Plastic has become a huge issue in our modern day society. What we used to think was a great, durable material - has now costed both human and planet health. Plastic is everywhere. It has been the sole material for all packaging products. It's cheap and reliable. Unlike glass or cardboard, plastic won't typically break or get soggy if something spills.

 

 

The amount of plastic that is actually recycled, specifically in the United States, has many mixed statistics that leaves me to believe that this issue is far bigger than what we can even adequately measure.

 

 

 

Even recycling plastic in the United States faces many challenges. There is no nationwide system in place with areas in the country lacking the right infrastructure for the different types of plastics.

 

 

 

I don’t think the issue is on the consumer but it is important to note that most people don’t take the time to check which types of plastics their local recycling programs accept and are often unaware of the steps required for proper recycling—like rinsing containers. The plastic waste issue has likely worsened since China tightened restrictions on imported recyclables from the U.S. through the China National Sword Policy, which banned not only plastics but also certain paper products. The ban was largely driven by the fact that the U.S. was sending heavily contaminated plastic waste, making it difficult and inefficient for China to process. Unlike the United States, China have a lot more and well developed recycling facilities. The recycled product in China would be repurposed for the manufacturing of sandals, phones, bottles, hoses, and other products. So, not having China receiving the plastic from the United States is a huge loss and a problem that compounded into the United States having to landfill it, or it just ends up in places it shouldn’t be.

 

 

 

With continued research, virgin plastic is now recognized as harmful to both the planet and human health. That said, I don’t entirely blame past generations for the situation we’re in—at the time, technology and scientific advancements weren’t at the level they are today to identify more sustainable alternatives.

 

 

 

To keep you on track for a plastic free lifestyle, a great option is to start shopping for your items on Life Without Plastic. Here are a couple of my favorite items that they sell on the site:

 

 

Airtight Glass Container with a Bamboo Lid –

1 Divider and 2 Compartments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic food containers have been linked to a

high contamination rate of phalates into stored food.

This is a known endocrine disrupter and can have

serious health effects such as hormonal imbalances

or cancer.

Price: 15 USD

 

 

 

Organic Cotton Mesh Plastic Free Produce Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To prevent the urge to rely on the plastic bags at

the nearby grocery store, the mush cotton bags can be

used again and again and are perfect for holding

and transporting your produce without having to rely

on another plastic item.

 

Price: $8.00 USD (vary depending on size).