Plastic Free July is gaining momentum as we see the amount of plastic tossed on the side of the road, the microplastics that are clogging our waterways and animals’ bellies full of plastic. Many of us see these images and try to swear off using all plastics. However, we are now living a life many of us would not have dreamed of just six months ago. The Covid-19 pandemic has had us switch the way we work, purchase necessary items in a different manner, and engage with our family and friends differently too. So maybe it is time to rethink plastics and the many uses it has.
Not all plastic items are bad. Recently, a new product arrived in the checkout lines at our local supermarkets: plexiglass panels used to protect both the customer and the cashier from the corona virus and other communicable diseases. Also, the N95 mask that we know is essential to protecting healthcare workers working with Covid-19 patients are made with plastic. What? Some plastics can be good?
This got me thinking about other items made of plastic that we rely on daily. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have a plastic case that we attach in our homes to alert us to danger. Laptops and cell phone cases are made of plastic. We use these daily for communication, education, work, and entertainment. Dog collars and leashes typically are made of plastics called polyester or nylon, making it inexpensive to keep our furry family members safe. In other words, plastic can make items we need to keep us safe. They also enable us to purchase items cheaper, allowing many more of us to have access to these critical items in daily life.
With all of the benefits plastic can have by making something lightweight, durable, or inexpensive, there is an obvious downside to plastic. Many single use items are made of plastic. These items are made to be used one time for a short period and then thrown away. I know this has been an issue for many people as we are no longer allowed to use reusable cups at our favorite coffee shop or getting takeout in order to play our part in slowing the spread of the corona virus.
This is an area where many of us can make changes in our plastic consumption. We can still use reusable straws if we grab a drink somewhere. We can opt for restaurants that use reusable dishes or use the reusable plastic containers for takeout, which are great for leftovers, homemade lunches, and picnics. Many stores will allow you to bag your own groceries and items in your reusable shopping bags. Making coffee at home to take with you on your walks and outings will also get you back in the habit of using your reusable cups.
Let’s take this month of Plastic Free July to reevaluate where we can make changes with plastic items that are unnecessary or are of the single use variety, with an understanding that plastic can be useful when used appropriately. Many of us are practical environmentalists, which means we understand that for the whole, we need practical steps towards environmental sustainability. Or we are imperfect environmentalists who try their best within their financial means and situational needs to make steps toward environmental sustainability. We ALL need to make steps, both big and small, that can be sustained – this is how we get to environmental sustainability.