how can minimise the use of styrofoam

Like the fact that experts say our oceans will be made up of more plastic than fish by 2050. Eventually, we will run out of landfill space if we continue to use Styrofoam. How to minimize all windows and get to the desktop. What is their stance on the environment? As with most of the advice on this list, start small. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, caring for a sick family member, or struggling with mental health, thinking about how to reduce your plastic usage likely won’t make it to the top of your priority list. In 2006, scientists reported on a bacterial process that could convert polystyrene to a biodegradable plastic called polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Arguably the most well known image of styrofoam is the white disposable cup, seen in many workplaces, schools, and public water coolers. Once you get in the habit of making things yourself you’ll see how easy it is, and how much money it can save in the long run. Our bottles are all returnable, which reduces the impact on the environment," he added, while noting that the company embraces processes that minimise the amount of waste produced. 3. In some products, soft water (a hardness level less than 5 grains per gallon) will cause foam in oil. Are their more eco-friendly alternatives? Check out our eco-friendly packing list so you can be more prepared on your next trip and save lots of plastic. Styrofoam takes up valuable space in our landfills. Pieces of micro-plastics have been found in even the most remote parts of the oceans. Psst! Some of these ideas may not work for you right now. The #6 on the bottom of all those Styrofoam cups exists to mark it as polystyrene, a petro-product that can be recycled if it is clean, but often is not recycled. This is true even for eco-friendly products. Lucky for you, this article is packed with simple and practical ways you can cut out plastic in your life. Styrofoam is a good thermal insulator but independently isn’t weighty enough to use as a sound absorbing panel. Use Styrofoam to Make a Floating Tray for the Pool. McDonalds, Jamba Juice, Dunkin Donuts, and IKEA are a few companies who have already pledged to phase out their use of Styrofoam…way to go! Do they have any sustainability practices? All those veggies and fruit have already been touched by many hands… Gross, I know, but a plastic bag isn’t going to help protect them much. This simple kitchen swap will save a lot of plastic, and it’ll also save you money over time. Alternative Tip: If you love your plastic toothbrush and can't give it up, repurpose used ones by using them to clean around your house. So, essentially we're consuming tiny bits of plastic. Now, we use a little sachet filled with lavender. Alternative options: Shop at your local farmers market or go a step further and support a specific farm in your area by signing up for a CSA box. They enter our waterways and wind up in lakes and streams and in the tummies of unsuspecting fish. Another reason that Styrofoam is harmful for the environment is that it is made … Start using a lotion bar instead of the traditional stuff. Food grade Styrofoam can not be recycled. As bans on single-use plastic bags and straws gain momentum across the globe, attention is now focused on another mighty environmental opponent: styrofoam. Styrofoam can be included in building and pipe insulation and can be used to package materials. Yeah, I know... we've been using them for years, so we're no saints. by how much plastic we actually use without even noticing. cancer most likely), I worry about those who do use styrofoam cups for hot coffee over and over. We also want to learn from you. Unfortunately, since Styrofoam is made from polymers, like plastic, this material never breaks down in the landfill. Recycling should not be our first solution. Instead, fill up at the tap. Stop buying bottles of water, and unless it’s necessary, politely decline them when they are given to you. Follow the "5-R" Rule. Our advice: Test out the Try it All Kit so you can sample all the different products EC30 offers and see which ones work best for you. Interesting? We think travel can be life-changing, and we're here to share our best travel tips & inspiration that'll get you packing your bags! The foam is a type of plastic material that has air trapped inside it. The best strategy against Styrofoam is a good defense: Don’t let it in. Poke a hole in the bottom with a pencil. If you like getting crafty, consider learning how to make your own beauty products, household cleaners, and prepared foods. Styrofoam is the trademarked term used for polystyrene foam, a petroleum-based plastic. Simply drop two of these surface cleaner swatches from EC30 into a glass spray bottle and you have a