The plastic pollution conversation is everywhere, and chances are you’ll have a hard time avoiding the conversation in the future. If you’re new to the politics of plastic, here’s what advocates of reducing plastic pollution are talking about today.
What’s the big deal with plastic straws?
Americans use 500 million plastic straws in a single day. The movement to say “no” to single-use plastic straws is starting to take off, and more people are getting in on the conversation. Plastic straws are part of the Big Four – four easy swaps to plastic alternatives – and the request for “No straw please” at restaurants is gradually becoming more common.
National companies get in on the action
Over the past few months, national corporations like Kroger and Starbucks have pledged to begin phasing out certain plastic products at their stores. Kroger shamed plastic grocery bags and Starbucks said no to the evil plastic straw, but these companies’ transition periods are several years long and there’s no way to know if they will go through with their campaigns.
Zero waste living
When browsing plastic pollution information blogs and news articles, one of the most common practices among advocates is practicing zero waste. Zero waste living is an interesting concept because it seems doable until you take a minute to think of how many products you have in your house that come in packaging that you throw away. Zero waste living is a fantastic idea that many are following, but it couldn’t be very easy.
An ocean made of plastic
A large majority of plastic pollution winds up in oceans and other bodies of water that support diverse ecosystems of plants and animals. Many bans on plastic products near waterways are passed in order to help protect these organisms, but yet plastic waste still ends up polluting their habitats. Groups like the Plastic Oceans Foundation and the Plastic Pollution Coalition are coming together to help clean up the pollution in our oceans.
Avoiding the unavoidable plastic products
Chances are, most products around you right now are made of plastic. Plastic is everywhere, even in our phone cases, but there is a way to avoid this. Choosing plastic-free and eco-friendly alternatives to products we use every day helps combat national plastic pollution and still won’t break the bank.
Now that you know a little bit more about the plastic pollution conversation, you’re on your way to joining advocates of plastic conservation all over the country. Check back regularly to keep up with the growing debate and use the Blogroll on the right side of your screen to see what other bloggers are talking about.
Just Say No To Plastic 