For many years I’ve been concerned about plastics in our environment. Recently, I read about a study that tested for micro plastics in human blood. It found that 57% of the 257 patients tested had micro plastics in the lining of their blood vessels. It noted that there seems to be a four times greater risk of stroke or heart attack with the presence of these micro plastics, according to Renee Sharp of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
For decades I’ve looked at recycling codes and carefully washed recyclable plastics, and comforting myself that the plastic would be re-used. Then I heard a report on National Public Radio that claims of widespread recycling is a marketing ploy by plastic manufacturers and in reality only approximately five percent is recycled into new products. Once upon a time there were markets for used plastics, but those have dried up. No one wants it. So even plastics sent to recycling plants are most often sent quietly to landfills.
The NPR report said oil and gas company lobbyists had promised a 100% recycle rate by 2040, but when pressed for details, they had none. NPR reminds us that industry officials’ reports reveal that they knew as early as the 1970s and 1980s that plastic could not be economically recycled.
My cousin, Chris, in Australia said they are having this same conversation on the other side of the earth. They understand that even if you can recycle some of the plastic, that doesn’t mean it goes away. Once plastics are made, they stay in the environment forever. Unfortunately, we are constantly making more plastic.
I was feeling helpless with just signing online petitions and trying to buy fewer products with plastics, so I’ve decided to spend some of my free semi-retirement hours taking it to the next level and communicating with businesses which use a great deal of plastic.
At Aldi, I told a manager that I would no longer buy the produce they wrap in plastic. Usually, I can get it at Jewel and soon at farmers’ markets, without the shrinkwrap.
I asked a pharmacist at Osco Drugs why monthly medications always need a new plastic bottles. Why can’t the new month’s pills come in a truly recyclable sealed paper envelope? He loved the idea so much that he said he would discuss it with the manager and encouraged me to register my comment with their company online, which I did.
We sometimes forget that every time we make a purchase we cast a vote for things such as packaging, nutritional value, and such. If we want to truly change something, we can look that the products that are poorly made, or poorly packaged, and say, “I’m not buying it!” Then let the company know why! If they tell you plastics can be recycled, tell them again, “I’m not buying it” because in reality, very few are recycled.”
There are simple changes you can make to get single use plastics out of your life. Rather than putting sandwiches or leftovers in plastic bags, I have some wonderful bamboo containers, or just use wax paper. The website zerowastecartel.com has plastic-free laundry detergent sheets that come in a cardboard box, biodegradable dental floss, and other great items. We compost food and yard waste. I have a metal water bottle from Aurora’s Greenfest (thanks, Mavis!). By the way, Greenfest is June 8 this year.
Similar to many of you, I have children and a granddaughter who will have to deal with the plastics that choke our earth long after I am gone. I want them to know that I did everything in my power to mitigate this problem.
Who’s with me?