zero-waste surface cleaner. article. This is where major change will start to happen. Reusable glass plates and cups will also reduce the amount of Styrofoam and plastics that require fossil fuel resources. Conclusion. Refuse: When single-use plastics are offered to you, politely REFUSE them. You can get an additional $10 off when you use the coupon code: Wandering10. Here’s how you can make the biggest impact: Swap one or two items you use regularly with a zero waste alternative. That’s fine. Step 1 Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and cover the cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Reusing styrofoam is another earth-friendly way to use styrofoam, but recycling it is not possible. We use it in our campervan so we can drink tap water no matter where we’re parked! And sure, there are times when having the newest model is truly worthwhile, more efficient, or just a hell of a lot cooler! Hopefully some other countries will follow their lead. We're sending the e-book to you right now, but in the meantime, check out our other Responsible Travel Articles. Just bring a mason jar (or something similar) and fill ‘er up. Step 2 Set your wheel sander to the lowest setting and turn it on. We’re sharing some of our favorite eco-friendly products, insider tips, and ways you can use what you already have at home to lessen your impact. There are many package-free stores popping up in cities all over the world where you can buy things like pasta, quinoa, nuts, dried fruit, spices and lots more without the packaging. There’s a lot to think about and brands sometimes make it difficult to find the answers you’re looking for. Interesting Fact: In order to receive a 5-star rating in most markets, hotels need to provide personal toiletry bottles. Additionally, we recycle much of what we use. I’ve tried a ton of different natural deodorants and have had great luck with Piper Wai, which comes in a glass jar that are great for reusing. Obviously there are always going to be things you want to buy new — like underwear and toothbrushes, duh! Plus, other life struggles come into play as well. Check for product labels that indicate such materials are included. We probably never will be. We are passionate about traveling in a way that is ethical, sustainable and responsible. The packaging and food industries have begun introducing environmental friendly packaging alternatives to the market, such as air cushions and biodegradable food packaging. Swap out your eye makeup remover for coconut oil (it works!). Here are some ways to do it — and save money in the process. Some post offices have receptacles for them, and potentially UPS stores, eBay storefronts and even small businesses that ship to non-local customers are other options. Visit our resources page on Responsible Tourism to learn more about how you can create a positive impact everywhere you travel! How often do you run into Styrofoam? If your foam problem is chemically derived, the first thing to do is check the hardness of the water. Sustainable? Little by little, you'll start to reduce your plastic consumption and you'll find that these simple swaps can actually be quite satisfying. Solid polystyrene is used to make plastic cutlery, mini-yogurt cups, DVD cases, and so on. I don’t let it happen and always keep large yogurt tubs in the vehicle. Like a good hockey goalie, we want to be prepared and ready when Styrofoam comes knocking – don’t let it get past you by employing the following stewardship strategies: Nothing irks me more than being handed a massive Styrofoam takeout container for half a hamburger that my child couldn’t finish. Psst! The foam replaces the air in the gap between the bricks. Alternative Tip: If you just can't get on board with this idea, try swapping traditional tampons for one that doesn't have an applicator, like the OB brand. You never know what kind of changes you can see when you ask for them. Actions to minimize plastic bags and Styrofoam products17 3.1 Waste management system improvements182 3.2 Promotion of eco-friendly alternatives19 3.3 Social awareness and public pressure 19 3.4 Voluntary reduction strategies and agreements 19 3.5. Cladmate™ Insulation. The products come to you in “swatches” that are comprised of 100% active ingredients. Start with what you can change, and grow from there. In many ways, the eco-conscious community tends to be centered around the white, upper-class experience, and the conversation can get very judgmental. Styrofoam is nearly unsinkable. When they pack up this small, you can always carry one on you. Currently only about 10-12% of polystyrene created is being recycled. You can find about 40 drop-off centers HERE for personal use or search Earth911 for other possible locations near you, or if you’re in Oregon learn more