic is everywhere. It is found across the world in the air, water, soil, and even in the food we eat. It is used in a wide range of sectors, including packaging, construction, agriculture, automobiles, electronics, textiles, and healthcare.

Plastic pollution is a key environmental issue worldwide. Of the almost five million tonnes of plastic waste that was thrown away in Canada in 2021, only 7% was recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and the environment, littering parks, beaches, streets, and other places we value.

Plastic pollution harms wildlife and damages habitats. By reducing plastic pollution and improving how we make, use, and manage plastics, we can:

So, what can we do? We can rethink how we use plastic in our daily lives and take the #BeatPlasticPollution Challenge!

The Challenge

We challenge you to choose earth-friendly alternatives to everyday single-use and disposable plastic items, such as reusable and plastic-free alternatives.

Bathroom swaps

Replace worn toothbrushes with an earth-friendly alternative

According to Statistics Canada, almost 40% of Canadians brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. If toothbrushes are replaced every three to four months, this can add up to millions of toothbrushes being disposed of every year.

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Trade plastic bottles of body wash and shampoo for bars

Many skincare products, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners come in solid form that can reduce the need for plastic packaging.

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Phase out disposable razors for a reusable one or other methods

Certain razors are another form of disposable plastic that is found in many homes.

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Phase out disposable menstrual products for reusable alternatives

Menstrual products are often made of or packaged in plastic. In recent years, companies have started going green and now offer more zero-waste and eco-friendly options.

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Trade high-waste beauty products for eco-friendly options

Makeup wipes, cotton swabs, loofas, and sponges often come in plastic packaging or are made of plastic.

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Kitchen swaps

Drink tea? Try loose leaf

Many tea bags are made of bleached paper and/or nylon that could release microplastics and nanoplastics into your cup of tea.

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Replace disposable plastic wrap with a reusable alternative

Plastic food wrap is very hard to recycle and often becomes waste.

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Grow and cook your own food

Instead of purchasing food wrapped in plastic or ordering food packaged in plastic, try gardening and cooking at home!

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Shopping swaps

Reuse your reusable checkout bags

In Canada, single-use plastic checkout bags are banned. But did you know that reusable bags and bins must be reused several times to maintain an environmental advantage over single-use plastic bags?

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Avoid single-use plastic drink bottles or cups

Did you know that over 2.4 million bottles of water are sold in Canada every year? That is a lot of plastic bottles!

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Get your coffee in a reusable cup or mug

Canadians love their coffee, drinking on average just over two cups per day.

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Skip unnecessary plastic packaging and try the bulk bins for dry goods, cleaning products, and more

Cut back on packaging and help move toward zero waste by buying in bulk.

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Buy second-hand items to extend the life of products and avoid waste

It’s easy to find well-made and affordable second-hand goods at a store or online—the hard part is deciding how to choose what’s right for you! Make a list and explore!

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Shop at your local farmer’s market

As farmers’ markets grow in popularity, the opportunities to find plastic-free packaging or refillable containers are also growing.

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Buy meat from a local farmer or butcher

Meat packaging is often made from polystyrene, which is difficult to recycle.

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Support and say thanks to businesses phasing out single-use plastics

Businesses with eco-friendly practices are growing in popularity, and you can influence what companies do and sell through your purchasing power.

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Find out which Canadian and international businesses signed the Ocean Plastics Charter.

Be mindful of how your drinks are packaged

In Canada, single-use plastic ring carriers are banned. You will find that beverages are now packaged using alternatives made of more sustainable materials. Did you know that the most sustainable option remains avoiding the use of any kind of single-use packaging?

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Laundry and cleaning swaps

Simplify your cleaning products

Cleaning supplies often come in plastic containers.

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Clean up your laundry habits and go green

Every time you wash your clothes, plastic microfibres—small, plastic threadlike pieces—are released and enter the wastewater stream. The average household in Canada and the United States releases over 500 million microfibres from laundry every year. Up to 99% of that is captured by wastewater treatment plants, but a lot of microfibres still enter our water.

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Put a lid on it!

Did you know that wind and animals can unintentionally spread plastic waste?

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Baby product swaps

Make space for eco-friendly baby products

Even the youngest members of the family can help Canada to #BeatPlasticPollution Challenge!.

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Outdoor and road trip swaps

Every summer, families from across the country head out on road trips or to their favourite campsite. Reducing plastic can be more challenging when you are away from home, but we have some tricks!

Make your own ice cubes at home instead of purchasing bags

Every year, thousands of bags of ice are purchased throughout the country. These bags are made of plastic and are hard to recycle.

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Bring a water jug or water filter instead of single-use bottles

Single-use water bottles are an easy solution when away from home, but they are often littered in the environment.

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Skip the fast-food restaurants and make your own food

Food wrappers and beverage cans or cups are other very common types of litter in our environment.

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Borrow adventure items instead of purchasing new

Are you new to outdoor adventures? If so, you probably need to gear up.

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Skip the toilet paper and pick eco-friendly alternatives

Toilet paper is an everyday essential that we cannot live without. However, it is often packaged in layers of plastic, and it may contain harsh chemicals.

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Pet accessory swaps

Did you know our furry friends can also contribute to reducing plastic waste and pollution? Of course they will need your help!

Skip the doggie bags

This is a plastic swap you might not have thought about before! Of course, we are not asking you to leave your dog waste on the ground.

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Less is more when it comes to toys

We are often guilty of purchasing too many toys for our furry companions. But sometimes, our pets can also be quick to destroy their brand new stuffies.

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Go for homemade treats instead of purchasing them in a plastic bag

Nothing beats a home-cooked meal, so why not try this approach with your pet’s snacks!

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Other swaps

Get your community involved! Organize or join a neighbourhood cleanup event

Is there a better feeling than a clean house? How about transposing this feeling to your community?

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Host a plastic-free party and skip the balloons!

Balloons, while not always made from plastic, are a form of litter that can harm wildlife. Find more sustainable ways to hold your memorable celebrations.

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Recycle as a last line of defence

As a first step, we can refuse single-use (and other unnecessary) plastics. When needed, choose sustainable alternatives.

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Keep your device for a longer period of time

Plastic is everywhere, including in electronics.

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Turn this challenge into a lifelong commitment

Did you have fun trying those challenges? If so, why not take it a little further and #BeatPlasticPollution Challenge! every day by gradually shifting to a zero plastic-waste lifestyle? Big or small, every action counts!

Related links:

What are Microplastics?

Are Bioplastics Really Biodegradable?

Plastic Waste and Pollution Reduction

Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations – Overview

What Is the Circular Economy?

Nanoplastics: Small Particles With Big Impact

Ocean Plastics Charter

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