Of all the plastic we consume, more than 60% ends up in landfills, which is burned or dumped into our oceans. Each one of us consumes about 5gms of plastic every week through our food and water – the equivalent of one credit card (World Wide Fund 2019). Any plastic container with hot food/water will dissipate some amount of soluble microplastic, which ends up in our digestive system. If plastic consumption and production continue at this rate, it’ll outweigh fish by 2050.
Every day we interact with plastic, starting first thing in the morning – your toothbrush or tea to the various devices in your homes, office, school; or that handle in your car/bus or the bedsheet you find comfort in. We are living in the plastic age, if you look around and identify – most of the things we own have plastic in them. There are many inventions where plastic is unavoidable and have led humanity to prosper so far such as medical procedures with plastic syringes or an intravenous bag, sizeable smartphones, plexiglass in aircraft, parachutes, etc. Basically, after World War II plastics challenged traditional materials and won.
Once a revolutionary invention now pollutes our stomachs, oceans, land and air. Our ancestors survived just fit and fine without it, so why can’t we. The trick is to start with one step – one action, don’t try everything at once. It may take weeks to find that perfect sustainable replacement for your favorite juice, shirt or toy. And rather than perceiving it as a huge inconvenience, treat it as a fun treasure hunt. Being a responsible consumer will force producers/organizations to manufacture what YOU want. And ultimately what is good for you is good for nature.
Every drop makes the mighty ocean and every plastic item you will refuse will save the ocean.
Source: Google, New Agencies, Canva, Reports
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