7 Inventions That Will Help Us Ditch Plastic for Good
Plastic production is out of control. We are manufacturing so much plastic that the material is clogging our landfills and polluting our oceans. But the problem doesn’t stop there. Millions of plastic waste find their way into our food supply, affecting human and animal health.
Plastic is used in nearly every industry and across virtually every type of business. These days, if you don’t produce zero waste yourself, it’s unlikely that you recommend products or services to companies that don’t make zero waste and don’t have a clear strategy for getting there. If that describes you, let me tell you about the top 7 inventions that will help us ditch plastic for good.
Plant-Based Sanitary Napkins
Plant-based sanitary napkins are one of the most exciting new inventions on the market. They’ve been so successful that some companies consider eliminating disposable pads and switching to this incredible alternative.
Plant-based sanitary napkins are made from a renewable resource—a natural fiber called flax—and can be disposed of in compost bins or even flushed down the toilet. The material is created by supercritical drying, which allows for faster production and lower costs than traditional methods.
These revolutionary products are just as effective as their disposable counterparts and much more environmentally friendly. They’re also significantly cheaper than disposable pads: one plant-based pad costs about $0.0025, while one disposable pad costs about $0.03!
The benefits don’t stop there: since these products are made from renewable resources, they don’t contribute to deforestation or other environmental issues like traditional plastics do; they’re also easier to clean than disposables because they don’t absorb moisture as their non-organic counterparts do; finally, they’re biodegradable so you can throw them away without guilt!
Beeswax Food Wraps
The beeswax food wrap is an invention that will help us ditch plastic for good. The wrap is made from all-natural ingredients and is entirely reusable. Made from 100% beeswax and plant-based ingredients, these wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap for storing your food—and they’re also fantastic for keeping sandwiches fresh between lunch and dinner!
So what makes beeswax food wraps so great? They don’t contain chemicals or additives (like BPA), so they’re safe for you and your family. They’re also biodegradable and compostable—so when you’re done using them, they won’t end up in the ocean or landfill! And if you want to get even greener with your eating habits, you can make your beeswax wraps at home by following this simple recipe.
Related: Why Big Companies Should Invest in Sustainable and Innovative Plastic Alternatives?
Compostable Trash/Market Bags
Compostable trash bags are the next generation of plastic.
As a business, you can use these bags to help your customers and employees do their part in being environmentally conscious by reducing their use of plastic. Many people are concerned about the impact on the environment that plastic has had on the world since its invention. The use of plastics in our daily lives is unavoidable at this point, but it doesn’t have to be this way forever. Compostable trash bags are one way we can reduce our use of plastics and start living more sustainably as a society.
So what is a compostable trash bag?
A compostable trash bag is made from materials that will break into organic material when placed in soil or composting bins. This means these bags will biodegrade instead of persisting for hundreds (if not thousands) of years like some plastics. They’ll decompose as quickly as natural materials such as paper or cardboard would!
Menstrual Cup
Menstrual Cups are a form of feminine hygiene that has been around for many years. It’s the best alternative to disposable pads, tampons, and panty liners. The menstrual cup is made from medical-grade silicone and can be worn for up to 12 hours during your period. They are safe, comfortable, and convenient.
Menstrual cups come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the flow and body type. They are made from medical-grade silicone, making them flexible enough to fit any woman’s body shape perfectly without causing irritation or discomfort.
One of the best things about using menstrual cups is that they are reusable, so they help consumers save money on pads or tampons that have to be thrown away every month when they’re used up!
Stainless Steel Drinking Straws
Many companies have started using straw alternatives such as paper or metal straws, but these can be expensive and messy to use. Stainless steel straws are an eco-friendly alternative that provides the same benefits as plastic straws without causing harm to the environment or your wallet!
How do stainless steel straws work? Stainless steel straws are made from high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and rusting over time. They also feature a smooth surface that makes it easy for you to drink liquids without issues!
Stainless steel straws come in different sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly!
Edible Drinking Bottles
One such invention is edible water bottles. These are made from jellyfish proteins and plants like seaweed and sugarcane, making them biodegradable. They’re also lighter than traditional water bottles and come in various colors and flavors! You could make your own home by combining agar agar (a gelatin-like substance made from red algae) with fruit juice or a smoothie base!
Plastic-Free Toothbrush
Plastic-free toothbrushes are an excellent alternative to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans, rivers, and lakes.
Plastic-free toothbrushes are made from biodegradable materials such as bamboo and plant fibers. They are also BPA-free and come with a cardboard box, so you don’t have to worry about them going into landfills after use.
The good news doesn’t stop there! They are also cheap and come in various styles and designs to suit every user.
Related: How Can Businesses Address Non-Recyclable Plastic Pollution?
Final Thoughts
Bacon, eggs, and pancakes. Some mugs of coffee and hot cocoa. Or maybe your kids’ sippy cups at home. No matter what you want to do without plastic—whether you want to design more sustainable products or manage plastic waste—a good invention is working towards a solution. The most significant innovation in plastics isn’t new products or materials but solutions to long-standing plastic problems. Suppose your business makes meaningful strides toward solving plastic problems. In that case, it’s best to concentrate on the real issue: reduction of total plastic produced, recycled, and dispensed through better design.
The future can’t come soon enough. In the meantime, we must continue pushing our companies and ourselves to reduce our plastic footprint whenever possible. Plastic is no longer the best choice when storing things safely. The world would be a better place without it. Let’s all try to use items made from alternative materials and stop producing more plastic products. Hopefully, this article has prompted you to give a second thought about these inventions that will make us ditch plastic for good.
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