The Harmful Side Of Plastic and Simple Steps to Reduce It's Use
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Helping Communities
April 2023

Plastic is a material that has become ubiquitous in modern society, and its use has revolutionized many industries, including packaging, healthcare, and construction. However, the widespread use of plastic has come at a cost to the environment, human health, and wildlife. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why plastic use is bad and potentially dangerous, and we will discuss how reducing plastic use can help not only on an individual level but a global one as well.

Plastic: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers that can be molded into various shapes, sizes, and forms. Its versatility, durability, and low cost have made it an ideal material for many industries. However, the durability of plastic is also one of its major drawbacks. Most plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, which means that once they are produced, they will stay in the environment for a very long time.

One of the most significant environmental problems associated with plastic is plastic pollution. Plastic pollution occurs when plastic waste accumulates in the environment, including in oceans, rivers, and on land. According to a report by the United Nations, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic waste is dumped into the ocean every minute, and by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish if current trends continue.

Plastic pollution has numerous negative impacts on the environment. It harms wildlife, damages ecosystems, and affects human health. Plastic waste in the ocean can be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to ingestion and entanglement. Plastic waste can also release toxic chemicals into the environment, which can harm the health of animals and humans.

The production of plastic also has significant environmental impacts. The production of plastic requires the use of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the World Economic Forum, the production and incineration of plastic will emit 1.34 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030.

The benefits of reducing plastic use

Reducing plastic use can have numerous benefits for the environment, human health, and wildlife. One of the most significant benefits of reducing plastic use is a reduction in plastic pollution. By reducing the amount of plastic produced and used, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment. This can help protect wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and reduce the amount of plastic waste in the ocean.

Reducing plastic use can also have benefits for human health. The release of toxic chemicals from plastic waste can harm human health. By reducing the amount of plastic waste in the environment, we can reduce the amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment, which can help protect human health.

In addition, reducing plastic use can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The production of plastic requires the use of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing the amount of plastic produced and used, we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and incineration.

The disposal of plastic is also a major problem. Plastic waste can end up in oceans, rivers, and on land, leading to environmental pollution. According to a report by the United Nations, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic waste is dumped into the ocean every minute, and by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish if current trends continue.

Simple Steps to Reduce Plastic Use

Reducing plastic use on a day-to-day basis can seem daunting, but there are numerous simple steps that individuals can take to reduce their plastic use. Here are some practical tips for reducing plastic use:

  1. Use reusable bags, water bottles, and containers: Instead of using single-use plastic bags, water bottles, and containers, use reusable options. This can help reduce the amount of plastic waste produced.

  2. Say no to plastic straws and utensils: Plastic straws and utensils are often used for a short time and then discarded. By saying no to these items, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste produced.

  3. Choose products with minimal plastic packaging: When shopping, choose products with minimal plastic packaging. Look for products that use cardboard, paper, or other biodegradable materials.

  4. Avoid purchasing products with microbeads: Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that are often found in personal care products, such as face wash and toothpaste. These tiny particles can end up in our oceans and harm marine life. Look for products that do not contain microbeads.

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