We live in a world dominated by plastic. It’s nearly impossible to avoid, so most of us just accept it as a part of our lives. But how much do you really know about this omnipresent material? Can you truly trust the plastic industry to have your best interests in mind? Spoiler alert — there’s probably a lot you’re not aware of and the plastic industry has worked hard to sell plastic to us as the perfect product!

EARTHDAY.ORG is dedicated to exposing the truth about plastics and spreading awareness of the dangers they pose to the environment and ourselves. Through our countless articles and in-depth research reports, we shed light on the sinister side of plastics. 

Here are five of the most disturbing facts about plastic that we believe everyone has the right to know.

1. Plastics are fossil fuels in disguise

Over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, like oil and so-called ‘natural’ gas. Producing one billion plastic bottles requires 24 million gallons of oil. Coca-Cola alone produces 200,000 plastic bottles per minute, for a total of 100 billion bottles per year. Clearly, our addiction to the convenience of disposable plastic is directly tied to skyrocketing fossil fuel use and catastrophic climate change.

Moreover, while plastic manufacturing accounts for only 12% of global oil consumption, as the world moves towards a clean energy transition, like solar and wind, and the fossil fuel industry loses its grip on electricity generation and transportation, it will likely cling desperately to plastic production as a way to maintain relevance and profits.

The devastating health effects of pollution from plastic production can be seen in Cancer Alley — an 85-mile region along the Mississippi River in Southeastern Louisiana. Due to the area’s numerous plastics manufacturing facilities and petrochemical plants, the predominantly Black residents are constantly exposed to hazardous chemicals including polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), vinyl chloride, and polychloroprene, which contaminate the air, water, and soil. 

As a result, the risk of cancer in the region is 700 times greater than the national average, and residents suffer from respiratory problems and other illnesses.

2. Plastics are linked to infertility

With plastics as prevalent as they are, we all inevitably ingest tiny bits of plastic. These tiny pieces, called micro and nano plastics, may be a hidden culprit behind the infertility crisis. Once in the body, plastics leach out hormone-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). 

Studies on mice show that microplastic exposure decreases the survival rate of oocytes, the precursors to eggs. Researchers have also detected microplastics in human penises and linked microplastic exposure to decreased survival and DNA integrity in sperm, impeding egg fertilization.

Even after conception, the threats from plastic persist. One study found that pregnant women with the highest concentrations of phthalates in their urine were 60% more likely to miscarry in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Another found that women with the highest levels of BPA in their blood were 83% more likely to miscarry in the first trimester. Microplastics can even be detected in placentas, having permeated the protective membranes

3. Babies are especially vulnerable to ingesting microplastics

Last year, EARTHDAY.ORG released its Babies vs. Plastics Report. Among the report’s most concerning findings was that babies and infants have over 10 times higher rates of microplastics in their feces than adults. 

Babies are exposed to microplastics in feeding bottles, formula, breast milk, clothing, and toys. Tiny particles can enter their bodies through inhalation, breastfeeding, dermal exposure, and oral intake, commonly called teething!  Studies have found that infants can ingest up to 4.5 million plastic particles per day when fed from polypropylene baby bottles and that disposable storage bags release microplastics into breast milk.

Moreover, the most widely-used fabric in clothing, polyester, contains plastic. With young childrens’ habit of chewing and sucking on their clothes, this puts them at a greater risk of exposure to microplastics in textiles.

4. Our pets also face threats from plastic

Earlier this year, we published our second report, Pets vs. Plastics, which demonstrated that harm from plastic is not limited to the human members of our families. In addition to the fact that ingesting plastic chunks can cause broken teeth and lacerations or punctures to the digestive tract, plastic from chew toys, food bowls, and food packaging can leach out phthalates and BPAs that can enter your pet. Similarly, polyester bedding and collars release microplastics that they may ingest or inhale.