here. There’s just no need for them. We live in a world where we’re constantly told we need more or we need the newest model. According to our research, the use of reusable plastic trays instead of Styrofoam would take us a great step further in saving the environment. Minimise our footprint. That in itself is going to save us lots of plastic waste each year. But a lot of the time this “consumer mindset” that we’re spoon-fed from an early age benefits the big brands more than benefits us. The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. Instead of trying them all at once, take it one step at a time. In pots with little to no drainage, the area of Styrofoam may be waterlogged and cause these plant roots to rot or die. According to Scientific American, in 2014 a total of 28,500 tons of Styrofoam was produced and 90% was used to make single-use cups, trays, containers and packaging products.Other major uses of Styrofoam are as insulation boards for roofs, walls, floors in buildings, and as loose packaging material called packing peanuts.. Step 1 Put on safety glasses and long-sleeved clothing. It's made from recycled materials to minimise the environmental footprint. Always use plastic or glass reusable cups at home. (yes, even if it’s plastic!). Also, once you get used to using a crystal, your body naturally doesn’t even really need deodorant anymore. Instead, opt for brands that have more eco-friendly alternatives like a glass jar or a cardboard container. Shampoo swatches: Ben is stoked to bring these on our next international trip (it’ll make getting through airport security a breeze!). $64.99. We aren't here to judge or to preach, but simply to show you some practical ways you can reduce the plastic in your life (whether traveling or at home). Instead of disposable baggies, purchase reusable silicone bags. Not only are you going to be able to save a ton of packaging (wahoo! If you’re able to make some big changes in your lifestyle, we hope this article lights your fire and gives you some simple, actionable tips to make a difference. Do everything you can to extend that lifespan and keep them out of landfills. Most people know it under the name Styrofoam, which is actually the trade name of a polystyrene foam product used for housing insulation. Stop and focus on any hot spots although it’s likely that term can be applied to the whole upper thigh. Email Save Comment 15. And when it comes to making body scrubs, a simple combination of coconut oil, essential oils and a natural exfoliant like coffee grounds, coarse salt or cane sugar does the trick quite well. This means their products weigh far less than the traditional versions, allowing them to get products to the consumer with 50% fewer carbon emissions. But for taking on short trips, bamboo toothbrushes are an environmentally friendly alternative to the disposable plastic kind. These single-use items are so wasteful. Additionally, I make a simple body scrub, face toner, and window cleaner so we don’t have to buy those either. Whole Foods details its search for non-Styrofoam trays, which cost twice as much as their polystyrene counterparts. Enter your email below and we'll send you our FREE e-book with our 33 Best Responsible Travel Tips! Recycling can help reduce the amount that winds up in the sea. One of the beauties of the Internet is it’s packed with all sorts of resources and tutorials. I have, many times, and I can’t believe I never thought to just use packing peanuts or crush Styrofoam block packing material into homemade fillers. Some of the sound can still penetrate the foam, and so it would be inaccurate to call Styrofoam soundproof. What if I told you there are simple swaps and changes you can make to reduce how much plastic you use? Instead of making it a habit of throwing things out right away, try your best to fix them first. One option for reducing your impact on the environment is to stop purchasing these types of fabrics, but truthfully, athletic ware made from natural materials just aren't the same quality. There aren’t any studies evaluating the effects of styrene on children, and although it isn’t likely that styrene causes a toxic buildup, it’s still a potential carcinogen on which many kids’ eat lunch on a daily basis. Simply drop the swatch into a reusable spray bottle filled with water, and you’ve got yourself a surface cleaner (free from fillers and nasty ingredients, by the way!). the phrases for, “No straw/bag/water, please,” so you can politely decline single-use plastics. I’ve been using one for more than 3 years now, and it is seriously game-changing. Create templates on the Styrofoam for desired shapes, then cut them out. Compare packaging: If there is a glass option versus a plastic, go for glass. Enter your email below and we'll send you our, Campervan