Earth Day Reminds Us that Even Small Changes Make an Impact
This year’s Earth Day theme is Our Power, Our Planet. We all have a role to play in protecting the earth for future generations. One change you can make today is to reduce your use of plastic. Here are some facts about plastic and tips to help you reduce plastic use.
What’s so bad about plastics?
- Plastic production is one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes
- Plastics are not biodegradable. They can take up to 1,000 years to breakdown
- Plastic debris can be found in water, soil, and air
- Plastic pollution chokes marine life, harms wildlife, damages soil, poisons ground water, and can cause major health problems in humans
Plastics are all around us
- Most packaging is made of plastics, including the obvious culprits like take out containers and single use shopping bags, but also in some metal cans that are lined with plastic, dental floss, cigarette filters, and diapers.
- Plastics are found in synthetic clothing. Materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic all contain plastics which shed and release into our wastewater system when washed. Even though wastewater systems can remove up to 99% of the microfibers in the water, one single wash can produce millions of fibers. That means huge numbers of plastics fibers still make it into the waterways.
How to reduce plastic use
- Wear clothing that is made of natural materials like cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo (side note: bamboo clothing is super soft!)
- Use stainless steel or glass containers to store food. Repurpose glass jars to save money and energy from production
- When ordering take out, use a reusable bag, skip plastic utensils, and bring your own mug to your favorite coffee shop – you might even get a small discount for ditching the disposable cup!
- Replace dishwasher and laundry pods with powder soaps made for your machine
- Replace plastic bottles shampoo and soap with bars of soap and shampoo. Same goes for your toothpaste.
Trace in Vienna, VA is a zero-waste shop. Bring your own containers to purchase bulk foods and personal care products. Local grocers like MOM’S Organic Market and Whole Foods offer bulk food options, as well.
Click here to learn more about plastics’ impact on the environment and take a quiz on your plastics knowledge. To watch a past NNV program, Ocean Plastic Pollution: Source to Solution with Nick Mallos click here.
In addition to reducing plastic use, responsible disposal of medications is an earth-friendly step you can take. On Saturday, April 25 from 10 am to 2 pm, Sibley Memorial Hospital (5255 Loughboro Road, NW) is hosting a prescription drug collection as part of DEA National Prescription Take Back Day. Simply drive up and drop off your unused or expired prescription medications: tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, e-cigarettes and vape pens (NO sharps). On-site staff will dispose of them safely and securely. No questions asked. If you need assistance, please look for a volunteer in a yellow t-shirt.
Remember, small steps can make a difference. Click here to read about how imperfect climate action is better than perfect inaction. Together, we can all take steps to improve the health of our planet. Happy Earth Day!
Warm regards,
Stephanie
P.S. Last month, Stephanie Miller, founder of Zero Waste in DC talked with NNV about sustainability. In honor of Earth Month, NNV will share weekly tips that we learned from Stephanie’s presentation. Here’s this week’s tip:
Eat a plant rich diet. Plant based foods have the lowest environmental impact on the planet. You don’t have to completely eliminate meat. Beef and lamb have the highest environmental impact so enjoy these sparingly. Learn more here