Plastic is one of the worst materials that we use today. The environmental impact of plastic is horrifying. Every stage in the existence of plastic causes pollution. The more quickly we can reduce our use of plastic, the better it will be for the environment.
The plastic problem
We recycle only a tiny fraction of the plastic that we produce and consume, but the environmental damage that plastic produces in its final stages is just as bad as the pollution it causes while being manufactured. Saying “final stages” is also misleading, because plastic will outlast many of us by centuries. Even when plastic begins to break down, it will break down into smaller and more destructive particles. Plastic destroys our water, oceans, air, and land. There is nothing on this planet that will benefit from plastic, other than human convenience.
Reducing plastic
Simple steps to reducing plastic, like cutting out the use of plastic straws, and replacing plastic water bottles with a reusable bottle can make a huge difference. Although we need to make sure to recycle the plastic that already exists, we also need to reduce the amount of plastic that we produce significantly. As long as there is demand, someone will continue to manufacture plastic products. Reduce plastic in your life and make a positive impact on the future.
Plastic kills
Plastic pollutes at every stage of its life. Manufacturing plastic requires oil. Worldwide, we use 8% of the world’s oil production to create plastic products. Any time we need to use oil, whether it’s to produce plastic or power our cars, we are causing pollution to the environment. Oil is used at every stage, from manufacturing to transporting plastic to a store, restaurant or amusement park near you. Much of the plastic is single use, and a terrifying amount will end up in the ocean. Today, more than a million birds, fish, and sea mammals are killed by plastic. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than sea life.
Recycling plastic
We all need to take steps to reduce plastic from our lives, and then we need to start recycling the plastic that we already have. The more plastic we can recycle, the less we will need to manufacture, and the less will end up destroying our oceans and environment. It’s never too late to start reusing, reducing, and recycling.
Sunrise Sanitation is dedicated to providing recycling services to residents of Maryland and West Virginia. We provide curbside pickup of trash and recycling and have free recycling drop off centers. Sunrise Sanitation will make sure that your recyclables end up in the right place, reducing the burden we have placed on the planet with the oversaturation of plastics. For waste management services in West Virginia and Maryland, contact Sunrise Sanitation.
