What is the most harmful single use plastic?

Plastic straws They're lightweight, so once they're dropped or discarded, plastic straws easily blow into waterways and enter our oceans. Once in our oceans, they're extremely dangerous for our marine wildlife. There have been instances where sea turtles have had plastic straws lodged painfully in their nostrils.

wwf.org.au - 10 worst single-use plastics and eco-friendly alternatives

What are the best exercise for fatty liver?

Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming per week. High levels of fat in the blood (hyperlipidaemia) and high...

Last updated Jun 22, 2019

Does lemon water make you look younger?

Yes, Vitamin C in lemon boosts collagen that helps repair the damaged skin cells as well as rejuvenates skin which makes it an excellent anti-...

Last updated Aug 13, 2020

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Plastic is an incredible material, made to last forever.

So what’s the deal with single-use plastics? Around 30% of plastics consumed are single-use. While convenient, they’re discarded after just one use. The amount of time, energy and effort that goes into producing, exporting and importing these products just doesn’t add up - especially if they’re made to last forever. Australians have one of the biggest single-use plastic footprints per person in the world - we’re second after Singapore. Where do single-use plastics go once we’ve used them? Shockingly, only 12% of plastics used in Australia ends up recycled. We’re using too many single-use products, we’re not recycling enough, and the vast majority is ending up in landfill or littered in our parks, nature and oceans. Something needs to change. Here are 10 of the worst single-use plastics. The best thing we can do for wildlife and the planet is ditch as many disposables as possible! But for those you do need, here are some eco-friendly alternatives you can swap them for.

1. Plastic straws

In Australia, nearly 1.3billion straws were used in 2020. They’re lightweight, so once they’re dropped or discarded, plastic straws easily blow into waterways and enter our oceans. Once in our oceans, they’re extremely dangerous for our marine wildlife. There have been instances where sea turtles have had plastic straws lodged painfully in their nostrils. Plastic free alternatives: If you can, go straw free! Or try stainless steel straws, bamboo straws, pasta straws and rice straws(yes, they’re a thing!). For those that like the flexibility of plastic straws, there are other eco-friendly alternatives including paper straws, reusable silicone straws and compostable plant-based straws.

2. Plastic drink stirrers

Cocktail stirrers are a fun accessory for drinks, but most are made from plastic and only used once before the novelty of them fades and they’re thrown away. They end up in the trash, on our beaches and in our oceans.

Plastic free alternatives: Reusable glass or bamboo stirrers, or spoons! Or try a stick of celery, carrot or cucumber. Why not go herbal and try a stick of rosemary?

3. Helium balloons

How do you cleanse your body with lemon water?

The Most Common Ways to Detox Fasting for 1–3 days. Drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, water, and tea. Drinking only specific...

Last updated Sep 14, 2022

What are the benefits of eating 3 eggs a day?

Eggs raise good cholesterol. Eating eggs leads to elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the “good” cholesterol. People...

Last updated Jun 30, 2019

7-second natural hack eats through 64lbs of belly flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

What goes up must eventually come down. While balloons are a nice decorative item for celebrations, they’re one of the highest-risk plastic debris items for seabirds. And many balloons labeled as biodegradable simply aren’t. Plastic free alternatives: Plan a planet-friendly party and skip the balloons. Opt for more eco-friendly decoration options like paper lanterns, recycled bunting, DIY bubble blowers and flowers.

4. Plastic cotton buds

Did you know that 1.5 billion cotton buds are produced every day? Sadly, many of these cotton buds end up in our oceans. Once the cotton tips dissolve, all that’s left is essentially a small, rigid plastic stick which is easily ingested by birds, fish and other marine wildlife. Plastic free alternatives: Fluid ear washes, bamboo cotton buds, organic cotton makeup pads or a reusable silicon swab like The Last Swab. It comes in two designs - one for swabbing your ears and one for makeup. (And like my granny used to say - “Stick nothing in your ears smaller than your elbow!”).

5 & 6. Coffee cups & lids

We use around 1.8 billion cups every year and 1.5 billion coffee lids, and most of these end up in landfill. It’s important to note that most takeaway coffee cups and lids aren’t recycled or composted. Plastic free alternatives: Reusable cups, porcelain mugs or have your coffee dining in. And if you are buying a takeaway coffee and can’t use your reusable cup, say no to the lid!

7. Plastic cutlery

Eating out and getting takeaway often comes with more than just food. Plastic cutlery and plastic bags often come in the mix. In Australia, plastic cutlery isn’t easily recycled. Recycling machines generally can’t sort them due to their shape, so many end up sitting in landfills for decades - potentially centuries. Eco-friendly alternatives: Next time you order takeaway, make a special request to opt out and say no to disposables. Switch to reusable bamboo utensils, a travel cutlery set that you can take with you wherever you go or bring your own from home! Chopsticks are also a great alternative to have in your bag if you’re planning on getting takeaway.

8. Plastic cups

What dries out pimples the fastest?

The best way to make a zit go away fast is to apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide, which you can buy at a drug store in cream, gel or patch form, says...

Last updated Sep 25, 2022

Should you drink water after detox tea?

Remember to drink a lot of water throughout the day as you detox! This can help aid digestion and keep you hydrated. If you think you could benefit...

Last updated Oct 16, 2021

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

910 million plastic cups are consumed every year in Australia. While lightweight and convenient, foam cups (made from polystyrene) can’t be collected by most council kerbside recycling services and often end up as trash in landfills. Plastic free alternatives: Bring your own reusable cup or a mason jar if you’re planning a trip to your favourite juice or smoothie shop. You can also help encourage your favourite cafes and food retailers to switch to eco-friendly and compostable alternatives.

9. Plastic containers

The good news is, polystyrene food containers are on the way out, with states and territories bringing in laws to ban them over the next few years. But single-use plastic containers are still everywhere, from supermarkets to our local cafes and take-away restaurants.

Plastic free alternatives: Choose nature-friendly takeaway! Next time you order takeaway, choose cuisines like pizza or Mexican that don’t often come in plastic containers and avoid pre-packaged meals. Most food outlets will happily put the food directly into your own reusable container if you ask. Some options for containers include glass containers, stainless steel lunch boxes and mason jars. You can also shop at bulk food stores and bring your own containers to fill. If you’re eating out, why not ask your favourite outlets to switch to compostable and eco-friendly alternatives?

10. Plastic plates

Plastic plates might be cheap and handy when hosting parties or at picnics or food courts, but once they’re thrown away, they usually end up in landfills. Most recycling centres are unable to sort these plates due to their shape. Plastic free alternatives: Re-usable plastic, glass or porcelain plates. Alternatively, palm leaf or bamboo pulp plates.

wwf.org.au - 10 worst single-use plastics and eco-friendly alternatives

How many calories I burn a day?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average adult woman expends roughly 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day, and the...

Last updated Jan 9, 2019

What are the signs of good metabolism?

Fast metabolism symptoms or signs of high metabolism may include: Weight loss. Anemia. Fatigue. Elevated heart rate. Feeling hot and sweaty often....

Last updated Jun 3, 2020

Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can you eat peanut butter on a clean diet?

Avoid peanut butter that contains added sugar or hydrogenated vegetable oils. Peanut butters that contain palm oil and powdered peanut butters can...

Last updated Oct 30, 2018

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

How can I detox my kidneys and liver naturally?

From your morning glass of water to that extra cup of herbal tea, here are four ways to cleanse your kidneys and keep them functioning strong....

Last updated Nov 13, 2022