Together We Can Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Waste

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Written by Abigail Jolly
August 16, 2023 | Reading time 5 minutes

There is a daunting truth that we, here at Soda Sense, have been made too well aware of. Single-use plastic is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet today. Every year, millions of tons of plastic find their way into our environment, and in doing so, pollute our land, air, and water sources. The implications of this are significant for both human health and wildlife as it affects the food chain and ecosystems. The increase in this waste significantly contributes to climate change and our planet is being negatively affected. Fortunately, we have the power to make a difference. By reducing the use of plastic through simple lifestyle changes, we can drastically reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our environment.

How Can We Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste?

Reducing single-use plastic waste starts with replacing single-use objects with long-lasting, reusable items. A great example of this is replacing soda cans with a soda machine and joining a sustainable refill club for your CO2 canisters.

Learn More About Our Sustainable CO2 Refill Club Today!

Plastic Pollution Facts

The uproar of single-use waste is a direct result of our addiction to convenience. Plastic packaging for food, drinks, and other household items has become so pervasive that it is hard to imagine life without it. But did you know that it takes hundreds of years for plastic to degrade in nature, and during that time it leaches chemicals and other toxins into the environment? This is only scratching the surface of alarming statistics.

  • In the United States alone, over 33 million tons of plastic waste was generated in 2018. Of that amount, only 9% of it gets recycled each year.
  • An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our ocean every year from land-based sources.
  • Plastic is made from petroleum products and all its production contributes to global warming and climate change with an average emissions rate for producing polyethylene (one type of plastic) being equivalent to 2 kilograms per 1 kilogram produced.
  • Americans throw away around 50 billion water bottles a year—that's about 167 bottles per person annually. 

Source, Iberdrola

Statistics aside, we can all agree that change is needed, and needed soon. Our first steps can simply look a lot like replacing disposable items such as plastic cans, straws, shopping bags, and containers with reusable alternatives like tumblers, soda makers, and fabric bags. We can also support companies that are committed to sustainability and ethical manufacturing.

Soda Sense is Devoted to Sustainability

At Soda Sense, we are devoted to being a part of the change and not the decay. We do so by sourcing CO2 organically and sustainably here in the United States. This eliminates the carbon footprint that many companies partake in by shipping and flying in their products. We are proudly located and run right here in Seymour, WI -- sending you and your loved ones the best CO2 canister refills for every soda maker on the market.

By purchasing a soda maker, you can take first strides towards decreasing your single-use bottle and can consumption. Start exchanging CO2 canisters more sustainably through the Soda Sense Refill Club. Always free shipping, and always free of hassle.

Taking more sustainable steps does not have to be everything at once. The small movements and small gestures go a long way. We are proud to be a small part of this global change and are excited to take strides alongside our Refill Club Members toward a better and more sustainable future.

How Can We Reduce the Use of Plastic in Our Daily Life?

The convenience of plastic has led to a throw-away culture that reveals the inefficiencies of our consumption behaviors. However, reducing our reliance on plastic is within our grasp. Here are just a few ways we can limit our plastic usage and cling to a reusable future a little tighter:

The escalating use of single-use plastic has severe repercussions on the environment and our health. While its convenience has fostered a disposable culture, there are ways to reduce our dependency on it. Adopting practices such as using a soda machine, carrying reusable water bottles and shopping bags, avoiding plastic straws, purchasing in bulk, and making homemade soda can contribute significantly to mitigating this problem. These simple yet effective changes can make a big difference in our effort to create a more sustainable and plastic-free world.

How Does Plastic Pollution Affect the Environment?

Plastic pollution has a profound impact on the environment. Plastic waste poses a significant threat to wildlife, as many creatures mistake it for food or become ensnared in discarded items. Over time, plastic breaks down into microplastics, tiny particles that can infiltrate ecosystems and cause harm to various species. They find their way into water bodies, posing a threat to marine life and potentially contaminating even our water supply within cities and homes.

How Does Plastic Pollution Affect Human Health?

If you think plastic pollution is only a threat to our environment, then you are deeply misinformed. Plastic waste in our environment has direct health repercussions to mankind and it will only get worse. The reason being the infiltration of microplastics (plastic waste that has been broken down over time) into the food chain can lead to indirect consumption by humans. This could potentially lead to a variety of health concerns including respiratory issues as the production and disposal of plastic contribute to air pollution. The accumulation of plastic waste in landfills can also result in harmful chemicals seeping into groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water supplies. Addressing plastic pollution is not only crucial for environmental conservation but also for the protection of human health.

Take The Step Today

Taking the first step to a more sustainable future may seem uncomfortable at first, but you will likely find yourself not only saving the planet but also saving money! The team here at Soda Sense are walking right alongside you and are devoted to providing a sustainable and reliable way to refill your CO2 canisters.

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