I am often asked whether there is a link between our focus on single use plastic reduction and carbon footprint reduction. Reducing single-use plastics significantly decreases our impact on climate change for several reasons.
1) the production of plastic, derived from fossil fuels, emits greenhouse gases.
2) plastic production involves energy-intensive processes, including extraction, refining, and manufacturing. Cutting down on single-use plastics reduces the energy required throughout these stages, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
3) plastic disposal contributes to carbon emissions. When plastics end up in landfills, they degrade and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Similarly, when plastics are incinerated, they release carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
By reducing plastic consumption, we lessen the demand for these resources and mitigate associated emissions. We also minimise the volume of plastic waste entering landfills and incinerators, thereby reducing associated emissions.
Embracing sustainable alternatives also fosters a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or composted, further decreasing our carbon footprint and is a crucial step towards mitigating climate change.
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