SURVEY: More than 60% of Americans are plastic hoarders

If you feel like you’re hoarding plastic containers in your home, you’re not alone. New research found 62% of Americans are plastic hoarders.

The study asked 2,000 nationally representative Americans about their plastic habits and what they want to improve on – notably getting rid of plastic after holding onto it for too long.

With plastic waste being such a preventable problem, it’s no surprise that over half (55%) of respondents said they’d rather keep plastic containers and other plastic wares that they know they won't use again, rather than throw them away.

Some of these items plaguing Americans’ homes included the classic bag of plastic bags (49%), an entire drawer of plastic cutlery (44%), a cabinet of mismatched Tupperware (39%) and a cabinet of old jars (18%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Core Hydration, the results also found that 55% don't want to throw out plastics in their home without reusing them.

Sixty-four percent of respondents even said they’ll never need to buy a matching Tupperware set because they have plenty of other containers they’ve saved.

Half of the respondents also reported that they want to reduce their waste but feel too overwhelmed to start.

In fact, respondents ask themselves “Can this be recycled?” an average of four times a week and end up tossing another four items in the recycling bin that they’re not even 100% certain can be recycled.

With all of this in mind, it’s no wonder 61% of respondents feel like no matter how much they recycle, it's not enough to make an impact.

“It’s common to feel that you might not be making a difference by recycling, but it’s important to remember you are,” said a spokesperson for Core Hydration. “Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and even saves energy as making a product from recycled plastic takes less energy than making one from virgin or new plastic. So, toss an empty bottle with its cap on into your recycling bin and it might end up becoming a new recycled plastic product.”

Perhaps because of this recycling limbo, three in five respondents said they always try to make a conscious effort to repurpose or upcycle items.

Some of the most unique ways respondents have repurposed something in their homes ranged from art to storage solutions.

One respondent shared they’re growing garlic in cut-off water bottles and another respondent uses plastic containers as potters for plants.

Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they feel better about their waste habits when they purchase something made from recycled materials.

Respondents shared they’d be willing to pay 29% more than the retail price of an item if they knew it was made from recycled materials.

“It’s important to remember that even if you make a few small changes in your life to reduce plastic use, you can make a difference,” said a spokesperson for Core Hydration. “Choosing products made with recycled materials is a simple step in the right direction and keeps the plastic within the circular economy!”

MOST UNIQUE WAYS AMERICANS ARE UPCYCLING

*Responses may have been edited for length/clarity*

1. By creating an original piece of rustic artwork to pep up a bare wall by repurposing wooden window shutters.
2. I am going to grow garlic in cut-off water bottles.
3. I have saved quite a few big coffee containers for reuse, I save them for cat litter in winter, birdseed, squirrel seed. Grandkids like to use them to dig in the garden with.
4. Those round plastic lids off the toddler food pouches are good for lots of things, teaching kids colors, sorting and even stack to build towers. I think they're better toys than lids.
5. I have turned old frames into jewelry hangers and bottles into flower pots and candle holders.
6. I repurposed a foam egg crate from my bed, turned it into a bed for my dog.
7. I reuse glass yogurt containers for individual dessert cups/servings.
8. Ladder into a bookshelf.
9. Taking plastic jars, removing labels, painting and decoupage them into attractive vases or pencil holders or decorated for use for cotton balls, etc.