Why Is Single Use Plastic Bad?

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. It is estimated that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050, with the most common type of waste found on beaches and coastlines being plastic bottles and packaging. If we don’t act now, the impacts will not only affect our children and grandchildren, but also every other living thing on this planet.

Plastic has become a part of our lives. It’s everywhere from water bottles, coffee cups and straws to packaging on our food and cosmetics. But, we can all work together to reduce our plastic consumption by making small changes in our daily routine that lead to big differences for the environment.

So many everyday plastic contains harmful toxins and carcinogens, like lead, cardium, mercury and diethyllhexyl phthalate (DEHL). These can all have adverse effects on your Endocrine disruption, which can lead to cancers, hormone-related cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression and developmental problems in children. We eat, drink and breathe microplastics every day. It is in the single use plastic drink bottles, plastic cups and plates, you name it. Plastic products contain chemical additives. A number of these chemicals have been associated with serious health problems such as infertility and neurodevelopment disorders like ADHD and autism.

When plastics and microplastics end up in the environment, they attract micro-organisms, such as harmful bacteria (pathogens). If microplastics containing these pathogens enter our body, they may increase the risk of infection.

The average Aussie uses about 3,100 Single Use Plastic bottles in their lifetime. Every single year 1 billion plastic bottle are used once and then thrown away just in Australia! Over 89% of these will end up in either landfill or our oceans. A regular plastic bottle can take up to 1,000 years to break down. You can stop using single use plastics in your everyday life by using non-plastic alternatives. There are many ways to do this, such as using a reusable coffee mug and water bottle or bringing your own reusable bags to the grocery store. If you use straws, try a metal one, or just don't buy them. If you do use a plastic bag, reuse that instead of buying another. Small changes make a big difference!

Stop the plastic pollution with some simple steps that can transform the way you use plastics, create alternatives in your everyday life, and learn how to recycle properly.

Reusable items are less expensive and better for our world, in addition to benefiting the environment, and it’s a great way to save money.

So many companies offer "forever bottles" these days. You can purchase cleaning products that come with a recycled hard plastic bottle that is designed to last! Often, the company will even provide a paid return satchel, where once your bottle is empty, you top it up and then send your empty refill back to them to be clean and refilled for the next purchase. How great is that?!

Plastic can take centuries to break down, so even the most conscientious shoppers may not be able to avoid it completely. But there's no reason not to try: You'll be doing your body and the planet a favor by using less plastic.