In the past decade we have heard a lot about global warming and climate change. There has been news stories and small talk all around the world about the damage we as humans are causing. From deforestation to pollution, with plastic being a leading pollutant. Plastic is actually so far in the lead that is has now become a crisis all of its own. Plastic is known for its durability and its single use convenience, which has made it popular in society, but since its debut it has slowly been making its way into our oceans. This specific pollution is killing our wildlife and our planet. Making it our responsibility to end single use plastics and help put a stop to plastic pollution. We can do so by putting our efforts into banning single use plastics, being aware of the crisis at hand, and reducing our own personal use of plastics.

    A change that needs to take priority is banning single use plastics. It is vital that we take this problem down at its root and that is the suppliers. By banning single use plastics we can take a chunk of the pollution being produced and make it disappear, leaving us with only clean up efforts left to be made. You can do your part for banning single use plastic by getting involved in your local, state, and federal politics. You can make your voice heard by voting for politicians who are strongly for climate change efforts. Another way you can help ban plastics is to start petitions in your area if not already started.

    Some would say that banning single use plastics has the potential to hurt our economy by forcing factories to shut down and inevitably causing workers to lose their jobs. “There are 30 companies in New York State that manufacture plastic bags with 1,500 employees that will suffer if the ban takes effect” (Logomasini, Angela. 2019 February 6). While this is an unfortunate down fall it is also a predictable one, with an easy fix. With the loss of jobs that harm our environment it opens up the pathway for more Eco-Friendly jobs. “As energy-efficient dwellings and LEEDS-certified buildings become the rule rather than the exception, employment opportunities for both energy efficient builders and architects will grow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.” (Salary.com Staff, 2018). The job opportunities are not limited to just builders and architects the possibilities are endless. Its a simple transition that could prove to be economically and environmentally beneficial. So that we will be able to  bring in profit and save our planet as well.

     Plastic has become a part of our everyday lives in more ways than one. I could ask you to find a room in your house that doesn’t have plastic in it, and confidently bet you that it’s not possible. We use plastic items blindly every day, not realizing where they go when we are finished with them. By doing so we have allowed them to slowly take over our planet like a virus. “Recent studies have revealed the extent of the problem – that in 2010 between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tonnes of plastic had entered the ocean” (Vince, J., & Stoett, P. (n.d.). To give you a visual a metric ton is equivalent to 2205 pounds. Multiply that by 4.8 million and you have the minimum amount of plastic in pounds that entered the ocean in 2010. The number is eye-opening to say the least. 

    This crisis is one that can only be solved by us, the creators and producers of plastics. We must do so by drastically reducing our plastic usage. It’s simple economics, supply and demand, the less demand for plastics the less plastic will be made. One must accept that they have to change their daily habits for the greater good. Simple ways to get these changes started are eliminating plastic from your routine that can be replaced with something eco-friendly. Things that can easily be replaced are shopping bags, produce bags, lunch bags, water bottles, straws, utensils, etc. It is important to do your research before purchasing plastic replacements. You will need to make sure it is actually going to help the cause instead of hurting it more. For example, when purchasing reusable bags of any kind be sure to look at all factors. “studies show cloth bags must be used more than 100 times before they yield environmental benefits.” (Logomasini, Angela. 2019 February 6). While browsing for shopping bags you want to pay attention to quality, in order for it to be worth your efforts. When it comes to other plastic items that can be replaced some will require you to think out of your comfort zone when looking for eco-friendly ways to replace them, but hey that is the beauty of change.

         Global warming and climate change are not going anywhere. It is time for us to take action and be the change our earth needs to survive. In order to make a change it is important that we continue to talk about environmental issues with everyone we know. Knowledge is power and the more we bring awareness to the issue, reduce our plastic usage, and work towards banning single use plastics the more likely we are going to be successful in our mission to save our planet. 

References

Ahmed, A., Vu Duong, & Farook, O. (2018). Go Green Environmental Initiative for Recycling Plastic Bottles with Progressive Entrepreneurship Partnership. Journal of Strategic Innovation & Sustainability, 13(5), 102–110. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bsu&AN=136432544&site=eds-live&scope=site

Carpenter, Z. (2019). Warning: The Plastics Crisis Is about to Get Worse. Nation, 308(8), 12. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=135313308&site=eds-live&scope=site

Logomasini, A. (2019, February 6). Another Voice: Banning Plastic Bags Will Hurt Businesses, Consumers. Retrieved from https://cei.org/content/another-voice-banning-plastic-bags-will-hurt-businesses-consumers

Salary.com Staff. (April 19, 2018). Going Green: 11 Awesome Earth-Friendly Jobs. Retrevied from: https://www.salary.com/articles/going-green-12-awesome-earth-friendly-jobs/

Vince, J., & Stoett, P. (n.d.). From problem to crisis to interdisciplinary solutions: Plastic marine debris. MARINE POLICY, 96, 200–203. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1016/j.marpol.2018.05.006