Life With Alé

Hey besties! 🌱✨ Let’s talk about plastics. They’re sneaky, harmful, and everywhere. Did you know that 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally every year? A significant portion ends up in our oceans and landfills. Plastics don’t just disappear – they break into microplastics that harm wildlife and even make their way into our food. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! I’m a college girl who loves engineering. I’m all about sustainability too. I’ve rounded up some science-backed and super-practical ways to kick plastics out of our homes for good. Let’s make this transition as stylish and easy as possible. 💖 Let’s talk about something not-so-cute: plastics. They’re everywhere, they’re sneaky, and honestly, they’re just not it. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! I love engineering and sustainability. I’ve gathered some science-backed tips. These are super-practical ways to kick plastics out of our homes for good. Let’s make this transition as stylish and easy as possible. 💖

Step 1: Audit Your Plastics (Like a Boss)

First things first: grab a notebook (or your favorite note-taking app) and play detective in your own space. Look for plastic lurking in your kitchen, bathroom, and even your closet. From single-use bags to shampoo bottles, you’ll be shocked at what’s hanging around. Pro tip: Engineering 101 teaches us that identifying a problem is the first step toward solving it. Let’s take that energy and turn it into action! 🕵‍♀ 

Step 2: Switch to Reusable (Functional & Cute!)

Plastic water bottles? Bye! Plastic bags? Double bye! Swap them out for reusable options. Stainless steel water bottles, glass jars, and cute cloth totes are chef’s kiss sustainable replacements. Bonus points if they match your aesthetic. Engineers love efficient solutions, and this one’s a win-win for you and the planet. 🌎

Step 3: Opt for Natural Materials

Did you know that materials science (a.k.a. the coolest branch of engineering) shows us how bamboo, stainless steel, and glass are not only durable but way better for the environment than plastic? Start with the essentials: glass food storage, and stainless steel straws. It’s giving eco-chic vibes. 💅

Step 4: DIY It Up!

I’m in my DIY girl era, and it’s a game-changer. Make your own cleaning products with baking soda and vinegar. –(engineering side note: they’re basic and acidic, which means they’re chemistry magic together!). For even more versatility, use rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as separate cleaners. Rubbing alcohol is perfect for sanitizing surfaces. It also cuts through grease. Hydrogen peroxide works wonders as a natural disinfectant for counters and bathroom areas. Store them in glass spray bottles and feel like the eco queen you are. 👑

Step 5: Rethink Your Shopping Habits

One word: bulk. Buying in bulk not only saves money (yay, student budget!) but also cuts down on plastic packaging. Bring your own containers to refill stores, and you’ll feel like such an eco-baddie while doing it. Engineers always think about resource efficiency, and this is the perfect real-world application.

Step 6: Embrace Tech & Innovation

The future is now, babes! Smart engineering is creating bioplastics, compostable packaging, and refillable product systems. Support brands that are innovating in this space. Don’t be afraid to nerd out about their processes. Trust me, it’s super impressive.

Step 7: Know the Risks of Heating Plastics

Okay, here’s the tea – heating plastics is a major no-no. When plastics are heated, they can release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates into your food or air. These chemicals have been linked to health issues like hormone disruption and even cancer. Studies show BPA can leach into food at levels as high as 4.2 ppm (parts per million), which is alarming considering the long-term effects. According to the World Health Organization, even small amounts of BPA exposure can disrupt endocrine systems. This disruption leads to significant health risks over time. Switch to glass or stainless steel for reheating – it’s safer and way cuter. 💚

Step 8: Recycle Smarter, Not Harder

We’re all about being efficient here, and that means knowing how to recycle correctly. Check your local recycling rules because not all plastics are created equal. Fun fact: engineering principles like material separation play a huge role in making recycling systems work. For instance, separating PET plastics from HDPE increases recycling efficiency and reduces contamination. Knowing what’s recyclable helps make a big impact! So, channel your inner engineer and sort like a pro! 🔧

Step 9: Support Circular Economies

Circular economies focus on keeping materials in use as long as possible. Translation: more recycling, less waste. Brands using recycled plastics or closed-loop systems deserve all our love. They’re helping reduce the 8 million metric tons of plastic that enter the ocean each year. Let’s support these initiatives and be part of the solution! 💕

Step 10: Get Creative with Reuse!

Let’s talk about reusing what you already have – it’s budget-friendly and eco-friendly. Here are some fun ideas:

Old T-Shirts: Cut them up and turn them into cleaning rags or reusable tote bags. Stylish and functional! 💼

Glass Jars: Use them for food storage, DIY candles, or even as cute planters for succulents. 🌿

Plastic Containers: Before recycling, repurposed them for organizing small items like hair ties, office supplies, or snacks. 🏢

Egg Cartons: Perfect for starting seedlings or sorting craft supplies. 🌱

Wine Bottles: These make stunning vases or can be turned into string light holders for cozy decor. ✨

Step 11: Host a Swap Party

Swap parties are a vibe! Gather friends and trade items you no longer need, from clothes to kitchen gadgets. It’s a fun way to reuse and reduce waste while socializing. Engineers call this “resource sharing,” and it’s genius.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Listen, we’re not aiming for perfection here – just doing our best with what we have. Start small, be consistent, and celebrate every little win. Every time you say “no” to plastic, you’re making a difference. And honestly? That’s the energy we love to see. 🌟

If you’ve got more tips or want to share your sustainable swaps, hit me up in the comments! What’s your favorite way to cut down on plastic? Let’s inspire each other to do more for our planet. Let’s hype each other up and save the planet, one cute swap at a time! 💖

Stay green and fabulous, Ale 🌸

References

Chamas, A., Moon, H., Zheng, J., Qiu, Y., Tabassum, T., Jang, J. H., … & Suh, S. (2020). Degradation rates of plastics in the environment. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 8(9), 3494-3511. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b06635

Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782

Rochman, C. M., Browne, M. A., Underwood, A. J., van Franeker, J. A., Thompson, R. C., & Amaral-Zettler, L. A. (2016). The ecological impacts of marine debris: Unraveling the demonstrated evidence from what is perceived. Ecology, 97(2), 302-312. https://doi.org/10.1890/14-2070.1

World Health Organization. (2010). Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA): A major public health concern. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/

Zettler, E. R., Mincer, T. J., & Amaral-Zettler, L. A. (2013). Life in the “plastisphere”: Microbial communities on plastic marine debris. Environmental Science & Technology, 47(13), 7137-7146. https://doi.org/10.1021/es401288x