Sofia Martinez
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, with around eight million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. This harms animal and possibly human health, as plastics can block digestive tracts, pierce organs, and cause starvation by reducing the urge to eat. National Geographic has launched a multiyear initiative called 'Planet or Plastic?' to raise awareness and reduce single-use plastic, which includes providing science-based information to governments and businesses, as well as asking individuals to take a pledge to limit their own plastic usage. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste in daily life:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution is a huge problem | The world is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health |
| Plastic pollution is most visible in | Developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or non-existent |
| Plastic pollution in the oceans | Every year, about eight million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations |
| Plastic production | Every year, 400 million tons of plastic is produced |
| Plastic straws | Animals may gobble up straws they find in their natural habitat, mistaking them for food. These small bits of plastic make them sick, and leave no room in their swollen bellies for real food |
| Plastic bottles | Nearly one million plastic drink bottles are sold around the world every minute |
| Plastic waste reduction | Individuals are being asked to sign an online pledge to limit their own personal single-use plastic |
| Plastic waste reduction | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that in addition to banning single-use plastics, his government would take other steps to reduce plastic pollution |
| Plastic waste reduction | National Geographic launched Planet or Plastic, a multiyear initiative aimed at raising awareness and reducing the amount of single-use plastic that enters the world's oceans |
| Plastic waste reduction | National Geographic will provide science-based, actionable information to help local and national governments, NGOs, businesses, and the public to implement innovative solutions |
| Plastic waste reduction | Sky Media and National Geographic are joining forces to seek out investment opportunities in businesses that can help solve the ocean plastic crisis |
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What You'll Learn
- Refuse single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles
- Recycle and reuse plastic products to reduce virgin plastic demand
- Avoid plastic packaging by buying food in bulk and using reusable containers
- Support businesses committed to sustainability and phasing out plastics
- Educate yourself and others about plastic pollution to create awareness
Refuse single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with plastic waste causing harm to wildlife and potentially human health. The rise in disposable plastic products and the challenges of collecting plastic trash have led to this global crisis. To address this issue, it is essential to refuse single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Refuse plastic bags:
Opt for reusable bags when shopping. Bring your own bags made from sustainable materials like cloth or jute. Some countries and states have already banned single-use plastic bags, and it's important to support such initiatives. You can also reuse any plastic bags you already have, for example, as bin liners.
Say no to plastic straws:
Plastic straws are a significant concern, as they are often consumed by animals, causing blockage and death. Refuse plastic straws when offered, and instead, carry your own reusable straw made from bamboo, metal, or glass. You can even make your own colourful paper straws! Supporting businesses that have pledged to reduce single-use plastics, such as zoos, aquariums, and cruise ships, also helps to reinforce this message.
Choose reusable water bottles:
Nearly one million plastic drink bottles are sold every minute globally, contributing to the plastic waste crisis. Refuse single-use plastic bottles by investing in a good quality, reusable bottle. Carry it with you and refill it whenever possible. This simple step can significantly reduce your plastic footprint.
Buy in bulk and use reusable containers:
Purchasing food in bulk reduces the amount of plastic packaging required. Store bulk items in reusable glass jars or containers. For school lunches or trips, use reusable containers and wraps, such as sandwich pockets or beeswax wraps, instead of cling film or disposable bags.
By refusing single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution and protecting our planet's health and wildlife.
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Recycle and reuse plastic products to reduce virgin plastic demand
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, with plastic waste harming wildlife, the oceans, and possibly human health. Recycling and reusing plastic products are crucial steps in reducing the demand for virgin plastic.
Recycling plastic waste involves processing it into new products, reducing the need for landfills and protecting the environment from pollution and emissions. However, recycling rates for plastic lag behind those of other materials, with only about 9% of plastic waste recycled as of 2015. Europe leads in plastic recycling, with Germany reporting a mechanical recycling rate of 23% in 2018. Recycling plastic can be challenging due to the need to correctly sort and clean the waste, and the presence of mixed materials can complicate the process. Nevertheless, recycling technologies are improving, and more types of plastic can now be recycled.
Reusing plastic items is another effective way to reduce virgin plastic demand. Simple actions like using refillable water bottles, saying no to plastic straws, and opting for reusable containers for food storage and transportation can make a significant impact. Empty plastic containers can be reused for storage, and plastic bags can be reused as liners or carriers. Reusing plastic products reduces the need for new plastic and helps conserve resources.
To further reduce the demand for virgin plastic, it is essential to combine recycling and reuse practices with reduced plastic consumption. This can be achieved by choosing products with minimal or no plastic packaging and opting for eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible. Buying in bulk and storing food in reusable glass jars, for example, can reduce the amount of plastic packaging required. Additionally, supporting global efforts to address plastic pollution, such as the negotiations for a global treaty by the United Nations, is vital in tackling this issue on a larger scale.
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Avoid plastic packaging by buying food in bulk and using reusable containers
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, with over eight million tons of plastic ending up in our oceans each year. This plastic waste is harmful to marine life, human health, and the climate. To tackle this crisis, we can make conscious choices to reduce our plastic consumption and opt for more sustainable alternatives.
