Plastics have a profoundly damaging and long-lasting impact on the environment.
The production of plastic requires large amounts of energy, and it is not biodegradable, meaning that it can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. Species around the world are being drastically affected by plastic pollution: seabirds, whales, dolphins and other marine species have been found with plastic in their throats and intestines, while turtles have been found with plastic rings around their necks that have cut deep into their flesh and caused them to die from strangulation.
On land, animals such as deer and sheep have also been found with plastic in their digestive systems. Plastic takes a toll on forests and wetlands, as well. Trillions of pieces of plastic debris have been left in these areas, presenting a hazard to all sorts of animals, from amphibians to birds.
Furthermore, microplastics – particles smaller than five millimeters and largely made up of polyethylene – are a major component of plastic pollution. These tiny pieces of plastic are impossible to clean up from the environment, and they are consumed in our food and water. Studies have found that when ingested, they can cause a variety of health issues, such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and infertility.
It is essential to reduce and avoid the use of plastic, particularly single-use and CPG packaging. Cutting down on plastic consumption can have a huge impact, so it’s important to be mindful of our own plastics use and to support companies that are actively reducing or eliminating their plastic packaging. Moreover, recycling and avoiding littering can help keep plastic out of the environment and ensure its proper disposal until one day, with any luck, it is only used where it is necessary.
Let’s work together to build something good.
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