The Facts
1) Plastic is forever
Plastic creates toxic pollution at every stage of its existence: manufacture, use and disposal. Plastic is a material that the Earth simply cannot digest. Every bit of plastic that has ever been created still exists, including the small amount that has been incinerated and has now become toxic particulate matter. (yikes!!!)
2) Plastic poisons our food chain.
In the environment, plastic breaks down into small particles that attract toxic chemicals. These articles are ingested by wildlife on land and in the ocean, contaminating the food chain.
3) Plastic affects human health.
(That would be our health) Harmful chemicals leached by plastics are present in the bloodstream and tissues of almost every one of us, including newborns. That one almost hurts…
4) Disposable plastics are the main source of plastic pollution.
Consumption of disposable plastics—bags, bottles, straws and the list goes on—has spiraled out of control. These items are used for seconds, hours or days, but their remains and impact last forever.
5) Plastic recycling is not a sustainable solution.
Most of our plastic waste is landfilled, downcycled, incinerated or exported to other countries. Recycling of plastic is costly and does not stem the production of virgin plastic product. (I always try to gently remind people that the first “R” is reduce but when you do consume, remember how important it is to recycle.)
6) Plastic pollution is not only in the ocean.
The amount of plastic pollution in the ocean is expanding at a catastrophic rate but there are similar concentrations of plastic in the desert, in every community around the world, in our homes and in us. If you have any doubts about this whatsoever, take a walk just about anywhere and let me know if you can go a half a mile without finding plastic of some kind – not to mention taking a swim in the ocean!
{Read: 22 preposterous facts about plastic pollution (and what we can do about it)}
We all just have to try harder because we, our children, our grandchildren and Mother Earth all deserve better. Let’s keep each other on the plastic free path to the extent possible. It really really matters.
Adapted from Mrs. Greens World
Bonus:
Listen to this recent Mrs. Green’s World Episode where Mrs. Green talks to author Megan Kimble about her year without processed foods!
Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green and healthy living podcasts—daily on GDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)! Green, free radio!
Asst. Ed. Green Diva Grace / Image via ShutterStock
[dynamic-sidebar id=’Custom Widget 2′]
