Plastic. It’s everywhere, isn’t it? From the depths of our oceans to the peaks of our mountains—and yes, clogging up our beloved British waterways. A recent survey by Thames21, a London-based environmental charity, paints a grim picture: plastic food wrappers constitute 20% of waste, followed closely by cotton bud sticks, plastic bottles and lids, and even plastic cups. Single-use plastics are the main offenders, making up a staggering 83% of all items found. It’s clear actions against plastic pollution is vital, and the good news? Change is possible, and it starts with us.
1. Bar Over Bottle
The next time you’re eyeing that bottle of shampoo or shower gel, pause. Consider going for shampoo and cleansing bars instead. Many of these come without packaging, are kinder to your wallet and the environment, and hey, they last much longer, giving you more bang for your buck and a cleaner conscience.
2. Tote it Up
Plastic carriers? A big no-no. Keeping a fabric tote tucked away in your bag ensures you’re always prepared for impromptu shopping trips without contributing to plastic waste. Plus, they’re stylish and can hold a surprising amount of groceries!
3. Milk Delivery Magic
Getting your milk delivered might seem a bit old-school, but it’s a fantastic way to reduce plastic usage. Fresh milk at your doorstep in glass bottles that get reused feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
4. Hydrate Sustainably
Swap those single-use water bottles for a reusable one. It’s a simple switch with significant environmental impacts. Plus, staying hydrated never goes out of style.
5. Packaging-Free Produce
Skip the plastic packaging at supermarkets. Bring your own bags for fruits and veggies, and don’t shy away from using your own containers for deli items. Some shops even offer bulk buys for cereals and detergents, letting you refill your own containers.
6. Wet Wipe Woes
Wave goodbye to wet wipes, a notorious component of monstrous fatbergs clogging our sewers and coastlines. opt for reusable cloths for everything from cleaning surfaces to wiping faces, reducing both waste and the “ick” factor of fatbergs.
7. Ozoklenz’s Actions Against Plastic Pollution
Ozoklenz offers an innovative way for companies to cut down on single-use plastic bottles in the cleaning process. Our two wall-mounted units, ECO1 and ECO2, produces a chemical-free, natural oxidiser that can significantly reduce plastic waste, saving 1000’s of plastic bottles from landfill each year. Additionally, our new product the Enozopro Handheld Sprayer provides all the same benefits just on a smaller scale for domestic purposes!
What is Aqueous Ozone?
Ozone, (O³) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms instead of the standard two atoms within each molecule. It appears in the form of a light blue gas, with a distinctive fresh smell. Unlike traditional cleaning chemicals, aqueous ozone is entirely chemical-free, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice for facilities management cleaning.
So how do we form it?
Aqueous ozone is generated in the powerful Ozoklenz Unit. The production process involves several steps:
- Air is passed through a drying chamber: Air is first dried to remove moisture, ensuring the purity of the ozone production process.
- High-voltage energy is applied to oxygen (O2): Oxygen molecules (O2) are split into individual oxygen atoms using electrical energy.
- Ozone gas is produced (O3): These oxygen atoms then combine to form ozone molecules (O3), which are highly reactive.
- The gas is injected into mains water to make aqueous ozone: The ozone gas is introduced into water, creating aqueous ozone, a solution ready for cleaning.
Using Aqueous Ozone as Actions Against Plastic Pollution
Ozone is a powerful oxidising agent, meaning it can readily remove electrons from other atoms and molecules. When aqueous ozone comes into contact with contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, or mould, it oxidises them, breaking down their cell walls and rendering them inactive.
The additional oxygen molecule in ozone (O3) is highly unstable and seeks to return to its natural state. Consequently, it is attracted to organic materials like bacteria and viruses. Aqueous ozone attacks the cell walls of these microorganisms until they are fully destroyed and unable to regrow or mutate.
Actions Against Plastic Pollution
Even if we start small, every action against plastic counts. Whether switching to a shampoo bar or supporting initiatives like Ozoklenz, each step is a stride towards a cleaner, plastic-free planet. Let’s embrace these changes and inspire others to join us in making every day wins against plastic.
Contact us to learn more about Ozoklenz and join us in creating a greener future!