The Problem With Plastics

Has anyone ever taken a moment to realize just how much of everyday items are plastic? Children's toys, phone cases, grocery bags, bottles, disposable cups, plates, and cutlery, containers, car parts, lining of metal cans, netting, decor... you get the idea. Plastic was practically the savior of our planet when it was first invented: costs next to nothing to manufacture, and yields boatloads at a time. Of course, this meant satisfaction as demands were met amongst the world's fast-growing population during the early 1900s. However, with every seemingly wonderful invention, there were unexpected consequences the world would be dealing with for years to come. Let's get one thing straight: Plastic never breaks down, or if it does takes a very, very long time to; their molecules are non-reactive. Where does it go? Well, if it can't be recycled (which by the way, not everything you throw in the recycling bin can be) then it's got one of two options: The ocean, or a landfill.

Trash washes up on beaches all of the time, and living not even an hour away from one I can personally attest to this; it gets caught up in major ocean currents and just circulates, circulates, circulates. Environmentalists have pictures floating all over the internet, in books and magazines of turtle's shells growing around where a six-pack ring got stuck, bird's wings and beaks being broken from netting as well as dolphin and shark fins being rubbed raw; showing everyone the destruction we have plastic, and ultimately ourselves, to blame. Scenarios like I have listed result in death amongst species. For example, birds need to fly in order to find food and navigate migration patterns, and they can't do those things with broken wings. Also, in the wild there is no bandaging to ensure proper healing, or medicine to prevent against infection, resulting in inevitable death from plastic netting. If you have any sort of simple understanding of science, you know that a population decrease in one species can cause a domino effect on the entire ecosystem. In addition to this, as conscious beings humans have a duty to protect the planet and all that inhabit it, instead of taking advantage and doing the complete opposite.

If this isn't enough to upset you, lets talk about the consequences done directly on your body thanks to plastic. Fish humans commonly enjoy eating like tuna and salmon, eat smaller fish. Well, smaller fish eat bits of vegetation floating around in the ocean, and small shrimp. What they think is vegetation isn't always so; a plastic bead bobbing in the water looks close enough! Harmful compounds known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) bind to plastic, and are carried everywhere with them; Substances like DDT, BPA, Aldrin and Dioxin, that accumulate in animal fat cells and tissues as they move up the food chain because they are highly concentrated and not easily detoxed. Get this, a CDC study showed more than 90% of the US population tested positive for traces of BPA in their body. A small handful of negative side effects include infertility, birth defects, reduced immune functioning, diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders. Let's not forget plastics are also sitting around in landfills radiating POPs through the soil, where not only fruits and vegetables are grown, but where livestock live as well.


Don't you dare try to justify the internal guilt by thinking, "I'm just ONE person, how can I possibly help such a massive issue?" Ladies and gentlemen, it is NEVER too late to make steps towards change. Here is how you can help.

-Invest in a glass, reusable water bottle Instead of purchasing cases of disposable water bottles. By doing this you aren't feeding corporate companies who are part of the problem, saving money, the planet, resources and yourself. *This also goes for buying glass containers instead of Ziploc bags*

-Take reusable bags to the grocery store You don't have to buy the ones sold at the store specifically labeled as "reusable bags" (which are usually cheap, flimsy and made from plastic), just use whatever you've got laying around the house! Ladies, if you're anything like me, you've got plenty to share. There are actually some places that will give you a discount for bringing your own bags!

-Don't take a store plastic bag if you don't need one I'm talking to you, person who is just buying eyeliner or shaving cream.

-DIY If you eat out for one day, think about the plastic waste you're generating: cup and paper bag from Dunkin Donuts, ice cream container from Diary Queen, bag, box and disposable chopsticks from Chinese takeout... Not only is it the healthier, money-saving option to pack your own meals, but less wasteful as well. This includes growing your own fruits and veggies.

-Support companies who support recycling There are some companies out there like you and I who care about the planet's well being. It'll tell you on packaging if it's made from recycled material (like my business cards!)

-Reuse Instead of going out and buying a brand new couch or game station, see if you can find someone who is giving theirs away. I'm not saying buy something dirty and old, but more than often there are circumstances that make people give things away that are practically brand new (saves $$$ too!). Also, there is this great, unique website called thespotteddoor.com who recycles things like candy wrappers and traffic signs creating baskets and chairs!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistent_organic_pollutant


http://ecologycenter.org/factsheets/adverse-health-effects-of-plastics/


http://healthychild.org/easy-steps/know-your-plastics/


http://oceancrusaders.org/crusades/plastic-crusades/plastic-statistics/


http://plasticwastesolutions.com/plastic-litter/


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic

http://www.livescience.com/38981-5-ways-limit-bpa.html


Film, Plastics Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch