Plastics: Beyond Reusing and Recycling!

Author: Linda Sanford

Plastics have been a deep topic for me as I watch the process of initial production through recycling efforts, and how it is continuously addressed in our mainstream economic culture. 

Let me be clear that I am not exempt on all fronts! Purchasing is challenging for me on a conscious level, requiring continuous efforts and support. I tend to either walk away from a plastic product or frustrate myself when a portion is plastic. Identifying a balance (or at times a semblance of a balance) takes time and patience for me as I raise my awareness and resource possible alternatives.

Deep down I would like plastic production to be limited on all levels – including the placement of production caps. However, opposition includes political, economic, and personal impacts, along with workforce employment and environmental overlays.

Not producing waste in the first place is the best thing we could do for our environment, our Healthy Homes and our Healthy Lifestyles.

I’ve been reading about the benefits of a ‘production cap’; it would cast a wide net and address a large swath of the plastic production pipeline through a single policy. This type of policy is being advocated on a global scale.

Another sweeping piece of proposed legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA), represents the most comprehensive set of policy solutions to the plastic pollution crisis ever introduced in Congress. The proposed bill, which phases down plastic production, may offer less resistance from the plastic industry. There would be incentives and responsibilities placed on companies for management and collections of products after they are used, making it more expensive to produce large quantities of disposable plastic. And despite “pushback” and opposition from some members of Congress, the bill Break Free From Plastic has political support.

Digging deeper, I’ve learned that the European Union has implemented a directive that European Union member states are banned from making single-use plastic products, including cutlery, straws, plates, beverage stirring sticks and polystyrene food containers.

I would like to share a few thoughts of my own on the harm plastic production creates, and how it relates to your Healthy Home. These are just a few ‘big picture’ thoughts that surround us daily; I am sure you will have others at your fingertips.

• Does plastic go away?
• How does plastic affect our health?
• What about plastic and groundwater?
• Does plastic capture other pollutants?
• How does plastic threaten our wildlife?
• Does plastic pile up in our environment?
• Does plastic poison our food chain?
• Are we able to abate plastic easily?

On a more personal level, we need to consider the plastics in our homes, our clothing, our furniture, home décor and kitchenware, etc., how it all impacts indoor air quality. 

Plastic: The story that goes on and on – both in our homes and in our wider environment! 

How is plastic impacting your life and the legacy you want to leave for others? How is it impacting the environment we all share? Are there steps that you can take right now to lower your use? I hope, like me, you’re continually looking for and resourcing alternatives that will support a stronger respect and appreciation for living in a Healthy Home within a very Healthy Environment.