In this episode, we are in search of the low plastic life. There are numerous environmental issues associated with plastic, so today I give you some simple ways to reduce plastic in your day-to-day lives and make suggestions for innovative products that can be used instead. Plastic takes years to break down, and, once it does, small pieces of microplastics are released into the environment, causing them to be easily ingested by humans and animals. We know that our sea creatures are getting tangled in plastics and are dying because of these materials getting stuck in their intestines. The point is this: plastics are posing a serious threat, so we need to start taking action to reduce our use of it, especially in terms of single-use plastics. This synthetic material is problematic not only when disposed of, but also because of the processes involved in its production. Join me as I unpack the problems and offer solutions to the issue of plastic! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• I talk about the difficulty of finding products that are not made of plastic. 
• An example of the damage that plastic is doing to the environment and wildlife. 
• The amount of plastic that is produced each year and the portion that ends up in the oceans. 
• Learn what plastic pollution means for our food, health, and the ecosystem as a whole. 
• How plastics are made and the rapid increase in production over the last 15 years.
• The problem with micro or nano plastics and why prevention is better than cure! 
• How the pandemic has increased our use of single-use plastics.  
• Advice for purchasing plastics (when necessary) and the alternatives out there. 
• Suggestions for choosing non-plastic straws, shopping bags, garbage bags, and more. 
• Shampoo bars, washcloths, and other means to avoid plastic in the bathroom. 
• Solving the problem of take-out by keeping a water bottle and container at hand. 
• The importance of being vocal about making environmentally friendly choices. 

Key Messages:

1.  Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that threatens our health, the environment, and the safety and quality of the foods that we eat. 
2.  Reducing plastic in our everyday life can be easy. 
3.  Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on the small things you can do.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

UNESCO  

Episode 16 (Listen Notes)

Zero-Waste Chef 

Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

IUCN Marine Plastics 

The Story of Plastic

The Story of Stuff

The Unexpected Gift Box