Plastic is one of the major causes of pollution on Earth. The presence of these almost non-degradable objects has adversely affected our environment. Of which single-use plastic poses a major threat in depleting our resources. However, there is no regulation on its use and people across countries use and throw plastic objects which ends up in our seas polluting them to the core. While there are widespread talks about the issue, nothing much has been done to bring a cumulative change. A Sea of Plastic! Photo Showing Mumbai’s Juhu Beach Covered in Plastic Waste Goes Viral.

It's time we as individuals do our bit in saving the planet by reducing our use of plastic objects. Our collective effort can bring a drastic change in saving our land and oceans. Bringing a lifestyle change by adopting eco-friendly objects is one of the primary steps in helping our nature. From everyday straws, stirrers, balloons to gift wrappers, there is an array of one-time-use objects that washes up in the sea every day. Only our conscious effort can help in saving the planet before it is too late.

Here are some lifestyle changes that can reduce plastic pollution drastically

1. Avoid Releasing Balloons During Celebrations

Balloon (Photo Credits: Unsplash)

Balloons that are released into the air during celebrations generally end up in the seas. With people increasingly using balloons during celebratory events, the waste is getting flown into the oceans where seabirds feed on it. According to researchers, 40% of death in seabirds and albatrosses are caused by consumption of plastic which they mistake for prey. Scientists say that the gut contents of dead seabirds have been identified with various things including balloon debris.

2. Say No to Plastic Straws and Stirrers

Plastic straws (Photo Credits: Unsplash)

There is an urgent need to replace single-use plastic items with eco-friendly objects. It forms a major part of the waste that ends up in the oceans causing plastic pollution that affects marine life. There is an increasing number of single-use plastic cups, bottles, spoons, forks, coffee lids and other cutleries which land in the ocean on a daily basis. While there is no ban on such items, it is the need of the hour to take necessary steps individually. Philippines' Cafe Uses Straws Made of Coconut Leaves, Impressive Initiative Against Use of Plastic Praised Online.

3. Cut Plastic Packets Thoughtfully

While discarded plastic waste clog drains and adds to the existing pollution, there is an even worse problem. Plastic which is disposed of in the right way ends up at recycling centres where they are segregated. While big plastic bags, milk packets, food packs and other similar plastic bags reach the recycling centres, but, the tiny ends which we cut away from the packet, ends up in drains. 4 Truths That Make Us Wonder Whether The Earth Will Survive 50 Years From Now.

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While cutting milk or chips packet, do not cut away the nozzle ends, these little bits collectively become a huge chunk of waste that goes unmonitored. Instead, cut it in such a way that the end remains with the pack.

4. Avoid Plastic Toothbrush 

Toothbrush (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

Toothbrushes are infamous for being difficult to be recycled. Their plastic bodies are made combined with silicone, crude oil, rubber which makes it hard for it to be separated. Something that we use once or twice for three to four minutes everything simply cannot be disposed of. Every six to eight months, people change their toothbrush, which mostly ends up in landfills. They also get washed away into the oceans and gets crushed into tiny pieces that are consumed by fishes. Considering the potential danger, the toothbrush is causing, eco-friendly toothbrushes are increasingly becoming popular. People are also returning to traditional methods of using bamboo and neem sticks to clean their teeth. World Oceans Day 2019: A Peep Into the World Below Water - Interesting Facts And Threat The Marine Life is Facing.

5. Choose Facewash That Doesn't Contain Beads

Facewash (Photo Credits: Pexels)

Microplastics are mostly found in face wash and other personal care products. These tiny pieces of plastics are designed such that they wash down the drain and every other water system. These microplastics enter marine animals making up the way to our food system. Like most plastic items, these are easily available in the market claiming to be the best product for your skin. It is essential that we take a pledge to bring lifestyle changes that contribute towards a greener planet. 5 Biggest Threats to Our Oceans and Marine Life!

6. Stop Usage of Gift Wrappers

Gift wrapper (Photo Credits: Unsplash)

Using a shiny vibrant paper to wrap gifts have become so common that it is almost a norm. We quite excitedly wrap things to surprise people only to ripped apart. A gift wrapper is the least used item that yet manages to contribute immensely to plastic pollution. Decorative items including plastic ribbons, shiny beads all cause the same damage.

More than eight million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year. Single-use plastic forms a large part of this crisis. While governments and organisations are taking steps to ban these items, there are plenty of loopholes that flow into our seas. There is a need to understand the acute crisis and adopt measures on an individual basis. It's time we take care of the Earth that has been providing us with all; also to present our future generation with a better living space.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2019 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).