Plastic [plastik]. noun.
A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into shape while soft, and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form.
Once thought to be an incredible invention, plastic is now seen as an environmental pest. Because plastic photo-degrades instead of biodegrades, every single piece of plastic ever created is still on this planet. Plastic breaks down into smaller molecules, or polymers, much like a plastic dust, which then continues to pollute the ocean, the land, the wildlife, and us.
Some truths about plastic:
- Chemicals, such as BPA, which are added to plastics can be absorbed by the human body. Many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors which are believed to be contributing to a number of health problems
- Plastic is the largest source of ocean litter, making up 60-90%. This is often ingested by marine animals and kills approximately 100,000 mammals and 1,000,000 sea birds each year
- Eight percent of world wide oil production is used to manufacture plastic
- It takes 17 million barrels of oil each year to make water bottles for the U.S. market. That's enough oil to fuel 1.3 million cars for a year
- Plastic doesn't get recycled, it is down-cycled into lower quality products which will eventually become waste. Compare this to glass which is 100% recyclable forever
Plastic seems to be in almost everything. Cars, fridges, clothing, cooking utensils, face wash, cigarettes, toothbrushes, and food containers. So what do we do?
Firstly, be aware. Learn. Never stop learning.
Once you start learning about the effects of plastic it is hard to forget and near impossible to dull the desire to know more. The continued ease of ignorance seems to be the biggest barrier to people actually making changes, because they think it's too hard. But what they don't realise is that it will actually be harder in the future to deal with the catastrophic effects on the planet if we don't start changing our ways now.
There are simple things that anyone can do to reduce plastic consumption and start opening your minds to living with less plastic.
- Buy a reusable drink bottle, stainless steel is best. Awesome ones available online here
- Buy or make your own reusable produce bags and shopping bags. Here is a link on how to make reusable shopping bags out of old t-shirts
- Say no to straws
- Buy food from bulk bins and re-fill household cleaners in bulk at stores such as Bin Inn and Commonsense Organics
- Reuse glass containers and jars instead of storing food in plastic containers
- Take your own container when you get takeaways
- Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal one
- Use cloth diapers
- Buy a moon cup instead of sanitary pads or tampons
When Josh and I started our rubbish free challenge we found some items were particularly tricky to buy without rubbish. Luckily for us we made a great discovery at our local Commonsense Organics store a couple of weeks ago. We had been withholding from buying a few items due to them being wrapped in what we thought was plastic. Turns out that they package bulk items in a cellulose plastic which is compostable! Yay for buying more herbs, spices and nuts!Unfortunately this type of packaging can be quite fragile so it is important to transfer the items to a jar or other container when you get home or otherwise risk losing half of your dried thyme ;)
It just goes to show that there are alternatives available and hopefully these options become more common.
On a slightly different note, I bought some new work shoes a few weeks ago. Toms.
Toms was started in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. He created a company that matches each pair of shoes purchased with a pair of shoes for a child in need. This then expanded in 2011 to Toms eye wear where a purchase of their glasses helps to restore sight to a person in need. They have recently released their new initiative, Toms roasting co., with every bag of coffee purchased they provide one week of clean water to a person in need.
Not only does this company offer amazing charity, they also have a range of eco-friendly shoes. Because I need to wear black shoes for work I opted for their black and white earthwise women's vegan classic. They are made with vegan materiels; 77% hemp and 23% recycled plastic. Not only are they good for the environment and they help a child in need, they are so super comfortable which is important when you're a nurse and on your feet all day!! It's a win win for everyone!
I leave you tonight with a quote that I love and we all need to remember:
When you throw it away, think. There is no away.