A major reason why pets are so exposed to plastic is that the pet product industry is inadequately regulated. There are no laws specifically regulating pet toys in the U.S. The FDA does not regulate non-food pet products, and the Consumer Protection Safety Commission claims to lack the authority to protect pets from unsafe plastic toys, bedding, and clothes. Globally, the pet food industry is largely left to regulate itself and microplastics are often processed directly into the food.

Unfortunately, this means we must take things into our own hands. See our top 6 tips for keeping your beloved pets safe from plastics.

5. Plastic recycling is a lie

Less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Just 5% of U.S. plastic waste and 9% of global plastic waste is properly recycled. If this comes as a surprise to you, you’re not alone. Beginning in the 1980s, the petrochemical industry spent hundreds of millions of dollars on a decades-long disinformation campaign to convince the public that plastic could be recycled. 

Even Resin Identification Codes — the little numbers in the triangles on plastic products that are supposed to tell us something is recyclable — are an invention of the plastic industry. While 30% of numbers 1 and 2 plastic are recycled, numbers 3-5 are much more difficult, and numbers 6 and 7 are virtually impossible to recycle. 

The plastics industry has also worked hard to shift the blame for plastic pollution off themselves and onto consumers with efforts such as the infamous anti-littering campaign from the 1970s, “The Crying Indian.”

Some have proposed chemical recycling as a solution to our plastic recycling problem. This process converts plastic waste back into oil, keeping it out of landfills and reducing our need to extract more fossil fuels. However, chemical recycling produces byproducts containing toxic chemicals such as benzene, lead, cadmium, and chromium. As processing facilities and disposal sites for hazardous waste are often located in low-income and minority communities, this presents a serious environmental justice issue.

Plastics have got to go

Clearly, we cannot rely on the oil and plastic industries to tell us the truth.  The only way to ensure we are all safe from plastic is to cap plastic production.

That is why EARTHDAY.ORG is working to end plastic production. We invite you to join our fight by signing the Global Plastics Treaty petition to call on the United Nations and governments around the world to commit to a 60% reduction in all fossil fuel-based plastic production by 2040. Want to get outside and make an immediate impact? Use our Global Cleanup Map to find a cleanup near you!

Read the statement by the President of EARTHDAY.ORG, Kathleen Rogers, on the US government’s changing position on plastic production caps, HERE.

It’s time we take our health and futures into our own hands. Are you in?

The post Enough Is Enough: Why Plastics Have Got to Go appeared first on Earth Day.

Evidence is mounting that plastics, microplastics and their additive chemicals pose serious health risks to humans , with babies and infants being the most vulnerable. 

Microplastics bioaccumulate in our major organs, including the brain, and there is evidence that nanoplastics can breach the blood-brain barrier. Microplastics have been found in the human placenta. Microplastics and their additive chemicals have been linked to higher rates of both miscarriage and male infertility. They have been detected in dairy milk and breast milk. Microplastics and their additive chemicals are both shed and leached from plastic toys, clothes, furniture and even the soft ‘crumb tire’ of playgrounds. Which is why studies have shown there is a higher percentage of microplastics in the air we breathe inside than there are in the air we breathe outside. 

Microplastic ingestion, inhalation and bioaccumulation have been linked to a wide range of health issues in children; one study found that phthalate exposure (a chemical used in the making of certain types of plastics) was associated with a 20% higher rate of childhood cancer overall.

Weathered microplastics are even more damaging than virgin microplastics as they can absorb toxic chemicals and heavy metals, as well as potentially carrying viruses and hosting bacteria.

EARTHDAY.ORG is dedicated to removing these harmful plastics from the environment and by default ourselves, through initiatives like The Great Global Cleanup and through relentless advocacy work calling for a cap on plastic production. We know that we need to turn off the plastic tap. 

On top of calling for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, we recognise we need viable alternatives to plastic, products that are plastic free, non-toxic, and are truly biodegradable. Check out some of these companies and entrepreneurs working on. Ending our plastic nightmare with potentially viable options: 

Company: Footprint

Product: Fiber Based Bowls

During his 15 years as an engineer at Intel, Mr. Swope, the CEO and co-founder of Footprint, found himself evolving into an “accidental environmentalist,” a transformation sparked by his firsthand experiences with the staggering amount of waste generated within the shipping and supply chain. 

