Did you know that not even a third of plastic waste is recycled in Austria every year? Despite the well-functioning waste system in Austria, there is great potential for improvement in the recycling and reuse of plastic. More than two thirds of plastic waste in Austria is incinerated. Huge amounts of CO2 and other toxic substances, including carcinogens, are released into the atmosphere as a result. In a society that sees plastic as a typical disposable product, it is all the more important to offer alternatives such as reusable plastic and to raise awareness.
Deposit system
Nineteen years ago, the mandatory deposit on plastic containers was abolished in Austria. Since then, the bottle range in supermarkets has focussed heavily on disposable plastic bottles, which has resulted in a massive environmental impact. In principle, it is more environmentally friendly to refill bottles several times, regardless of the material. A well-functioning deposit system in which both the consumer and the producer are involved is crucial. Ideally in combination with further developed recycling options. Austria also has great potential for saving plastic in schools. Schools produce huge amounts of plastic due to vending machines with packaged bread rolls or bars and drinks machines with plastic bottles. The “Drastic Plastic” project by Caritas International Aid’s youth ambassadors aims to convert all schools in Vorarlberg from plastic bottle vending machines to glass bottle vending machines with a deposit system – as a strong signal in favour of climate protection!
Plastic instead of fish
Did you also know that by 2050 there will be more plastic particles than fish swimming in the sea? Due to plastic waste in the sea, microplastics are ingested by marine animals via algae or by confusion with plankton and therefore end up in our food chain. One of the consequences of this is that ever larger quantities of plastic are also being found in the human body, which can have serious consequences for our health. Marine animals and birds die of agonising starvation when they mistake plastic waste for food and lack vital nutrients. 106 kg of plastic waste per year On average, each and every one of us in Austria produces 106 kg of plastic waste per year. Reducing or avoiding plastic often has nothing to do with a radical lifestyle change. A conscious approach or a change in attitude can make a big difference. Above all, we should rethink our “throwaway attitude”, prioritise reuse and recycling and consider alternatives. Alternatives such as solid hair and body soaps, bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax cloths instead of cling film or washable cotton pads, which can now be found in every health food shop and drugstore. Me. You. We are all called upon to make a contribution – either by consuming less or consuming right. Or ideally both!
106 kg of plastic waste per year
106 kg of plastic waste is produced on average by each and every one of us in Austria every year. Reducing or avoiding plastic often has nothing to do with a radical lifestyle change. A conscious approach or a change in attitude can make a big difference. Above all, we should rethink our “throwaway attitude”, prioritise reuse and recycling and consider alternatives. Alternatives such as solid hair and body soaps, bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax cloths instead of cling film or washable cotton pads, which can now be found in every health food shop and drugstore. Me. You. We are all called upon to make a contribution – either by consuming less or consuming right. Or ideally both!