2014 Resolution: Reduce Plastic Use in the New Year

While we're still in January and people remain focused on resolutions that they intend to keep throughout the New Year, it's time for individuals and businesses to commit to reducing their plastic use. While most resolutions are beyond challenging sometimes even unrealistic, cutting down on your plastic usage is a realistic goal. 

Yoel Wazana, president of Micro Solutions Enterprises (MSE), urges companies to try to be eco-friendly this year. MSE takes steps each and every day to reduce the amount of trash that their company uses. Sustainability through less plastic should be everyone's focus in 2014. Here's why it's important and how to be successful at it.

Why Use Less Plastic?

Americans use so much plastic that recycling all of it has become nearly impossible. As a result, plastic is polluting our earth, killing our wildlife, and leading to more of those unsavory landfills that no one wants in their back yard. It's up to individuals and businesses to be more conscious of the amount of plastic they're using and make better choices.

How to Use Less Plastic

BYOB

No, we're not talking about beverages here! We're talking about bags. Jump on the recyclable bag bandwagon and make it a personal goal to never use disposable plastic shopping bags. Millions upon millions of one-time use bags are made and used every day, and they only add to our landfills. Treat yourself to some colorful and stylish bags and don't forget to get them out of your car before going into a store. Many businesses have started taking part in this craze by offering recyclable bags with the company logos on them and you can too! It's a great way to market the business and do something good for the environment at the same time.  

Become One with Bamboo

Because of its sustainability, bamboo is now being used to create countless products. Why are products made of bamboo great options? Bamboo is an extremely renewable resource. After all, certain types of bamboo can grow as much as six inches a day; most trees take years to reach their full height. The material is also incredibly versatile, and can be used to make such diverse items as flooring, clothing, cabinetry, furniture, and other household items. 

Simplify

A "less is more" mentality goes a long way when you're trying to conserve. Seriously consider whether the items you're buying are really necessary for your life. By buying and using less, you can easily create a lot less plastic waste in terms of products and packaging.

Change the Way You Drink

Way too many people drink water, soda, and other beverages out of single-use plastic bottles. Ditch the plastic and invest is a reusable container that beverages can be poured into. There are many stylish and unique options out there to please everyone in your family. Or your company could give them out as an incentive.   

Yoel Wazana advises that once they get into the habit of using less plastic, people will start to feel good about it and urge others to join in. The ripple effect of that idea could be the thing that changes the world for the better.