Witnessing the excessive plastic packaging accompanying Intel products was eye-opening, but his concerns deepened when he discovered that silicon wafers—integral components of Intel’s processors—were classified as tainted after being transported in plastic containers that resembled those used for grocery store fruit. 

This revelation ignited a passion for change, leading to the creation of Footprint. The company’s innovative fiber-based alternative to single-use plastic is essentially a cardboard product with a long shelf life that rivals that of traditional plastics. Remarkably, it is not only completely biodegradable and compostable but also microwave-safe, providing a sustainable solution that stands in stark contrast to conventional plastic packaging.

Company: Notpla

Product: Ooho

During the 2019 London Marathon, a groundbreaking shift occurred when athletes were provided with edible drink pods instead of traditional single-use cups. These innovative capsules, known as Ooho and created by the company Notpla, are made from seaweed and contain a sports drink that can be consumed directly or allowed to decompose naturally within 3-6 weeks. 

By harnessing materials like seaweed for edible packaging, Notpla aims to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste, and major corporations are beginning to take notice of this burgeoning trend toward food-based plastic alternatives.  While edible packaging offers a promising solution to plastic pollution, challenges remain, particularly concerning hygiene, affordability, and the adaptability and durability of conventional plastics. 

The long-term structural integrity of seaweed-based materials raises concerns about potential toxicity and allergic reactions, issues that may not be adequately addressed during production. Moreover, this sector is still in its infancy, facing hurdles related to scalability and competitive pricing compared to traditional packaging solutions. Additionally, the environmental impacts of large-scale seaweed farming remain largely unknown, posing further questions about the sustainability of such alternatives.

Company: Ecovative Design

Product: Mycelium packaging 

Ecovative is an innovative biotech company that leverages its Mycelium Biofabrication Platform to develop sustainable materials that challenge conventional manufacturing practices. 

By molding materials during the growth process—like 3D printing—or refining them through machining or cutting, Ecovative creates innovative composites that often incorporate wood salvage or agricultural waste to enhance both volume and strength. The company meticulously adjusts temperature and moisture levels within its incubators for each mycelium strain, effectively replicating the conditions found underground. 

This careful cultivation encourages the mycelium to grow as fibrous structures rather than producing mushroom caps. Through this unique approach, Ecovative has successfully developed materials such as mushroom leather, which serves as an excellent alternative to Styrofoam, a notoriously toxic and hard to clean plastic

Company: Loliware

Product: Straws

The New York-based startup Loliware is revolutionizing sustainable consumption with its innovative flavored straws made from agar derived from red algae and alginate sourced from seaweed. 

These straws mimic the texture of plastic when wet, maintaining their integrity for up to 24 hours without becoming soggy—an impressive feat compared to traditional paper straws. Loliware claims their straws are not only edible but will also break down in the environment within two months. Utilizing seaweed offers several significant advantages; it is cultivated by farmers globally without the need for fertilizers or freshwater, making it a more sustainable option than many alternatives. 

Furthermore, seaweed farming contributes to the blue economy by creating job opportunities and fostering coastal communities. As an added benefit, seaweed serves as a powerful carbon sink, capable of capturing 5 to 20 times more carbon per unit area than land-based forests. In this context, Loliware’s seaweed-based straws emerge as a compelling and environmentally friendly alternative in the ongoing search for sustainable packaging solutions.

Company: PhyCo

Product: Sargassum based Bioplastic

With their sargassum seaweed-derived bioplastic, Vancouver-based firm PhyCo Technologies Inc. is leading the way in sustainable materials by providing the durability of conventional plastics without the environmental cost. Ranah Chavoshi, the CEO and co-founder, highlights that their product has an environmentally friendly production process in addition to being as durable as traditional plastics. Seaweed will be harvested by PhyCo’s coastal First Nations partners, with a focus on an invasive species that is spreading quickly. 

