These destinations have ditched single-use plastics, have you?
Not so fun fact, around 380 million metric tons of plastic are being created annually around the globe with 8 million of that entering the oceans each year. To put it into perspective, this is equivalent to emptying an entire garbage truck into the ocean every. single. minute.
Thankfully, among the increasingly popular travel trends in 2019 including solo travel and wellness voyages, this new movement is also fantastic for the environment!
As the world grows more progressively eco-conscious and global tourism continues its popularity, destinations around the world are limiting their amount of single-use plastic for the sake of the environment. From banning plastic shopping bags to removing all plastic waste, these destinations have ditched single-use plastics!
Peru
Beginning December of 2018, Peru has banned all non-reusable plastics from Machu Picchu to cut down on the waste left by thousands of tourists who visit the ancient citadel on a daily basis. Following the efforts of preserving the UNESCO heritage site, plastic cups, single-use plastic bottles, and Styrofoam are banned from Peru’s natural reserves including Manu National Park.
Costa Rica
On World Environment Day in 2017, Costa Rica pledged to be plastic free by 2021. Costa Rica has a remarkable track record as far as environmental protections, coinciding with their commitment to be carbon-free by the same time.
Kenya
In 2017, Kenya passed one of the most drastic retaliations for anyone producing, selling or even just having a plastic bag in their possession. Those who do not comply can face 1 to 2 years of jail time or a 2million shilling fine (roughly $40,000USD) or higher. These strict regulations, however, have improved the overall cleanliness of the country’s local villages, waterways and livestock health.
Taiwan
The island nation of Taiwan is making unified steps to reduce their plastic waste, leading up to a complete ban on plastics by 2030. Starting in 2019, restaurants will no longer be allowed to offer straws to diners and by 2020 retail stores will be charged for providing free plastic utensils and containers.
Bali, Indonesia
Behind China, Indonesia is the biggest contributor to marine plastic pollution. However, beginning this year, Bali is officially banning all Styrofoam, straws and shopping bags in aims to reduce up to 70% of their marine plastic waste by the end of 2019. Local businesses have a 6-month grace period to meet the new requirements to offer alternatives to their consumers.
Not only are destinations banning the use of single-use plastic but large companies, including those in the travel industry, are replacing plasticware with biodegradable bamboo utensils.
It is heartwarming to see the world coming together to fight against a uniform cause. How are you as an individual curbing your plastic waste? Here are some tips you can use in your daily life and while you’re traveling our beautiful world!
Responsible Travel; How to Travel Plastic Free
Reusable water bottles
- Use water canteens instead of disposable bottles and fill up throughout the day to stay hydrated! If you’re wary of the drinking water in your destination, sometimes it seems more logical to buy bottled water but, there are other options including filtered water bottles with technologies to deliver clean safe drinking water from any non-saltwater source.
View this post on Instagram
Take a good backpack
- Besides being easier than plastic shopping bags, backpacks can carry way more and protect your belongings. If backpacks are not your thing, you can take a handbag or a stylish cloth bag while shopping. Take the extra step with these eco-friendly backpacks for a little greener fashion statement.
View this post on Instagram
Pass on the straws and cutlery
- Straws are one of the most common pieces of plastic waste found during beach cleanups. When dining out simply give a kind “no thank you” and pass on pesky single-use straws. If you find yourself in need of a straw due to limited mobility or for dental reasons, reusable steel and bamboo straws are growing in popularity and availability. Also, don’t feel inclined to use plastic eating utensils when getting take out and bring along your trusty To-Go Ware!
View this post on Instagram
Use reusable bottles for toiletries
- Aside from saving the environment, you can also save some cash by pouring your soaps from their larger containers into reusable bottles to take on your trip. Another travel trick to reduce your plastic waste with toiletries is to use bar soaps and shampoos. These use very little if any packaging and don’t count towards your TSA compliant liquid allotments. The beauty product stores like Lush Cosmetics and J.R. Liggett’s have numerous bar shampoos to choose from that are all natural.
View this post on Instagram
Though it may seem like a daunting life change, reducing the use of plastic is very easy and its impact is extremely helpful for the environment. It is up to all of us to leave a clean world for our future generations.
Looking for more ways to travel “greener”? Simply join our monthly newsletter for tips, tricks and travel deals too!
Tags: