The Truth about Plastic Waste: How Long Until They're Gone

What’s Inside:

• Lifespan of Different Types of Plastics
• Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste
• Reducing Plastic in Daily Life
• Your Choices Matter: Say Goodbye to Plastic Waste

Lifespan of Different Types of Plastic Waste

When we look at the lifespan of everyday plastics, it is a bit shocking to realise just how long these items linger in our environment after we have used them. Can you believe that a simple plastic straw can be in our oceans for 200 years? It is wild to think that the straw you used at a café last week could still be affecting the planet long after you have forgotten about it.

It is a bit of a wake-up call, isn’t it? Each plastic item, from the five-year life of a cigarette butt to the 600 years of a fishing line, tells a story about our choices and their lasting impact on the planet. It is not just about convenience anymore, it is about the legacy we leave behind.

Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste

When plastic garbage builds up in the environment, it causes plastic pollution, which affects our environment. When our environment is affected, it can disrupt delicate ecosystems, harm wildlife, and ultimately threaten our health.

These are the primary effects that plastic waste has on our environment:

Land Pollution

When we toss out plastic, it often ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. This means it is still hanging around, contaminating the soil and making it less suitable for growing food.

Water Pollution

Plastic makes its way into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. It breaks down into tiny bits called microplastics, which fish and other marine creatures mistake for food. And guess what? We end up eating those fish, which is not good for our health.

Wildlife Threats

Animals often get tangled in plastic or accidentally swallow it, thinking it is food. It is heartbreaking to see images of sea turtles munching on plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish. Our choices directly affect these creatures.

Climate Change

The production of plastic involves burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. So, by relying on plastic, we are not just creating waste, we are also contributing to climate issues. What gets forgotten is the transport of packaging to production lines across the world / Australia. Single use containers up to bulk storage drums take up space and burn lots of fuel per truck in transport. Euca now uses a wine cask style box with bladder that is delivered flat. One pallet of bladders in transport removes six (6) semi trailer loads of 20lt plastic drums. That’s Euca removing fossil fuels.

Resource Depletion

Making plastic uses a lot of oil and water, resources we cannot afford to waste. This over-reliance is unsustainable and puts pressure on our natural supplies.

Reducing Plastic in Daily Life

Reducing plastic in our daily lives can make an impact on the environment, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Making small changes in your routine can lead to big results. Here are some simple, effective ways to cut down on plastic use:

Ditch Single-Use Items

Say goodbye to single-use plastics like straws, cutlery, and plates. Switch to reusable alternatives made from stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone. Carry a reusable shopping bag, and keep a stash of utensils and a water bottle handy for when you are on the go. See “Buy in Bulk” below. Having bulk containers of the cleaning products you use, lets you refill that once throw away small bottle. Most single use 250ml to 750ml small bottle / pumps and sprayers can be used over and over a 1000 times or more. But we throw them away.

Be Smart with Food Storage

Instead of plastic wrap, use beeswax wraps or glass containers to store food. This not only helps reduce plastic waste but also keeps your food fresher for longer.

Switch to Eco-Friendly Products

When it comes to household cleaning, and personal and pet care, Euca offers a fantastic range of environmentally friendly products that are free from harsh chemicals and come with minimal plastic packaging. Euca’s concentrated formulas mean you use less, which is better for both the environment, as well as your wallet.

Buy in Bulk

Considering bulk buying of Euca products not only reduces the amount of plastic waste from packaging but also saves you money in the long run. Euca offers bulk purchasing options, allowing you to refill your containers and cut down on plastic use significantly.

Euca uses a 12-litre ecobox for its packaging, offering an eco-friendly way to store and dispense laundry and cleaning products. The inner container is a plastic bladder made from recyclable LDPE plastic, specifically recycle #4, which is widely accepted for recycling and can be transformed into new products like plastic bags and films. You can even send your bladder back to Euca and it will be recycled. The outer packaging is a stylish cardboard eco box that mimics a wine cask, crafted from recycled cardboard to further lessen its environmental footprint.

By choosing Euca products, you are not just getting quality cleaning solutions, you are also making a conscious choice to help reduce waste in Australia, supporting sustainable practices that benefit our environment.

Your Choices Matter: Say Goodbye to Plastic Waste

As we’ve talked about the reality of plastic waste and its impact on our environment, it is clear that each of us has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future. The truth is, the fight against plastic pollution starts at home, and it is easier than you might think. By making simple switches to eco-friendly products, you can reduce your plastic footprint. Consider buying in bulk at Euca. When you refill at home, not only does it feel good knowing you are saving money plus stopping single use plastic waste, you will be surprised how many time you refill. Just think, each refill time would have been a throw away bottle. Euca, where you will find a great selection of sustainable cleaning products. Euca - where you will find a selection of sustainable items.

Join the growing community of eco-warriors who are committed to making positive change. Every purchase, every choice, every action counts. Let’s rise up against plastic waste together and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.