In our modern, convenience-driven society, single-use plastics have become ubiquitous, from takeout containers to shopping bags. Unfortunately, these disposable plastic items, designed for brief use, do not break down easily, regardless of size, and accumulate in landfills and oceans. The consequences are dire: wildlife is harmed, ecosystems are disrupted, and microplastics infiltrate our food and water.
It’s hard to picture something as small as a plastic straw being an issue. A school bus is much larger. Imagine 125 school buses lined up. This line would be over a mile long. Now, picture the inside of all those buses completely stuffed with plastic straws. This is how many plastic straws Americans use in just one day, with some estimates as high as 500 million. You can begin to see the magnitude of the problem.
The good news is that everyone can do their part to help. Remember that it is always better to refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle than to use something once and then throw it away. These changes are simple and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. You can help by remembering to make simple changes each day. Start with a goal of changing one plastic habit per week or month and then add new changes throughout the year. Talk to your friends and family about making these changes, too!
Here is how you can be a part of the solution:
- Just say no to plastic straws or stir sticks at restaurants or places where they are offered. If you really like using straws, consider buying a reusable metal one and taking it with you.
- Use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic shopping bags, .
- Try to use fewer disposable items. Carry a refillable water bottle or cup to fast food restaurants and use it instead of a throwaway cup. When buying fruits or vegetables at the store, use reusable bags or consider not using bags at all.
- Cut down on plastic and Styrofoam by using compostable paper plates.
- Make your own takeout kit. You can carry reusable containers in from home instead of asking for single-use carry-out containers.
- Look for the bulk food area in your local grocery store. You may be able to bring your own reusable containers from home to fill with food instead of using the plastic bags provided.
After you have refused and reused all that you can, you should recycle all the plastics that are recyclable. Plastic straws, forks, spoons, cup lids, loose bottle caps, and other small single-use plastic items are generally too small to recycle in local programs.
As you prepare to recycle, remember that all recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry and placed loose into the collection container, not in plastic bags. We all need to do our part by reducing the use of non-recyclable plastics and by being realistic about what goes into curbside recycling bins. When in doubt, please get in touch with your local solid waste management authority and ask for details on the materials accepted for recycling in your community.
By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your recycling efforts are effective and contribute to a healthier environment.
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