Bed, Van Bed, Campervan mattress, Van with Bed, Step 2, campervan build, Campervan Toilet, Composting Toilet, Cassette Toilet, Van Life, Step 4, campervan build. In this article, we’re going to break down some easy ways you can use less plastic. Refuse Styrofoam cups whenever possible. Recycle: As a last resort, RECYCLE the plastic items you have once they can't be used anymore. But when a company makes shifts, the difference is magnified. Nothing irks me more than being handed a massive Styrofoam … that everyone is coming from different places of privilege. Through the “Lake Watch” campaign, the city hopes to minimize the effects of a fish kill by disposing of the dead fish as quickly as possible. Resist and reuse Styrofoam packing peanuts. The number-one way to reduce plastic waste is to cut back on the amount we use in our daily lives. It really means a lot to us that you're serious about becoming a better and more responsible traveler. 6. They’ve got lots of details about their journey to carbon neutral on their website. I also really like Native, and am happy that they now offer their deodorant in cardboard packaging. 1) carrying out the experiment over as short a period of time as possible. The rigid panels of Owens-Corning’s 700 series can be used in walls or wrapped and hung as acoustic panels. Every time you brew a cup, a puppy dies… err… a (super unnecessary) plastic container gets added to a landfill. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Begin with what you can change. The idea was to create continuous pieces of Styrofoam that would serve as insulation to be fitted into a traditionally framed house. Eduard Simon & Hermann Staudinger Polymer Research . Ever bought a bag of Styrofoam balls to refill a bean bag that’s lost its “cush”? Recycling consumer polystyrene also prevents the material from being burned in backyard fires or burn barrels. Purchase goods manufactured with recycled materials. Psst! The restaurant might even thank you for saving them the cost of to-go containers. It's estimated that EPS makes up 60 to 80 percent of marine litter, according to a 2008 review in Environmental Research. Bring your own takeaway containers, cups, coffee thermos, and utensils with you so when you get or food or drinks to-go, you won’t waste any packaging. Environmentalists have long opposed the use of Styrofoam in the food service sector, going as far as banning it in cities like New York. Styrofoam can be reused while reducing its use altogether. 9. While technically the answer is “yes”, in reality, it’s rarely recycled. Featured Styrofoam™ Brand XPS Products. Reuse: Make your own bean bag refills. And that the infamous "trash island" in the Pacific is growing. I loved how they felt when I washed my face, and I bought that product over and over again. If you do get some Styrofoam peanuts arriving in your home, try to find somewhere in your area that will reuse the peanuts if you don’t ship as many packages as you receive. Support them by buying their products, email them, tell your friends about them. Polystyrene or Styrofoam can be recycled! Just say no. Choose cardboard or plastic egg cartons when purchasing from a store, and try to reuse at a farm whenever possible no matter what kind of carton you get. Posted by David Evans December 26, 2019 May 6, 2020 Posted in Plastic Bags, Uncategorized Tags: Bags Post navigation. 8. but now I look at them and think, "What a waste of plastic!". It also frugals the schools by saving them big amounts of money, especially over a long term change. Packing peanuts can be found in boxes holding fragile or breakable materials, which can be anything from expensive computers to fresh-baked cookies. Many North American businesses have opted to reduce their use of non-biodegradable packaging to be more environmentally conscious, yet Styrofoam is still used in a high volume in some companies. Bonus: When you stay in hotels with the big refillable containers (it’s becoming more and more common), let them know you appreciate their efforts to reduce plastic waste! Try your best and do what you can. French presses, percolators, or pour over styles are great alternatives. I have written letters to produce department managers in the past about the reduced produce racks in particular. If you don’t speak the local language, use Google Translate and memorize (or write down!) Here's a fun little "rule" to remember: Reduce, Refuse, Reuse then Recycle. These products come to you in compostable cardboard instead of a jug that’ll sit in landfill far beyond your lifetime. Find alternatives you can use instead. Or read some of our favorite articles on responsible travel below…, How To Plan a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Trip. You can also use the peanuts yourself when packing