The True Impact of Single-Use Plastic and How We Can Choose Better

Introduction

It’s easy to toss away a plastic wrapper into the dustbin, right?

You might not even think of the impact of ‘single-use’plastic, and not only on you, but also for all the generations to come. At Kosha, we believe in making choices that are both perfect for you and the environment.

These eco-conscious choices not only benefit the wearer but also benefit the world at large. We are committed to choosing eco-friendly alternatives in whatever way possible, be it choosing sustainable alternatives to plastic in both production and packaging.

This blog explores the impact of single-use plastic, why the decision to choose eco-friendly alternatives matters, and how sustainable alternatives to plastic help us create a more sustainable and better world.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

At a glance:

1. Introduction: The Problem with Fast Fashion
2. Impact of Single-use Plastic
3. Where does it go?
4. Hazardous impact of single-use plastic
5. Environmental Degradation
6. Toxicity in the environment
7. Change in Climate
8. The Plastic Problem in Fashion
9. How is Kosha choosing eco-friendly alternatives?
10. Proper and conscious packaging
11. Eco-friendly clothing materials
12. Single-use plastic alternatives in everyday life
13. Beeswax Wraps Rather than Cling Film
14. Bamboo or stainless steel straps
15. Tote bags made of cloth
16. Biodegradable Silverware
17. Shampoo bars and bar soaps
18. Plastic-free lifestyle tips for every traveller
19. Bring a reusable water bottle
20. Make Use of Solid Toiletries
21. Keep a Cutlery Kit on Hand
22. Put on Eco-Friendly Travel Gear
23. Winding Up: Beyond the bin
    
    

Impact of Single-use Plastic

Where does it go?

Globally, the world produces (an estimated) 139 million metric tonnes of single-use plastic every year. Single-use plastic is found in way more things than you can imagine, be it packaging, clothing production, cutlery, shopping bags, and so much more. And, once the single-use plastic is discarded, it often ends up in landfills, the ocean, or even in our food chain.

The main issue with plastic is that it doesn’t biodegrade. Unlike organic material, plastic won’t biodegrade, and it will further break down into even more toxic materials that will further ruin the environment.

We hate to break it to you, but every plastic straw or plastic shopping bag that you might have used still likely exists today, in some form or the other. 

Hazardous impact of single-use plastic

The impact of single-use plastic goes far beyond your imagination:

• Environmental Degradation: One of the major impacts of single-use plastic is the environmental degradation it causes. The toxic chemicals released by single-use plastic persist in the environment for generations to come, leading to hazardous consequences.

• Toxicity in the environment: The most common way plastic is discarded is by burning it, which leads to fatal consequences. It releases such hazardous pollutants that they affect both the ecosystems and human health.

• Change in Climate: One more hazardous impact of not choosing eco-friendly alternatives is that plastic remains in the climate for generations to come, and it often leads to climate change, which isn’t positive even in the slightest.  

The Plastic Problem in Fashion

Now that we have talked about the impact of single-use plastic and why we need to choose sustainable alternatives to plastic in everyday life, let us discuss the plastic problem that persists in the fashion industry.

The fashion industry relies heavily on the usage of single-use plastic, be it the synthetic materials that are used in the composition of the textiles or the plastic that is used in packaging. There’s plastic everywhere in the fashion industry, and we don’t even notice this invisible footprint.

This is the reason why we at Kosha extensively believe in switching to sustainable alternatives to plastic in both the clothes and packaging, while maximising our customers' utility and comfort.

Our Travelers Winter jackets for Men and Travelers jackets for women are a leading example in that cause.

Kosha’s winter gear is about choosing eco-friendly alternatives—this waterproof fleece-lined jacket blends warmth with sustainable innovation.

How is Kosha choosing eco-friendly alternatives?

There are many ways in which Kosha is switching to sustainable alternatives to plastic and promoting plastic-free lifestyle tips:

1. Proper and conscious packaging

Kosha’s switching to conscious packaging materials made of compostable and biodegradable materials instead of plastic and bubble wraps as various sustainable alternatives to plastic. These biodegradable materials include using cotton bags, recycled paper, and plant-based wraps instead of using single-use plastic. 

2. Eco-friendly clothing materials

Kosha’s switching to eco-friendly clothing materials such as recycled polyester, biodegradable fibres, and cruelty-free alternatives that keep you warm without weighing down the planet.

From design to delivery, Kosha offers sustainable alternatives to plastic without compromising on comfort or performance.

Single-use plastic alternatives in everyday life

Here are some single-use plastic alternatives that you can switch to in your everyday life, instead of just cutting out on plastic in fashion, because that’s hardly any plastic that surrounds us:

1. Beeswax Wraps Rather than Cling Film

Beeswax wraps are ideal for covering bread, fruits, and other foods because they are biodegradable, breathable, and reusable.

2. Bamboo or stainless steel straps

These sturdy substitutes prevent hundreds of plastic straws from ending up in landfills because they are portable and easy to clean.

3. Tote bags made of cloth

Goodbye to grocery bags made of plastic. Tote bags are robust, fashionable, and environmentally friendly.

4. Biodegradable Silverware

These biodegradable knives, forks, and spoons decompose naturally and leave no trace, making them perfect for travel or events.

5. Shampoo bars and bar soaps

The majority of liquid soaps are packaged in plastic bottles. Solid bars don't need to be packaged and last a long time.

Plastic-free lifestyle tips for every traveller

We at Kosha are constantly considering our community of explorers and adventurers. Here are some travel-specific plastic-free lifestyle tips:

1. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Especially at airports or on hiking trails, refillable bottles help you use fewer single-use plastic bottles.

2. Make Use of Solid Toiletries

In addition to being plastic-free, solid shampoo and conditioner bars are portable and spill-proof.

3. Keep a Cutlery Kit on Hand

When you're on the go, a bamboo or steel set can help you avoid using plastic cutlery.

4. Put on Eco-Friendly Travel Gear

Choose winter apparel from companies like Kosha that put an emphasis on environmentally friendly production.

Opt for single-use plastic alternatives in fashion—Kosha’s packable puffer proves you can travel light and live sustainably.

Winding Up: Beyond the bin

Waste isn't the only issue with plastic; mentality is also a factor. Every decision we make has an impact that extends beyond the purchase. Would we rather be a part of the solution or continue to contribute to the issue?

We have a clear answer at Kosha.

One product, one shipment, and one customer at a time, we are dedicated to selecting `

As you get ready for your wintertime adventures, remember that when you wear a Kosha jacket, you're wearing a value system based on sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Together, let's set out on the path to a better tomorrow.

WhatsApp us for Winter Layering Advice.

Embrace plastic-free lifestyle tips with Kosha’s winterwear that’s thoughtfully made for you and the planet.