Thoughts on Plastic Free World
Resources to Help Solve Plastic Crisis
by Liza Brooke
It is devastating to think that more than 1 million plastic bags are dumped in the trash every minute. With no proper disposal system and only the ocean to go to, no wonder research states the number of plastic in the sea will soon be higher than the number of fish known to humankind.
In a world that produces more than 380 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, the US alone is responsible for up to 40 million tonnes. It is a troublesome revelation that 50% of the world’s plastic is single-used, and only 9% is recycled.
These are not made statistics and numbers but the horrifying reality of our planet. Where the world is divided between whether to use metal straws and paper straws, the plastic crises have risen alarmingly. Ever since the 1950s, it has been a steep climb in increasing numbers of plastic production.
It is high time not only government authorities, organizations, but even individuals take notice of these alarming numbers and take repetitive measures to eradicate and avert the rising crisis.
How Can Individuals and Institutions Take Measures to Eradicate and Avert the Rising Plastic Crisis?
The following are some effective, actionable, and scalable tips and measures that can easily be taken by individuals and institutions trying to eradicate and avert the rising plastic pollution.
1.) Reduce the use of one-time plastic products
It doesn’t matter what part of the world you belong to. Plastic pollution is on the rise, and just as much we depend on plastic products, we are currently drowning in its remains. Therefore, one of the most direct and easiest ways of taking serious measures against plastic usage on your own is by reducing the use of one-time plastic products.
Refusing to use single-use plastic products such as straws, plastic bags, and plastic utensils shouldn’t be challenging as you can easily carry reusable versions as replacements. Carry clothing bags, metal straws, your own coffee cups, and other utensils at all times.
2.) Reuse and Recycle from homes to officials
This should probably go without saying, but if you can, make sure to reuse and recycle the single-used plastic item. It is unnecessary to throw away every straw, take-out meal utensils, and plastic shoppers that make it to your homes. Use them for as many times before you feel they provide no value and should be discarded.
Make sure you separate your recyclable plastic items and residual waste. If taken by neighborhoods daily, this small step can cater to a beneficial movement catering to proper usage and disposal of single-use plastic items that otherwise would become a part of the increasing plastic around us.
3.) Support single-use plastic bans
Trying to avoid using one-time plastic products, reusing and recycling them is all in good nature. However, it is not a long-term solution to the rising concern that is plastic pollution. Hence, the best way is to support institutions and government municipalities that have enacted for the cause and banned such products.
Urge your family, friends, and community members to do the same and work in favor of making such environment-friendly choices that cater to eradicating pollution in the long run. Adopt such policies in your neighborhood and create discussions to expand the initiative.
4.) Do volunteer work to clear out the nearby beaches and parks
Image Courtesy of SUSTAIN the Mag
You might find this fact crazy, but as per the findings of a recent study, a plastic bag, the kind we find at grocery stores, is now famous for being the deepest known piece of plastic trash, having found in the depths of 36,000 feet at Mariana Trench.
While many of us may feel volunteering to clear out parks and beaches would be a failed cause, it truly does make a difference. Convince people to work for the cause. Volunteering now and then for your local beaches and neighborhood parks is doing more collective, long-term good to the planet than you can fathom.
5.) Avoid products that contain plastic micro-beads
Microbeads are tiny particles of plastic found in a number of toiletries like toothpaste, body washes, and skincare products like moisturizers and scrubs. Such products can release up to 100,000 tiny beads in just a single squeeze. When washed off, they readily enter our ocean and waterways through the sewer systems.
Recently, microbeads have become an increasing source of plastic pollution in the ocean. They are estimated to be a million times more toxic than the seawater surrounding them. They affect hundreds and thousands of sensitive marine species. Therefore, readily avoid products for skincare and toiletries that have labels that say “polyethylene” or “polypropylene.”
6.) Join in the community circle that caters to the cause
It is extremely important and needs of the hour to stay on top of the updates happening in this regard. Try to stay informed on issues related to the environment, ocean, and plastic pollution. If you don’t find a community to become a part of, create a smaller circle with people you know around you and make them aware of the rising concerns at hand.
As many people who would actively participate and would boycott the use of plastic, the better it is for the environment. The community can also become a good cause for volunteer work and educating people about the planet.
7.) Sign petitions for ocean conservation and proper disposal of plastic
Many people believe that petitions do nothing. Well, if not, then they do fulfill the bare minimum purpose they carry that is to inform the concerned personnel and notify others who may be interested. Hence, it is a powerful move to create and sign petitions for ocean conservation and proper plastic disposal.
Many organizations and institutes have already even taken the active initiative where single used plastic trash is separated as green waste and used for recycling purposes. Rather than being dumped in the ocean or burned, adding to air pollution, it is disposed-of if unusable or reused.
What Are The Resources That Can Be Used To Help In Eradicating And Avert The Crisis?
From research documentaries creating awareness to organizations working to cater to the cause, numerous resources can be used to eradicate and avert the rising plastic crisis.
Documentaries
The following are the names of some highly focused documentaries on the plastic crisis. You can share these among your circle, or host a viewing party in the community to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of the cause.
Organizations
The following are the names of some of the best global non-profit organizations that are actively working toward reducing and completely eliminating plastic use. From oceanic plastic pollution to air and land-based, these organizations require your effort. Whether it comes in the face of donations of volunteering, give them a go:
Bottom Line
All things considered, these tips barely scratch the surface when it comes to the alarmingly high number of plastic usage and pollution over the years and the damage it has caused to our planet. As much as non-profit organizations, government, and private institutes have been working to address this issue, it would take a good amount of time to revert back to better days without plastic floating up on our beaches and deep under the sea!