Earth Month is here and we challenge you to try and go plastic-free for the month. Here are some statistics to ring the alarm bell about how we are over-consuming single-use plastic items:
• Recent estimates indicate there are six plastic bags for every single fish in the ocean.
• Two million plastic bags are used every minute around the world.
• More than eight million tonnes of plastic leaks into the ocean each year, equal to a garbage-truck load of plastic every minute.
On February 23, United Nations launched an unprecedented global campaign to eliminate two major sources of marine litter by the year 2022: microplastics in cosmetics and the excessive, wasteful usage of single-use plastic.
This campaign needs your help. Our local oceans, marine life, communities and even our bodies are feeling the effect. A walk to any beach reveals microplastic pollution.
Fish, shellfish and birds consume these plastic bits, mistaking it for food. Water companies have removed harmful chemicals from water bottles, but what is the impact of eating plastic?
The time to end our insatiable appetite for plastic has come. Take a stand for Earth Month this year and take the challenge to go plastic-free, or as close as you can.
Quick tips to jumpstart into living plastic-free:
• Refuse single-use plastic
• Bring your own bag for shopping
• Pack a reusable water bottle and to-go mug
• Request no straw
• Pack a reusable container and utensils for to-go food
• For other great tips, check out myplasticfreelife.com
Plastic never goes away, it just breaks down into smaller pieces. The first piece of plastic created is still on this earth. Plastic has useful applications, but using it for disposable items is not one of them.
Behaviour changes take time. This month, start exploring what small changes you can make to start decreasing your plastic consumption.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.
