Reduce plastic—here’s how!
Sara Idenfors
That’s why you should reduce your use of plastic
Not all plastic is bad, and the world as we know it today cannot manage entirely without plastic. However, it is quite difficult to know which plastic is good and which is bad. That is why it is a good idea to read up on the subject. We have put together a short, simple explanation on this page. Generally speaking, soft plastic is more likely to pose a risk than hard plastic. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation has a good comparison: think of a LEGO brick—if the plastic is softer than LEGO, it may be problematic. It is the additives in these plastics that can pose health risks.
Is plastic really deadly?
-No, you do not need to feel anxious or afraid, but there is reason to be a little cautious and go through your plastic items. With fairly simple measures, you can reduce the amount of plastic in your home and lower the risk of exposing yourself and your family to harmful substances.
The most important thing is that you are aware and make conscious choices.
When we start thinking about materials, what we buy, and how it affects us and the environment, it also becomes much easier to take a stand. Those small choices we make every day, whether concerning toothpaste, a gift, or spaghetti Bolognese at home in the kitchen.
Together, all the small choices make a big difference!
Some simple tips for reducing plastic use
- Start in the kitchen! Here, we actually recommend clearing things out and replacing them right away. Replace plastic that comes into contact with food. Look at the image above. Items marked with a cross should be replaced with wood or stainless steel.
Plastic + fat + heat = a bad combination. Fatty food on a plastic plate heated in, for example, a microwave oven is a typical example of something that should be replaced with stainless steel, glass, porcelain, or wood. - Replace Teflon pans and pots with cast iron and stainless steel.
- When you buy something new, ask yourself: Is this product available in a material other than plastic? Make a conscious choice!
- Microplastics are found in some cosmetic products—read the ingredients list and avoid microplastics. Fleece clothing often releases microplastics when washed and is therefore not a good choice either.
- Go through your children’s belongings. First of all, toys should be CE-marked, and you should be very cautious with soft plastic toys that feel sticky or smell. Old, inherited toys can be charming, but old plastic from when, for example, your parents were young may have been made from plastic that is not permitted today or may have aged in such a way that it now releases harmful substances.
- Electronics: avoid electronics in rooms where you spend long periods, such as the bedroom. The reason is that they are often treated with flame retardants.
More good tips, for example at naturskyddsforeningen.se