After that, this seaweed will be processed and turned into bioplastics. This production initiative will create a revenue source and jobs while providing environmentally friendly bioplastic products for use within their communities. This seaweed-based plastic is completely biodegradable on land and in marine habitats as well, and it uses less energy to make. PhyCo’s bioplastic decomposes cleanly, perhaps enhancing ecosystems as it does so, in contrast to conventional plastics that leave a legacy of microplastic contamination.

Ongoing research, however, has shown that over 67% of the plant-based and bioplastic materials under investigation include hazardous compounds, raising questions regarding their safety. Indicating possible endocrine disruption, numerous samples displayed a range of harmful effects, such as baseline toxicity, oxidative stress, antiandrogenic action, and moderate estrogenicity. Production additives and residual compounds, which are impacted by raw materials and manufacturing processes, are the primary source of the hazardous chemicals.

With the emergence of these innovative alternatives to plastics, entrepreneurs and scientists are making significant strides toward a plastic and toxin free tomorrow. 

These products not only replicate the desirable characteristics of traditional plastics but also reduce emissions and pose no threat to human health or the surrounding ecosystems. 

By prioritizing safety and sustainability, future generations will be able to utilize these materials without the anxiety of adverse effects. This shift paves the way for a cleaner future—one where vast patches of plastic pollution are a thing of the past, allowing our planet to thrive in a healthier, more balanced environment.

If you want to get involved in the anti-plastics movement and be part of the network that stands up to the fossil fuel  owned plastics industry EARTHDAY.ORG invites you to sign our Global Plastics Treaty to call on the United Nations and governments around the world to commit to a 60% reduction of all fossil fuel-based plastic production by 2040. 

This fight, Planet vs. Plastics, has only just begun — it’s a fight we cannot afford to lose.  The health of our children depends on it.

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END PLASTIC POLLUTION

Fact Sheet: Single-Use Plastics

The billions upon billions of items of plastic waste choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers and piling up on land is more than unsightly and harmful to plants and wildlife. Plastic pollution is very real and single-use plastics are small but have a large impact.

The following 10 facts shed light on how single-use plastic is a large problem that most people are a part of.  To learn more about the threat and impact of plastic pollution and get tips to reduce your plastic consumption, download our Plastic Pollution Primer and Toolkit today!

1. 8.3 BILLION Metric Tons (9.1 BILLION US Tons) of plastic has been produced since plastic was introduced in the 1950s. ^[1] 
2. 79% of plastic that has ever been made still sits in landfills or the natural environment (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated or recycled) ^[4]
3. Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.! That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.^[5]
4. The world produces more than 26 million US tons of polystyrene (plastic foam) each year ^[8]. Americans alone throw away around 25 billion Styrofoam coffee cups every year ^[9].
5. In 2017, packaging production constituted the highest-demanded use for plastic, with 146 million metric tons used. ^[10]
6. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution such as: sanitary landfills; incineration facilities; recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure; proper management and disposal of waste systems ^[11]
7. When plastics end up in landfills, they aren’t harmless. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them. ^[12]
Researchers in Germany indicate that terrestrial microplastic pollution is much higher than marine microplastic pollution– estimated at four to 23 times higher, depending on the environment. This could ultimately have adverse health effects on humans and animals. ^[13]

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Supermarkets today are plastic crazed — it is a cheap, cost-effective way to showcase food. No matter where you are or which store you shop at, it’s almost impossible to avoid single-use plastics. Even the most waste-conscious consumers have trouble going plastic free. Groceries stores that provide essential food can also set a bold example and reduce harmful plastic waste by eliminating single-use plastic packaging from their stores.

While some supermarkets have taken steps to reduce plastics in the store, they are still far from enough to put a dent in reducing the plastic pollution we produce. According to a study from the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, less than 14 percent of the 86 million tons of plastics produced annually are actually recycled. Therefore, we are leaving 73.96 million tons of plastics to pollute our environment and overflow our landfills each year.

