The Plastic Problem

Plastic production skyrocketed in the 1950’s, as it was cheap and versatile. Plastics were used as a substitute to traditional materials and became the basis for new categories of materials. Recent analysis show that the global production of plastics increased from an estimated 2 million metric tons in 1950 to a staggering 396 million metric tons in 2016. 

 The plastic pollution problem has grown beyond proportions and won’t disappear by itself. As we all weighed in on this pollution problem, it has grown into a pollution crisis. We have more plastics than the world can handle or we can recycle. The effects of plastic pollution are clearly visible to everyone, yet plastic production is still going strong today. If all parties accountable take action, we are able to overcome this problem together, including you and me; the everyday consumer, governments and companies producing or using plastics.

Human and Animal Health problem.

Numerous wildlife species are endangered and killed by plastics in the oceans every year. The floating water bottles actually aren’t our main concern right now, the biggest problem we’re facing are the small plastic bits that are called ‘microplastics’. These particles get eaten by fish and eventually by humans. This means that we are basically poisoning ourselves and our loved ones. A US study reported that over 92% of the people they tested had detectable levels of plastic chemicals in their bodies (including babies)! It will be better than great if we could stop this and make sure that we pass on a live-able world to future generations and other species.

Plastic Straws, say NO!

Plastic straws are one of those items that won’t get recycled even when you put it in the recycling bin. It’s too contaminated. It’s too small. It's too lightweight. One study published earlier this year estimated as many as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world's beaches. It's also estimated that 40 billion plastic utensils per year are wasted in the United States alone. This adds up every year and it's estimated that in 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

Let's be honest, we really don't need plastic straws. We know it takes an effort to break a (negative) habit but let’s try it. Starting by saying NO to plastic. Read more about our contribution here.   Every little step adds up to big results!