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Comment by xyzal | Hacker News Reader

Still, almost impossible for a regular consumer to buy most foodstuff without plastic wrappings.

Among the uses of plastic, external packaging and disposable utensils have the benefit of at least being obvious. Not so with insides of aluminium cans, paper cups, receipts (I bet this one is even BPA still), cigarette filters, and so on. These mass uses of plastic are insidious in that they are generally entirely invisible to consumers, do not affect any corporate or political brand, and hence attract no attention.

One use that goes unnoticed is synthetic fabrics. Your polyesters, nylons, rayons, spandexes are all based on plastic.

You can actively see the micro-plastics being created: every time you wash and dry your clothes, plastic fibers are being shed from these clothes and ending up in waste water channels and landfills.

True to a degree. Still, I typically see tags listing fabric composition of clothing and am able to choose to wear e.g. near 100% cotton or wool. Also, at least a fabric is normally in use by the final consumer/wearer for some time.

The uses I listed are, sadly, completely hidden and are all in disposables.

Personally, I would not be opposed to a regulation that would mandate big red warning labels with plastic content breakdown on at least all of such disposable goods and accompanying paraphernalia that are not entirely void of plastic; or indeed a hefty “plastic tax”.

Sadly, none of the natural fibers have a high sun protection factor (SPF) whereas polyester often does.

Not only food, try buying a razor or floss that’s not wrapped in that annoying plastic package.

It’s not easy but can be done if you look closely. Here’s one I like for floss (there are other similar brands too) The Humble Co. Dental Floss (4pack) - Vegan, Eco Friendly, Sustainable Waxed Dental Floss with Natural Xylitol, 55 Yards of Adult and Kids Floss for Gum Care and Dental Care (Mint) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DCGMXVB/

There’s also a blog on the topic which I’ve come across from time to time https://myplasticfreelife.com/

Switch to double edge razors. My razors have zero plastic on them. All cardboard. You can get a lifetime supply for about $300 too. And I mean lifetime, until you die.

I'm also not convinced paper straws are going to be a sufficient replacement.

Drinking from a paper straw is unpleasant.

Then drink from the glass itself. Or with a pasta.

There are also a variety of reusable metal straws out there.

Albeit unlikely, I'd still prefer straws that are less threatening in cases of tripping while sipping or some other thing.

The dishwasher even appears to get them reasonably clean in home use (in case you're not inclined to wash them with the little brushes after each use).

Stop buying fish, most important thing you can do.

Can you expand upon that?

massive pollution in the form of discarded-at-sea plastic nets. incredibly destructive.

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