We are all consumers, buying products every day in one way or another. Seeing as we eat three times a day, our level of consumerism can be a lot higher, especially when we eat out. Add that to the many other products we buy, such as petrol for your car or stationary to write, and this amount of consumerism escalates even more.

What we buy and consume every day creates a strong impact on our environment, especially due to the waste we leave behind. This is especially so for items that come with wrapping, polystyrene boxes, and even includes disposable utensils like wooden chopsticks. When thrown away recklessly, all these can have a negative impact on the environment.

Plastic products are also on the list of items that are easily wasted, and a lot of people perceive these particular items as a more hazardous waste due to the dangerous impact it has on the environment. But plastic products can be a great help to the environment in many ways, and it all boils down to knowing how to use the right plastic effectively.

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The right plastic to use</strong></span>
Not all plastic products are meant to be reused. A number of products that you buy using plastic as its packaging are meant to be used once and once only. Look for the #1 code on the product, as that is a sign of its one use rule and needs to be discarded once you are done with it. These items can be recycled, so be sure to arrange them in the right order to be sent to be recycled, or throw them in the designated plastic recycling bin.

If you want to take a step further, look for plastic products that contain PP, or the code #5, which allows for multiple usage and can be reheated or put in the freezer for your convenience. These products are the best to use due to its high heat tolerance, and as long as it is BPA free, you can be assured of your health as well.

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How can this plastic benefit you?</strong></span>

<strong>1. Reduce wastage to the environment</strong>
By having one plastic product around to aid in your daily consuming, you reduce the need to buy other products that will end up in the bin as well. For example, when you buy lunch, instead of having it packed in polystyrene foam which causes more damage to the environment, you can have it packed in the plastic container you have.

You can also do this when it comes to drinking water. Many of us tend to buy bottled water if you’re out and about throughout the day. By having your own tumbler you can refill the one that you have, reducing the wastage you leave behind and saves you in other ways too.

<strong>2. Gain rewards</strong>
If you constantly have to buy bottled water, you are not only creating waste, you're also spending a lot more money than necessary. So having a tumbler to keep your drinking water can help you keep a little extra cash in your pocket.

Certain outlets like Starbucks will also reward you for using their Tumbler where you can get RM1 off when buying coffee. There has even been a time where special deals of up to 50% were given to selected drinks available, encouraging more people to use tumblers and gain more rewards.

<strong>3. A lot more hygienic</strong>
You'll never know if the items used to wrap your food, food utensils to eat with or cups for beverages are properly cleaned and safe to use. By having your own plastic wares, such as food containers or tumblers, you can maintain the cleanliness and hygiene that you want.

By making the right choices in what we purchase, we can save in many ways, not just in terms of money and health, but especially so for the environment that we live in. So when buying plastic products, be informed and find the best routes to reduce the negative impacts it may have on the environment.

Be sure to subscribe to us for our next update where we explain further on what you need to know about plastic products that are safe for you to use.