strategies and practices that can be used to reduce plastic waste

 strategies and practices that can be used to reduce plastic waste

Abstract

In modern society, the usage of plastic materials has become the most common and convenient. However, the usage of plastic has been found controversial due to its adverse environmental effects, including its impacts on human health and biodiversity. Plastic materials are non-biodegradable in nature. Instead, plastics are known to break into smaller particles, micro-plastics, which possess health impacts on human beings by releasing harmful toxins into the natural food chain affecting both marine and wild animals. With the increased awareness of the dangers of using plastics, companies and organizations are looking for efficient and cost-effective ways to substitute the use of plastic.

However, plastic reduction continues to be a challenge for many industries, because plastic products have great importance in their daily services. Plastic-intensive sectors such as restaurants and hotels have developed progressive, innovative approaches that involve reducing, recycling, and reusing the consumed plastic in their operations. In this paper, I will discuss various strategies and practices that can be used to reduce plastic waste. The article also explores some of the techniques that have been employed by multiple states, including South Korea in managing plastic waste and its effects on the environment and human health at large. Some of the recommended solutions include the establishment of waste management systems, replacing the single-use plastics, educating and encouraging customers to reduce plastic use, as well as recycling the already consumed plastic products.

Recommendations

Government policymakers should create policies that ensure the replacement of single-use plastic products with reusable and refillable amenities. Products such as shampoo, water, and conditioners bottles. For instance, institutions like hotels should provide their guests with refillable bottles when they check-in.

Many actions can also be taken by key industry leaders as well as the state agencies to encourage their customers and citizens to reduce plastic waste. For instance, by providing customers everything they need to substitute unsustainable options. The use of glass cups and ceramic mugs can be encouraged instead of single-use plastics such as plastic and Styrofoam cups and bulk bathroom amenities instead of the individual use plastic bottles in places like restaurants.

Other recommended options include recycling used plastic products by providing recycle bins in every street, educational, and innovative initiatives such as providing training on waste generation and plastic consumption.

Works cited.

Su, Shengyuan. Plastic Reduction Case Studies. Diss. Duke University, 2015.