By Suzanna McDougal, Hamilton
Fossil fuels were first used to make plastics over a century ago. Their lifetime of usefulness varies. Once disposed of they break down into smaller fragments that will be here for centuries. Packaging materials are the largest market for plastics and makes up half of all plastic waste globally. More than 40% is used only once and then thrown out. Each year, 9 million tons end up in the ocean. Less than a fifth gets recycled globally and in the US it’s less than 10%. Waves and sunlight break down plastic as well as tiny crustaceans that devour pieces into microscopic fragments and eventually excrete plastic bits. Plastic has been found everywhere in the ocean from ice in the arctic to sediments on the deepest sea floor. Animals eat it, get tangled in it and die. Drinking water contamination is a serious problem.
Things you can do: Give up plastic bags by taking your own reusable ones to the store. 100 billion bags are used in the US alone. Skip straws. 500 million plastic straws are used by Americans every day. Buy refillable water bottles. About a million plastic beverage bottles are sold every minute! Buy bar soap. Give up plastic plates and cups. Don’t litter.
Action taken by even a few of us will make a significant difference. It’s estimated that it will take hundreds of years or more to completely biodegrade. Let’s use less.
Much of this information was taken from National Geographic.
Let’s make a difference!