Let's Use Less Plastic!
Why Does this matter?
We create the world we want to live in. Our changes affect those around us, so let's change for the better!
Plastic is vital in so many ways to our modern way of life but not all forms of it. We like to call single-use plastic useless plastic. With all the resources that go into producing plastic it makes no sense to use it for only a short period of time then discard of it. So let's use less useless plastic!
Understanding the Need for Change
What can we gain from using less plastic?
Human Health Benefits
Many plastics contain harmful chemicals such as: Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), Styrene, Heavy metals, Antimony, Nonylphenol, and many more. One way these chemicals enter the body is through leaching where chemicals migrate into food and beverages especially when plastics are heated or used with acidic or oily foods. By using less plastic, we prevent ourselves from being exposed to harmful chemicals in plastics.
Reduce Waste and Pollution
Plastics contribute significantly to the growing global waste problem, with the United States generating approximately 73 million metric tons of plastic in 2019. This plastic waste often ends up polluting the environment where it can take between 150 to 1,000 years or more to break down. Plastics break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, they have been found in every ecosystem on Earth.
Recycling is not enough
While great in theory currently only 9% of plastic is being recycled. When plastic is recycled it is often down cycled into lower quality products that can't be recycled and become waste. It is still important to recycle your plastic but know that is it not enough! We need to focus on using less.
Climate Mitigation
99% of all plastics are made from fossil fuels. Through plastics lifecycle, they contribute significantly to climate change. The plastics industry is responsible for four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry.
Marine Life Protection
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to marine life. The majority of plastic pollution comes from mismanaged waste. Plastic pollution is killing marine life, more than 100,000 marine mammals are estimated to be killed by plastic every year.