This is the 175th most frequent Spanish word.
evitar
To avoid.
The word 'evitar' is used here to express actively refraining or abstaining from doing or consuming something (e.g., unhealthy foods).
Evito comer alimentos poco saludables.
I avoid eating unhealthy foods.
'Evitar' in this sentence conveys the meaning of refraining from actions that lead to specific outcomes (e.g., excessive use of plastic).
Es importante evitar el uso excesivo del plástico.
It's important to avoid excessive use of plastic.
Here, 'evitar' is used in the sense of taking measures to prevent or stop an unfavorable event from happening (e.g., preventing the project's failure).