Did you know that within a year after the release of the movie “The Graduate”, plastics manufacturing companies experienced a boom? The actor who said the line “Just one word…plastics” told his nephew later he wished he’d invested in plastics had he known the effect that one simple line would have. Today, it is evident that plastic pollution is a real problem.
In fact, plastics have SO pervaded our lives, most of us don’t even think about it anymore. In researching this subject, I was shocked to realize how many ways and how many places I still use plastic in my own life! …For food storage, of course, but also my headband, toothbrush, comb, watering can, soap dispenser, laundry soap scoop, straw for my morning beverage, the TV remote, DVD cases. It is *everywhere*!! Look at bottled water: around 636 thousand tons of plastic beverage bottles were recycled nationwide in 2006, but more than three times as much was *wasted*, as in 2 million tons.
Every bit of plastic thats ever been produced over the past 100 years is still sitting somewhere in our planet
Truly, plastics have provided many positive conveniences. But after half a century of using these petroleum products, we are now discovering inherent dangers: from leaching dangerous chemicals into our food and beverages (especially when heated) to the problem of non-biodegradable plastics filling our landfills and littering our planet forever. With these concerns in mind, many businesses and individuals looking for ways to save the environment and promote positive change have developed innovative alternative products.
1. Recycle/Reuse Plastic
Since so much plastic already exists in our world, recycling and reusing it is now becoming more popular and cost-effective due to higher demand and an increasing number of recycling facilities nationwide.
2. Use recycled multi-use grocery bags
made popular after many states passed bans on plastic bags…you just have to get into the habit of remembering them as you leave for the store!
often made from recycled plastic bottles.
3. Reuse plastic jugs and bottles:
Refilling stations for water bottles are becoming more popular and are often found near or inside supermarkets.
A company called Terracycle sells organic fertilizer and household cleaning products in familiar packaging: used gallon milk jugs and soda bottles!
Artists have joined the recycle/reuse revolution, using plastic bottles to create: handbags,clothing, light fixtures, bicycle frames, evenboats, houses, and a floating island!
4. Use non-petroleum Plastic
As the price of oil continues to rise, we are seeing a definite shift in the plastics market. In fact, the first plastic ever created was derived from cotton, and now many other plant-based plastics are being developed:
Corn - While already being widely used to make bioplastic drinking cups and biodegradable plastic bags, it is a crop that is not sustainably grown, so it is not a preferable substitution.
Corn Starch – a completely biodegradable substitute for styrofoam packing peanuts!
Wheat Straw – currently used for parts in Ford’s new “Flex” hybrid car, wheat straw is a waste product of wheat that is in surplus, and therefore an ideal option.
Soy – used as an insulating foam for seat cushions and buildings.
When buying plastics with the label of “biodegradable”, as this labeling is not well-regulated or certified, be sure to get the green facts about that product,. Some companies who claim their product is biodegradable may be stretching the truth, as it may take hundreds of years for the plastic to break down, and moreover, only under certain conditions! Make sure you are an educated consumer before getting sucked in by marketing ploys.
5. Use Composite Materials
Mostly used in building and construction, there are now products called Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC’s) that are created using a mixture of wood fiber (a “sawdust flour”) and recycled plastics. While the up-front cost is still a bit prohibitive, this WPC “lumber” is much more durable than regular lumber and doesn’t require annual applications of stains or other chemical coatings or treatments. While WPC’s can be cut and shaped using normal wood-working tools, they have the added advantage of being moldable to specific shapes and sizes, as well as moisture-resistant, making them a perfect choice for outdoor projects such as decks.