One effective way to reduce plastic waste is to avoid plastic packaging by buying food in bulk and using reusable containers. Buying food in small quantities often leads to more plastic packaging, as items are individually wrapped and bagged. In contrast, purchasing snacks, cereals, and pasta in bulk reduces the amount of packaging required. Many grocery stores offer scoop-your-own bulk options for items like coffee, tea, beans, rice, pasta, nuts, and spices.
When buying in bulk, it is essential to bring your own reusable containers and bags. Glass jars, large yogurt containers, and cloth bags are excellent options for storing bulk items. Some stores even provide scales to weigh your containers before filling them, ensuring you only pay for the product itself. By choosing package-free shopping and bringing your own containers, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste.
Additionally, buying in bulk helps minimize food waste by allowing you to purchase the exact quantity you need for your recipes. It also reduces the number of trips to the grocery store and often results in cost savings. Planning your meals and creating a shopping list can help you make the most of bulk purchasing and ensure that food does not spoil before you can use it.
By combining bulk buying with the use of reusable containers, you can make a substantial impact in reducing plastic packaging waste. This simple shift in your shopping habits contributes to a cleaner, safer planet for all.
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Support businesses committed to sustainability and phasing out plastics
Supporting businesses committed to sustainability and phasing out plastics is an important step in reducing plastic waste. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, look for companies that are certified for their sustainability practices. The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus and the Global Recycled Standard/Recycled Claim Standard (GRS/RCS) certifications are examples of trusted labels that ensure businesses are meeting their commitments to reducing plastic use and achieving their long-term sustainability goals. This helps build trust with consumers and enables competitive advantage.
Secondly, be aware of companies that are actively working to reduce plastic packaging and transition to more sustainable alternatives. For example, ClifBar, a power bar company, has made significant commitments to zero waste by switching to recycled paper and discouraging disposable dishes. They have also stopped shrink-wrapping their boxes and now make them from 100% recycled paperboard. Adidas has also partnered with Parley for the Oceans to develop sneakers made from recycled marine plastic, with the goal of producing all their products from recycled ocean plastic by 2024. Seek out companies like these that are taking initiative and making changes.
Thirdly, support businesses that are innovative in their use of recycled materials. Method, a cleaning products company, has created stylish bottles made from plastic waste collected from the ocean. Norton Point, a sunglasses manufacturer, makes its products from ocean plastic and plant-based materials, and also gives back 5% of net profits to global clean-up, education, and remediation practices. West Paw is another great example, as they use recycled plastic for the toys and beds they make for pets, diverting millions of plastic bottles from landfills.
Finally, encourage companies to join initiatives such as the U.S. Plastics Pact, which brings together businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and research institutions to work towards a circular economy for plastics. This means eliminating unnecessary plastics, innovating to ensure plastics are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and keeping plastic items in the economy and out of the environment.
By supporting these types of businesses, you can help reduce plastic waste and promote more sustainable practices.
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Educate yourself and others about plastic pollution to create awareness
Educating yourself and others about plastic pollution is a crucial step in creating awareness and inspiring action to address this pressing environmental issue. Here are some ways to do this:
Understand the Problem: Start by learning about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and communities worldwide. National Geographic, a trusted source of scientific information, offers comprehensive coverage of the plastic pollution crisis through its various platforms, including its magazine, website, and social media channels. Their articles and visual content provide insights into the harmful effects of plastic on animal and human health, the ubiquity of plastic waste, and the challenges of plastic disposal and recycling. By staying informed, you can better comprehend the magnitude and urgency of the problem.
Share Knowledge: Become an advocate for change by sharing your knowledge with others. Discuss the issue with your family, friends, and colleagues, and encourage them to learn more about plastic pollution. Utilize social media platforms to amplify your message and reach a wider audience. Share informative articles, infographics, or videos from reputable sources like National Geographic to engage and educate your online community. By spreading awareness, you can inspire others to take action and create a ripple effect of positive change.
Engage with Educational Initiatives: National Geographic has launched several initiatives to educate the public about plastic pollution. For example, their "Planet or Plastic?" campaign includes a social media takeover, featuring devastating photos and videos of ocean plastic pollution, aiming to inform and engage their followers. They also offer a pledge for individuals to commit to reducing their single-use plastic consumption. By joining and supporting these initiatives, you can contribute to a global community working towards the same goal.
Involve Youth: Educating younger generations about plastic pollution is essential for fostering environmental stewardship. National Geographic Kids provides age-appropriate content and tips for reducing plastic waste, empowering children to make a difference. Encourage schools to incorporate plastic pollution awareness into their curricula or host educational events. By involving youth, we can cultivate a sense of responsibility and ensure a sustainable future.
Collaborate with Organizations: Partnering with organizations dedicated to tackling plastic pollution can amplify your educational efforts. National Geographic has collaborated with Sky Ocean Ventures, investing in businesses that offer solutions to the ocean plastic crisis. They also work with explorers and scientific advisors, such as Jenna Jambeck, to identify effective investment opportunities. By collaborating with organizations and experts, you can leverage their knowledge, resources, and reach to educate and engage a diverse audience.
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