Due to the worsening effects of plastics, we need to find a sustainable solution for single-use plastics.
According to the UN Environment report mentioned above, a mere 9% of the world’s 9 billion tons of plastic have been recycled so far. This means that the bulk of our plastic ends up in landfills.” (Holt 5)
Many common plastic products such as teething toys, food storage containers, cosmetic products, and wrappers/packaging have shown an increase in negatively impacting human health. Many plastics contain chemicals called phthalates, which are used to increase the flexibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), including DEHP, DBP, DINP, and BBP. Unlike phthalates, BPA is a chemical compound that hardens PVC and is commonly found in food cans, water bottles, and baby bottles. In recent years research has shown an increase in health risks caused by these chemicals, noting an increase in reproductive health issues, an increase in cardiovascular disease, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, cognitive behavior, and effects hormone levels. Pregnant women, children, and fetuses are more vulnerable to the effects of exposure to these chemicals.
Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces resulting from the breakdown of plastic waste. Contrary to prior beliefs, plastics are not as biodegradable as we thought, making it difficult to remove them from the environment. Recently, microplastics have been recently found in human blood and organs.
For further information on health risks due to exposure to chemicals in plastics check out this article from The National Library of medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299092/
Harm of misleading labeling products as eco-friendly/climate neutral. Issues surrounding the investment in truly sustainable alternatives.
In recent years we’ve been seeing an increase in consumers buying products that are labeled as eco-friendly, but often these products aren’t eco-friendly. Products that are certified must go through various steps, and so far, there are only 131 products eco-friendly/climate-neutral certified. (Mortimer)
When consumers are buying products labeled as eco-friendly, sometimes they don’t do enough research, this leads to the consumer buying something that is labeled as eco-friendly or sustainable, but depending on the material it may be just as harmful, if not more harmful. Before we start banning things such as plastic bags, we need to focus on small, good actions before making larger possibly worse changes. (Sussman)
Investing in Sustainable Products - Why it is Worth the Cost?
When it comes to switching to sustainable products the biggest problem consumers are facing is the willingness or ability to buy the item. Due to the low supply and demand of sustainable products and the increased cost to make and certify a truly sustainable product, this is keeping the cost higher. This makes it difficult for many people who can't afford products, but want to start living a sustainable lifestyle.
Some factors that go into the increased cost of sustainable products:
Living a sustainable lifestyle doesn't have to be a large investment or a quick lifestyle change. It is best to start off slow with small changes in habits and your mindset to strive towards a plastic-free lifestyle. Plastic-free life won't be an overnight change and comes with a lot of learning. Here are some things you can introduce in your day-to-day life to help reduce your plastic use!
Try going zero-waste – slowly reduce the plastic waste you use.
Upcycling/ Recycle
Ensure you are properly disposing of waste as much as you can.
Change your shopping and consumption habits (clothing, and household items)
Shop locally as much as you can.
Purchase certified eco-friendly products (if reasonably can)
Donate things you no longer want or use, or have a yard sale
Holt, Sophia. “Why We Need to Stop Using Single-Use Plastics.” Sea Going Green, Sea Going Green, 16 Sept. 2021, https://www.seagoinggreen.org/blog/why-we-need-to-stop-using-single-use-plastics.
Mortimer, Gary. “Climate Explained: Are Consumers Willing to Pay More for Climate-Friendly Products?” The Conversation, 25 Sept. 2022, https://theconversation.com/climate-explained-are-consumers-willing-to-pay-more-for-climate-friendly-products-146757.
Scottberg, Erin Grace. “How to Live (Nearly) Plastic Free-One Woman's Journey Shows How.” Reader's Digest, Reader's Digest, 15 Feb. 2023, https://www.rd.com/article/life-without-plastic/.
Sussman, David D. “Three Reasons Why Banning Plastic Bags Is Problematic.” The Conversation, 8 Mar. 2023, https://theconversation.com/three-reasons-why-banning-plastic-bags-is-problematic-142671.
Rustagi, Neeti, et al. “Public Health Impact of Plastics: An Overview.” Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299092/.