Kermit says … learn about all the damage plastics can do!
Over 11 million tons of plastic wind up in our oceans annually, which has resulted in about 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean currently. This creates hazards for, poisons and kills the aquatic creatures dependent upon this ecosystem. These plastics degrade into tiny particles in the flesh of these creatures including fish we eat. Plastic waste on land also breaks down into micro plastics which land animals eat, including cattle and pigs raised for meat. We ingest micro plastics through the air we breathe and the food we eat, especially any food which comes wrapped in plastic. Synthetic rugs and furniture fabrics expel micro plastics into the air and synthetic clothing sheds micro plastics into the waste water stream when we do laundry.
Scientists do not yet have accurate estimates for how many micro plastics we take in annually. One study reported in National Geographic found that people who drink tap water take in 4,000 plastic particles annually compared to the 90,000 consumed by those who drink only bottled water. Kind of makes those single-use water bottles less appealing, doesn’t it?
The effect of micro plastics on our heath has not yet been accurately determined, but some micro plastics are toxins and some can breed disease. Research has found that over time these factors can damage our immune system and gut balance.
What can we do? As is the case with many environmental issues, the most important changes need to be made at the government level by municipalities, states and national governments as well as big business. We need to move towards a more “circular” economy where fewer products are destined for the trash, more can be recycled, and recycling systems are more efficient and better supported. These are complex issues, but tackling the single-use plastics problem is a good place to start.
The UN Environment and the World Resources Institute wrote an extensive guide (2020) detailing recommendations for law and policy makers on how to decrease plastic pollution. We can contact our representatives and let them know we want them to follow these guidelines. This resource, available online, is called, Tackling Plastic Pollution: Legislative Guide for the Regulation of Single-Use Plastic Products.
To find out how to contact your local, state and federal representatives, fill out the form at this link: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/
From the Green Team
By Ronda Yeomans