Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce my plastic footprint?
Refuse the plastic bags and bring your own cloth bags. Keep a cotton bag in your backpack, in the car trunk, next to the front doors – where it's easy to
notice and grab it when you're going shopping.
Bring your mug. In only the UK, 7 million disposable coffee cups are used every day. On top of that, they need to be recycled in specialized facilities, as they
are made not from standard paper but from paper lined with plastic to provide waterproofness. It's estimated that less than 1% of disposable cups are
recycled. Not to mention the plastic lids, sleeves, or stirrers.
Refuse the plastic straws or change to those made from paper or steel. For most people (excluding hospital patients), drinking with a straw is not a must. Did
you know that plastic straws make up ~4% of plastic trash by piece? Of course far less by weight, as they weigh approximately 0.18 oz (0.5 g), but this doesn't
stop them from clogging up our oceans. Take this small step and boycott plastic straws today.
Use refill packets instead of buying new bottles every time. Whenever possible, choose products that generate less plastic waste. You can check with our
plastic footprint calculator how much plastic you will 'save' when using refill packets. It's around four times less, as detergent bottles are usually made from
heavier HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
Carry your own water bottle. Choose a reusable plastic or glass bottle. Your footprint will be reduced, and you will be shocked at how much you can save if
you drop the bottled water! Check our tap water calculator to find out what substantial savings result you can get from such a tiny change.
Why is the plastic footprint important?
Plastic is an excellent material: moldable, strong, and durable. Maybe too strong and durable. The plastic you use rarely gets recycled (as it's tough to do so)
and takes a lot of time to degrade into something not as detrimental to the environment.
The plastic you use today loiters around for more time than you'll do: be conscious about your plastic footprint, the amount of plastic you use and dispose
of, and try to reduce your impact on the Planet!
Why should I calculate my plastic footprint?
Calculating your plastic footprint is a crucial first step towards fostering environmental awareness and promoting more sustainable living. By visualizing the
extent of your plastic consumption, you gain a clearer understanding of your personal impact on plastic pollution, a significant global issue affecting ecosystems
and human health. This awareness can motivate you to identify areas in your life where you can make conscious changes to reduce your reliance on plastic.
Ultimately, understanding your footprint empowers you to adopt more responsible consumption habits and contribute to a collective effort in mitigating plastic
waste.
How do I calculate my plastic footprint?
To calculate your plastic footprint, consider the following sources of pollution:
1. Single-use plastic products for food and beverages.
2. Packaging and plastic containers for cleaning and hygiene products.
3. Food packaging from the grocery store.
4. On a longer timescale, toys and larger pieces of plastic.
5. Add up the weights of all the items you used.
6. Multiply the quantities according to the timeframe (e.g., 52 times if you counted the items used in a week) to measure how much plastic you use each year.
How much plastic is recycled?
Less than 10% of the plastic we throw away is recycled. Why?
There are many types of plastic, and we can recycle only some of them.
Plastic recycling is energy-intensive, and waste transportation is even more.
Plastic segregated by people is often not clean enough to undergo recycling.
Most of the time, the best strategy is to reduce the use of plastic, more than betting on recycling it!
What kind of information will I need to provide?
To estimate your plastic footprint, the calculator will typically require information about various aspects of your daily life. This often includes details about your
household size, as more people generally correlate with higher consumption. You'll likely be asked about your grocery shopping habits, such as how often you
shop and whether you bring your own bags. Questions about online orders and the frequency of receiving packaged goods are also common. Furthermore, the
calculator will inquire about your consumption of single-use items like plastic bottles, straws, and cutlery, as well as your recycling practices to understand how
much of your plastic waste is being diverted from landfills.
Is there a cost to use the plastic footprint calculator?
The vast majority of plastic footprint calculators available online are offered free of charge. The primary goal of these tools is to raise awareness about plastic
pollution and encourage individuals to take action to reduce their environmental impact. By providing free access, organizations and environmental groups aim
to maximize their reach and empower a wider audience to understand and address their plastic consumption habits. This aligns with the broader mission of
promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship without financial barriers.
