Eco-Friendly

MODERN plastics were first produced in the mid19th century, but they were not a regular part of our lives until after World War I. Forbes.com reminds us that it was not until after World War II that plastics replaced glass, wood and fabric in so many of the uses that we now see it today. Over the last few decades, as the global population became more aware of the devastations caused by pollution, it only made sense for a backlash against single-use plastics.

Plastic pollution is very real and single-use plastics are small but have a large impact. According to Plastic Ocean, 300 million tons of plastic is produced globally every year. Half of that plastic is used for disposable items that will only be used once such as grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, cups and utensils. As a result, more than eight million tons of discarded plastic ends up in our oceans every single year. Plastics now make up 90 percent of all trash floating on the ocean surface and plastic pieces outnumber sea life six to one.

Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S., Earthday.org reports. That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually. It is estimated that four trillion plastic bags are used worldwide annually. Half a million straws are used in the world every day. The list goes on…

Over the last few years, cities and towns have begun to outlaw single-use plastic bags for shopping. Plastic straws were banned in many states and non-degradable plastics are increasingly losing favor worldwide. How can we, as conscientious consumers make an impact against this very real and rising concern?

Let’s look at what greeneducationfoundation.org suggests: • Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw. • Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often. • Give up gum. Gum is made of a synthetic rubber, aka plastic. • Buy boxes instead of bottles. Often, products like laundry detergent come in cardboard which is more easily recycled than plastic. • Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging. • Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk. • Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop. • Bring your own container for take-out or your restaurant doggy-bag since many restaurants use styrofoam. • Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you’ll be eating fewer processed foods! • Don’t use plasticware at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box. • Ask your local grocer to take your plastic containers (for berries, tomatoes, etc.) back. If you shop at a farmers market they can refill it for you. • Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. • Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups. • Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor

We as individuals have this chance and choice to nurture and restore Mother Earth for the generations to come. We must take every opportunity to create a healthy, sustainable home for all beings. By remaining mindful of our contribution toward environmental wellness and making the conscience decision to contribute toward the health of each other and our planet, we can truly impact the future. There are many environmental threats facing our world today, reducing the use of single use plastics is one that we, as individuals, can contribute to daily in our own lives.

With the impact of the novel coronavirus over the recent months, there is a sudden new look at prohibiting disposable plastics. Society may need to re-evaluate the ban on single use plastics and possibly restrict their use as we navigate our “new normal” in the weeks and months to come.

Each day provides a new opportunity to uplift each other and cultivate new ways of healing our world. Water conservation, recycling, planting trees, eliminating pesticides and minimizing use of plastics are all ways of loving the Earth, each other and ourselves. Let’s all be love! - Paula Popilock