If you’re trying to be sustainable, it’s likely you’ll want to steer clear of as much plastic as you can, and that does make sense – we’re often told that plastic is bad and should be avoided if you want to do your bit for the environment. However, that’s a huge generalization, and although it’s true that single-use plastic is a terrible thing and shouldn’t be used as far as possible, plastic in other situations and for other uses can actually be a good thing. Let’s look more deeply into this so you’ve got the full story.
Reusable Plastics
As we’ve said, single-use plastic is bad stuff, and you should do what you can to use alternatives – don’t buy a plastic bottle full of water, for example, use a refillable bottle instead. However, there are some situations where plastic can be reused over and over, and that’s when it can be a good thing.
Take artificial Christmas trees as a great example at this time of year. Buying one fake tree made of plastic means you’ll have a Christmas tree to use for the next five, ten, fifteen, or perhaps even more years – you won’t have to buy another one, and you won’t have to dispose of the one you have because it’s going to last. On top of that, using a fake tree means you don’t have to use a real one, and the fewer trees that are cut down, the better it is for the planet. If that sounds interesting, here are 14 of the best artificial Christmas trees in 2023 so you can make the right choice.
Saves on Fuel
Using a lot of fuel is bad for your wallet and for the environment, and that’s just when we’re talking about cars – what about big trucks or even planes? Ideally, business owners around the world will want to do what they can to save on fuel and protect the planet (it’s the morally right thing to do, but it doesn’t hurt that being environmentally responsible is good for business), and that’s where plastic can come in.
Transporting lighter loads is better when it comes to fuel efficiency, which is better when it comes to the health of the planet. It’s all down to weight; plastic weighs less than glass or metal, so it takes less fuel to move it around. If that plastic can be recycled or reused in some way, then it’s actually better to use it than the alternatives.
“Good” Plastics
How on earth can plastic be good for your health? It sounds like an impossible thing, but it’s true – it can help with various health issues and even save lives. It can definitely improve lives. The reality is that plastic plays a vital role in the health industry because it can be made to be compatible with the human body, making it ideal for all kinds of implants and joint or limb replacements.
Unlike other materials, like metal, plastic is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and it can be a lot more malleable, so it mimics the human body more easily and effectively. Without plastic, a lot of people would have a much more difficult and less fulfilling life.
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