As difficult as going plastic free at the grocery store may seem, EARTHDAY.ORG has a few tips that may help on your next trip to your local market.

First, bring your own reusable bags! This step is simple yet overlooked. Grocery bags have extremely short utility periods. One reusable bag can reduce your plastic footprint by a significant amount. (Disclaimer: A majority of stores are discouraging shoppers from using reusable bags at the moment due to Covid. In the meantime opt for no bags in the store and simply bag your goods once you get to your car with your reusable bags!)

Second, avoid single-use plastic items, and if possible buy products in glass or paper. Glass products are easily reused and paper is a much friendlier product to the environment. 

Finally, get to know the brands you purchase from. Some companies make conscious efforts to reduce their plastic use, while others continue to value profit over our global environment. Although single-use plastics make up many consumer products (and roughly half of our global annual plastic production), many are thrown away after just a few minutes of use.

In addition to these individual practices, change from the top down is necessary as well, meaning that global leaders cannot leave the burden of plastic pollution for citizens to solve on their own. A prime example of this is France, who according to the United Nations Environment Programme, banned single-use cups and plates in January 2020. You can help push changes forward in your communities by supporting similar bills and reaching out to your local representatives to share your concerns about plastic pollution. 

Plastic is overwhelming our current waste management systems and has found its way into virtually every ecosystem on our planet. Of the 380 million of tons of plastic pollution created per year, the second most common source comes from food packaging, with cigarette butts being the most common. As consumers it is our responsibility to limit plastic where we can and collectively push for reductions in single-use plastics and the waste they produce. 

EARTHDAY.ORG is committed to changing the roles that plastic plays in our society. Take the pledge to End Plastic Pollution and watch our webinar, Breaking Free From Plastic Dependence, to learn about how our overuse of plastic is affecting our global environment. Plastic pollution is at a crisis level and we need to make change now. 

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When I recently visited my family in Cleveland, I learned of Cuyahoga County’s plan to ban single-use plastic bags — only to also learn of the ban’s delay. In seconds, I went from encouraged to disheartened, proud to embarrassed.

Amid the hectic holiday season, the county legislature pushed the enforcement of the ban from January 1 to July 1. Clevelanders now have six long months to see what, if anything, happens. Such is the tumultuous world of plastic legislation in the United States.

Like climate change, when it comes to plastic bag bans, we have the solutions, but often we lack the political will or financial incentives to make these solutions happen. And like climate change, the more we delay, the worse it will be for our oceans, our health and our pristine landscapes. Waste Management estimates that each year we use 4 trillion plastic bags worldwide.

With a new year and a fresh slate (have you made your New Year’s resolution for the planet, yet?), let’s see where the rest of the country stands on plastic legislation. Perhaps we can learn something from the successes — and struggles — of banning single-use plastics.

Statewide bans on bans

In November, we wrote about how preemptive laws can make it impossible for cities to carry out plastic bans. Preemptive laws, pushed by plastic industry lobbyists, create a legislative obstacle course where statewide laws trump local laws, preventing local ordinances from passing their own plastics bans, even if they wanted to.

“These laws are paralyzing cities that desperately want to do something to fix their plastic pollution problems,” said David Ayer, Earth Day Network’s End Plastic Pollution campaign manager. “In much the same way as big tobacco and the gun lobby have acted, plastic industry groups are subverting local democracy by buying up state legislators. Repealing these preemption laws is a main priority in the U.S.”

Currently, 10 U.S. states have passed preemptive laws, making it impossible for cities in these states to pass single-use plastic bans. Seventeen states total have some sort of restrictions that prevent future plastic bans (essentially a ban on bans), as reported by National Geographic last year. In other words, a third of the U.S. has laws that allow our plastics problem to fester and grow.

Ohio isn’t one of these states with a preemptive law or a ban on bans (yet — there’s a proposed preemptive ban in the state legislature). Still, as we saw in Cuyahoga County, even those ordinances with the ability and will to pass plastic bans still struggle to do so.

