Day 191 – So, we’re a week into Plastic Free July. How are you doing? How many single-use plastic items have you refused this week? Have you made any swaps in your home for plastic free options? It’s never too late to make the changes. It’s never too late to help make a difference.
Plastic will be the topic the whole month of July. It’s an important topic and one that needs a great deal of attention and discussion.
Plastic is unfriendly to the environment. From its creation to its destruction, plastic emits toxins into the air we breathe and the water we drink. More than 350 million metric tons of plastic are produced worldwide. Most of that ends up as litter, threatening wildlife and human life. According to a 2019 study, the average person ingests about 5 grams of microplastics per week (about as much plastic as a credit card) through food, water, and even the air we breathe.
Even though many people see the problem with plastic pollution, there are also a large number that would rather ignore it. That’s where the U.S. Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) comes in.
“The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) builds on successful statewide laws across the U.S. and outlines practical plastic reduction strategies to realize a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future. The federal bill, which is 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.” – BreakFreeFromPlastic.org
The amazing people over at Earth911, came up with a list of ways you can help the cause.
- Join the global movement against plastic pollution by signing up on the Break Free From Plastic website.
- You can also join organized plastic-fighting campaigns or activities (virtually or locally) or even start your own.
- You can help by reducing your own personal plastic consumption; Avoid single-use plastics, Check if an item’s packaging is recyclable before purchasing it, Opt for products made from recycled rather than virgin plastic, Bring reusable bags when shopping, Shop local (local products typically use less plastic packaging).
- Contact your representatives and ask them to support the Break Free From Pollution Act.
- Perhaps the easiest way to support this movement is to share it.
It’s a monumental challenge, but our country has been faced with many difficult challenges before. We need to come together and realize that this is a fight we all need to get involved in, if we’re going to have any chance of success.
Tomorrow, creating beautiful music with recyclable materials.
365 Ways to Save the Planet 