items to be transported by any means. Two Wandering Soles Copyright © 2020. We’ve been part of the problem. Interested in responsible travel? Dryer sheets are another source of — you guessed it — microplastics. I used to look at them and think, "Oh they're so cute!" ), try a reusable produce bag or at least reuse the plastic kind until they can't be used anymore. Some items — like rice and bulk amounts of garlic — came in plastic bags, but whenever possible, we refused plastic and made due with our reusables. You can limit how much plastic and Styrofoam you use by purchasing glass plates and cups, which can be reused over and over again instead of just once. 6 plastic is never on the “safe plastics” lists that I’ve seen, polystyrene does NOT contain BPA. And just like with reusable bags, store a set of reusables in your car so they're handy when you need them. These are things you use on a near daily basis. (And I never thought I’d say that!). Most notable, are higher pitched sounds, like a child's voice, or brisk, soft footsteps. You can limit how much plastic and Styrofoam you use by purchasing glass plates and cups, which can be reused over and over again instead of just once. Styrofoam packing peanuts are one of the most common uses for Styrofoam. Get in the habit of fixing things instead of throwing them away. Some swaps have worked amazingly, and others — like mouthwash — are things we’re just not able to find a comparable alternative. Or that plastic takes up to 1,000 years to full decompose. We have a plant in N. Smithfield, RI and have public collection days scheduled in MA. Perfect swap! This is an outdated practice, and hopefully it is done away with soon. But here's a sad truth: Even when you toss something in the recycling, it often doesn't end up being reused. Further improvements can be made. Just sayin'! For example, laundry detergent, shampoo or hand soap. Styrofoam is just common stretched polystyrene foam, often used for making things like cups, food trays, coolers, and different types of packaging material. Maybe. German apothecary Eduard Simon discovered … And ask for alternative containers or bring your own leftover containers when eating out. High school sweethearts from Minnesota, USA. But if you’re perhaps debating what type of coffee maker to buy, go with something that won’t create garbage with each cup. There are also reusable silicone swabs out there if you want to eliminate the need for the disposable kind. Eliminating water from their products has allowed EC30 to get rid of all plastic packaging. Think about all those plastic containers sitting in your bathroom… Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion… I could go on. If you haven't tried a menstrual cup, now's the time to get on board! If not, invest in a filter system. Laundry detergent: I’m so excited to no longer need to buy giant plastic jugs for doing laundry. Try making your own all-natural deodorant using shea butter, arrowroot flour and essential oils. In my childhood we had reusable melamine trays, and there are actually biodegradable and compostable alternatives, which unfortunately do not compost if put in a landfill and cost more than twice as much as Styrofoam. Step 2 Cut your styrofoam to any shape you like, with supervision of a parent. The foam clogs the digestive systems of marine animals, killing them. The great thing, is you can still get exfoliation without the plastic microbeads. Buy a sweet reusable straw instead. bags and just be sure to wash your produce extra well! … PIONEERING MOVE Disclosure: This article was sponsored by EC30 — a super unique zero waste brand we’ll tell you more about in this This covers most athletic clothes. The meat counter (where I don’t shop anymore since I buy straight from the farmer) is another place famous for Styrofoam trays; see if you can shop in bulk or direct from the farm to avoid them, or just order from a real person at the meat counter and ask for your meat to be wrapped in freezer paper. Just think about the amount of plastic you could eliminate from your life if you were able to cut out the packaging…. We hope you're able to find a few tips in this article that seem easy to add to your life to reduce plastic usage. We were shocked (and embarrassed!) How can we reduce foam that comes from a chemical cause? Packing peanuts made from corn will dissolve in water. $55.99 . Cladmate™ Insulation. For home filtration systems, we personally love Big Berkey. We didn’t think we used very much plastic... …that is until we started learning more about all the sneaky ways it creeps into our lives. 1. We have so much room for improvement and are constantly seeking ways we can be better. Without diving too deep into it, where you live can make a huge impact on what resources are even available to you.