Some people think that single-use plastics, such as plastic straws, coffee stirrers, cutlery, plates, and cups are harmful to the environment. These people are mistaken. In fact, using these plastics makes a lot of sense. These plastic items are made from oil or natural gas, which are very valuable materials. It is just that these plastics take hundreds of years to decompose.

That’s why they fill our landfills. In order to save the environment, we must use non-plastic alternatives for single-use plastics. Reusable zero waste shop cutlery, stainless steel straws, and reusable containers are a smart way to make a difference in the world. Instead of wasting money on new single-use plastics, you can reuse old ones.

The plastic items you should avoid are ones made from polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene. This includes polyester and polyethylene terephthalate. Avoid all types of polyethylene. These items are too flimsy and light to be recyclable, so they end up in the ocean. Some people worry about bisphenol-A (BPA). This is found in hard plastic. While BPA has been linked to some health risks, there are safer alternatives to it.