Meanwhile, the plastics pile up.

Statewide bans

But not all hope is lost. Three states — California, Hawaii and New York — have enacted variations of plastic bans. And their successes have shown other states can follow suit.

In 2014, California became the first state to enact legislation imposing a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at large retail stores. But even California, a state known for its progressive policies, had to jump through some legislative hurdles to get there, including a referendum that forced a statewide vote. When Proposition 67 passed, the law was upheld.

Hawaii doesn’t technically have a statewide plastic bags ban, but all four counties that make up the state have plastic bag restrictions, essentially making it the law of the land.

And starting March 2020, New York will become the third state to carry out its ban on plastic bags, which will apply to most single-use plastic bags provided by grocery stores and other retailers

These three states have also imposed taxes on alternative bags —a 10-cent tax in California and as high as 15 cents in Hawaii.

City bans and taxes

Speaking of taxes, many cities and states that don’t have bans have imposed taxes for single-use plastic bags.

In 2010, Washington, D.C., enacted a 5-cent tax on single-use plastic bags to incentivize consumers to pursue alternatives. On top of reducing plastic bags, the ban raises $2 million a year, part of which funds educational programs for D.C.’s local Anacostia River.

Other states without outright bans — like Delaware, Connecticut and Oregon — impose varying restrictions on plastic bags, like taxes, fees or specific recycling programs.

“While they may seem like half measures, bag fees and taxes have proven to be incredibly effective in reducing the use of single-use plastic bags,” said Ayer. “After Washington, D.C., introduced its modest five-cent fee, bag use, and the resultant number of plastic bags found in the local environment, dropped by 70 percent.”

And we can’t forget about the local powerhouses that are U.S. cities: Roughly 400 municipalities have restricted plastic bags in some way. This follows the nationwide trend of cities leading the charge in environmental policy.

All these efforts across the country provide hope for a future without plastic pollution, but if structural barriers exist — mostly preemptive laws, enacted by politicians influenced by the plastic industry — we’ll keep trashing Earth.

Though the United States’ plastic bag system is literally a mess, it shouldn’t be the normal. According to United Nations Environmental Programme, around 60 countries have banned or plan to ban single-use plastic bags, including most recently China, proving that even large, industrial nations can adapt to such legislation.

Why not just recycle the damn things?

So, what’s the big deal — can’t we just recycle plastics? In theory, recycling sounds great: a closed-loop system that reuses the same material over and over. But in practice, recycling is anything but perfect.

Take America’s plastic grocery bags that are in question: These plastic bags can’t be recycled curbside but instead must be deposited at specified locations, usually outside grocery stores. That added inconvenience may be enough to ensure that only 1 percent of plastic bags are properly recycled.

Plus, it’s easier to just wishcycle, pretending whatever we throw into our blue bins ends up recycled. As Earth Day Network’s Justine Sullivan wrote in August, wishcycling is an “insidious phenomenon [that] convinces well-meaning people … that recycling is a blanket solution to our single-use plastics addiction.”

What you can do to end plastic pollution

Fortunately, there are still productive steps you can take. For a quick catch-up, read my post on 7 tips to recycling better. But let’s face it — recycling is a short-term and ultimately flawed system. It’s better to skip single-use plastics altogether, giving more weight to the five Rs, in order of importance: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and finally, as a last resort, recycle.

Earth Day Network’s End Plastic Pollution campaign also provides tips and resources to cutting back your own plastic waste. But regardless of what we do for the future, it doesn’t change that our parks, trails, streets and neighborhoods could still use some upkeep for the here and now. Check out our Great Global Cleanup campaign to join or organize a cleanup in your community.

If you’re fed up with the plastic pollution, take to the streets on April 22, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and demand change. Tell your local leaders that you want plastic bags to be a priority in your city or state. Echoing the passions and frustrations of the organizers and participants of the first Earth Day in 1970, we’re creating the largest, most diverse mobilization in the history of the planet. Join the movement.

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