Opinion: Nothing we use for a few minutes should harm our environment for hundreds of years

[Rhiannon12866]

Hannah Collazo
2:55 AM MDT on Jun 1, 2021

Our planet is about to be flooded with plastic if we don’t do something to turn the tap off.

We’re using and producing more plastics than ever. In fact, Coloradans throw away an estimated 1,155,000 tons of plastics every year — over 6.3 million pounds per day.

Just think about that cup that you hurriedly drank your morning coffee from and then threw away. It may be out of your hands, but it will remain on our planet for hundreds of years.

This probably isn’t a surprise as we all see this pollution on a daily basis floating in the Platte River or suspended in the trees at your kid’s playground. But what you don’t see is how we got here.

The reality is the petrochemical industry is scrambling to find the next product to make from fossil fuels. The plastics industry, which is effectively a subsidiary of the oil and gas sector, is expected to double its plastic manufacturing capacity from 2016 to 2024.

Our planet is about to be flooded with plastic if we don’t do something to turn the tap off.


Much more: https://coloradosun.com/2021/06/01/opinion-nothing-we-use-for-a-few-minutes-should-harm-our-environment-for-hundreds-of-years/


A "bag monster" showed her support for banning disposable trash bags and other one-time-use plastics. She joined a group of zero-waste advocates who on Feb. 28, 2019, delivered a petition signed by 20,000 Coloradans urging state lawmakers to act. (Tamara Chuang, The Colorado Sun)

[underpants]

1. Just one word.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. You know, I have thought of that more than once...

[bucolic_frolic]

3. "about to be"?

That boat sailed decades ago. We are way beyond the point of no return.

[Scrivener7]

6. My first thought.

[Lancero]

4. Fun fact, but recyclable plastic isn't.

Petrochemical companies love supporting recycling initiatives, because it takes the heat off them. In reality though, most if not all of the supposedly 'recyclable' plastic our nation recycles ends up in landfills. Previously we shipped it off to China to deal with - And then they got tired of us treating their country like a giant dumpster, and ended up banning imports of waste material.

https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-recycling-myth-2647706452.html

The best, and only solution, would be a ban on single use plastics - And eventually, a ban on all plastics.

[Lonestarblue]

5. One of my biggest irritations is plastic packaging.

Food packaging is at least necessary, but some products come in such large, stiff plastic packaging that it takes heavy scissors to get it off. You know that stuff will be around forever.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. I know. Everything is wrapped in plastic or in plastic containers these days.

Even if you buy paper towels or tissues, the rolls or cardboard boxes are wrapped in plastic. If you buy fruit or vegetables at the grocery store, they're wrapped in plastic or come in plastic bags. At least most groceries use paper or reusable bags these days, but all the groceries you buy involve more plastic.

[JudyM]

8. So important.

I make purchasing decisions all the time based on plastic use, and regularly speak to store/restaurant managers about it, too. Whoever can do what they can… everyone unthinkingly buys plastic party supplies, those red plastic cups are ubiquitous… thinking has to change and we need businesses to get on board as quickly as possible.

Thanks for posting this, Rhiannon.

[Rhiannon12866]

9. Awww, thanks!

When I really took a look at what's available to buy, I realized that plastic is everywhere! Paper towels and tissues are wrapped in plastic, salad greens and tomatoes come in plastic boxes. Most things available to drink come in plastic bottles (though the store does take those back), and what about those annoying plastic strips that hold the six-pack of plastic bottles together??

It's mind boggling once you take a look, but I'm willing to bet that most people don't. Kudos to you for speaking up, but I'm guessing that most store employees don't have any say - they just need to make sure that the products that people need are available.